 |
Radiation therapy
State-of-the-art |
Expanding radiation capability
Radiation oncologists Mathew and Christopher Sinesi have been guiding Shore Cancer Center through  what may be its biggest transition since opening in 2003. They recently added intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which allows more precise targeting of a cancerous area, sparing more healthy tissue. IMRT is particularly useful for prostate, lung and head and neck cancers. It can target oddly shaped tumors in sensitive places.
Shore Cancer Center also offers external beam radiation treatment. In fact, we completed more than 3,200 treatments in 2006 alone. Our radiation oncology team can help you decide what treatment is best for you.
Process
Your treatment will begin with a consultation. This is where our radiation oncologist will discuss your options and answer questions so that you can make an educated decision.
If you choose radiation, the next step is simulation. We take detailed images of your body and mark the precise areas that will receive the beams. During this stage we take care to position each patient to minimize the amount of healthy tissue affected by the treatment. We may use forms such as masks or cushionlike devices — adapted especially for each patient — to help you stay as comfortable as possible so you can hold the same position during the entire treatment, which can take up to 15 minutes.
Next we plan your treatment by calculating exactly how much radiation you'll need. This process may take a few days.
Then treatment begins. You'll be placed on a table in the same position — if necessary, using the same immobilization devices — as during the radiation simulation. Your radiation therapist acts as a pharmacist, dispensing the dosage prescribed by the doctor, and is also on hand to answer any questions.
Timing
Treatments are available Monday through Friday. Having weekends off is beneficial in allowing healthy tissues to heal.
Questions
Are treatments painful?
No. You don't feel anything.
Do I become radioactive?
No. Because we use external beam radiation, the radiation is produced artificially using electricity. It comes out of the linear accelerator and passes through the area the radiation oncologist wants to treat.
Do treatments take long?
No. A tremendous amount of effort and time goes into preparing for the first treatment, but after that, your radiation therapy will take only 10 to 15 minutes.
Hear from our staff
Click on the photos below to hear messages from our radiation staff.
|
 |
|
|
Janine Cleveland,
RT (T) CMD |
Denise Harding,
BSRT (T) |
|
|
|
