Cancer Radiation Therapy

Many people remember relatives or friends who had bad experiences with cancer radiation therapy. The technology has changed dramatically over the years, and we are able to deliver precise radiation doses with much less toxicity. In the past radiation therapy in Atlanta was used primarily to treat symptoms but today is a powerful tool used to cure cancer and has become a front runner in the modalities used to treat cancer. Our ability to contour dosages to absolute boundaries is remarkable.

Our state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Center, with our board certified physicians and expertly trained staff, is dedicated to providing the most current and innovative treatments in a dedicated, patient-centered facility. The Radiation Oncology Center offers a Varian 21 EX linear accelerator with multileaf collimation, a Varisource 200 High Dose Brachytherapy unit, a GE CT simulator and Phillips treatment planning system.

What kinds of cancer radiation therapy are available?

DeKalb Medical is now treating cancer patients with the following radiotherapy techniques:

• IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), a highly precise technique that targets tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

• RapidArc® technology delivers image-guided IMRT very quickly, in a single rotation of the treatment machine around the patient. These treatments involve the use of precisely shaped beams that target the tumor and minimize exposure of surrounding healthy tissues.

• The MammoSite® Radiation Therapy System (RTS), a potential alternative to the traditional six-week radiation schedule many breast cancer patients who have undergone lumpectomy are prescribed.

• Three-Dimensional Computerized Radiation Therapy (3D CRT) – uses CT scans to find all parts of the tumor and to select the best angles for the radiation beams to reduce radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissues.

• Intracavity High-Dose Rate (HDR) and Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy – places radioactive sources near a tumor. With this technique, the tumor receives relatively high radiation doses while healthy tissue is spared. This can only be used on tumors that can be easily accessed or during surgery.

• Interstitial Brachytherapy – implants radioactive material (small tubes, seeds or capsules) into the tumor. This can only be done for tumors that can be easily reached or during surgery (such as prostate and breast cancers).

• Radiolabeled Monoclonal Antibody Therapy of Lymphoma – radioactive antibodies placed inside of tumors and used to kill cancer cells while keeping doses to healthy tissues low.

The Radiation Oncology staff is exceptional in that each employee, from the receptionist to the physicians, gives of himself or herself to the fullest. We treat our cancer radiation therapy patients as if they are our own family members. This personal attention provides reassurance to patients who are unsure of what to expect when they first walk through the door. We don’t just deliver cancer radiation therapy; we also deliver hope. For more information, call 404.501.6925.