Radiation Oncology Services
When facing cancer, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to you go for cancer treatment. In this section, you will learn more about our treatment process so that you can make the right decision for you.
More than half of all cancer patients receive a form of radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, as part of their cancer treatment. We want you to feel confident in your choice to receive your treatment at Doctors Regional Cancer Center (DRCC).
Our radiation oncologists lead a team of physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses and support staff dedicated to providing the highest quality care in an atmosphere of respect and compassion.
We are committed to providing state-of-the-art radiation therapy for patients with different types of cancer. We offer 4-D IGRT and 3-D volumetric imaging at our Lanham and Bowie locations.
Our radiation oncology services include:
Advanced CT Simulation is a process used to precisely identify and define the target treatment area and deliver an effective radiation dose while protecting the surrounding normal tissue. This is a very important first step for every patient receiving radiation.
Three-dimensional (3-D) Treatment Planning supports safe and accurate treatment delivery. Special computer programs use CT images to design radiation beams that conform to the shape of the tumor. Daily IGRT images (described below) monitor the accuracy of the treatment.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy delivers radiation within the confines of the tumor and is available at our Lanham location. It is used for breast and prostate cancer treatment and allows patients who meet the carefully defined criteria to complete treatment within five days. It is also used to treat gynecological, esophageal and thoracic malignancies.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) involves imaging the tumor area on a daily basis while the patient is in the treatment position. Should the image show a change is needed to accurately match the treatment field to the tumor, the radiation oncologist is able to make that modification before the treatment is delivered.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) uses radiation beams of varying intensities to deliver different doses of radiation to small areas of tissue at the same time. This treatment allows escalation of the dose of radiation to the tumor without excessive damage to normal tissues. In select situations, IMRT allows re-treatment for recurrent disease.
Transperineal Interstitial Brachytherapy (prostate seed implantation) is performed by a radiation oncologist and a urologist for treatment of prostate cancer. It can be used alone or in conjunction with external beam radiation, with or without hormone treatment.