Radiation Oncology

Our team of highly specialized radiation oncologists works with you to develop a tailored radiation therapy plan that targets your cancer while minimizing side effects. We’re here to support you through treatment and into survivorship.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation from X-rays, protons, and other energy sources to target and destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. However, using radiation in your cancer treatment doesn’t mean you’ll be radioactive at any time.

Radiation therapy is delivered either externally from a machine outside the body or internally through materials placed in or near the tumor.

Most types of cancers can be treated with radiation therapy. It can be used as a primary cancer treatment or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Your cancer team works with you to determine what treatments are most effective for you.

What Types of Radiation Therapy Are Offered at Virtua?

Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Radiation Oncology provides innovative external and internal radiation therapy options, including:

• Proton Therapy: Delivers targeted radiation into the tumor through proton beam therapy.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Pinpoints brain tumors with targeted radiation treatment without affecting healthy brain tissue.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Delivers radiation to small areas within the body, such as the lung and spine.
• High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy: Delivers radiation directly into the tumor to treat types of gynecologic, breast, and non-melanoma skin cancers.
• Volumetric Arc Radiotherapy (VMAT): Type of external beam radiation that delivers continuous radiation in the shape of an arc to maximize dose to the tumor and minimize dose to surrounding tissue.
• Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT): Type of external beam radiation therapy that optimizes the intensity and shape of the beam, to maximize dose to the tumor and minimize dose to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT): Image-matching technology targets and tracks the tumor for precise radiation delivery.
• Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH): Technique used to deliver radiation to the chest while avoiding the heart.

What Are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?

The goal of radiation therapy is to target and destroy cancer cells. However, some treatments can affect normal cells in surrounding organs and tissue, causing side effects.

Most people undergoing radiation treatment feel fatigue. However, you may feel other side effects depending on the area of your body being treated.

Your doctor will talk with you about what to expect and meet with you weekly to discuss and manage your symptoms.

Radiation Therapy Treatment at Virtua

At Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Radiation Oncology, we work closely with you to help you understand your radiation therapy plan and ensure it meets your needs.

Our multidisciplinary team, including experienced radiation oncologists, specialty trained nurses, dosimetrists, oncology social workers, registered dietitians, and clinical researchers, is here to care for you while treating your cancer.

What to expect from radiation therapy treatment at Virtua

Evaluation with your radiation oncologist: Your doctor will review your medical records and diagnostic images (such as an MRI and CT scans), perform a physical exam, and recommend additional tests if needed.

You’ll learn about the risks and benefits of radiation treatment, including potential side effects and how to manage them. This is a good time to ask questions and share your concerns.

Simulation: Your first session is a simulation, which is a practice run without radiation. We use CT imaging scans to map the exact area of your body being treated. The team then positions you for treatment.

If needed, we use immobilization devices to ensure you’re in that exact position for each treatment. We also may put small marks on your skin to identify the treatment area.

Treatment: Your treatment planning takes one to two weeks after CT simulation, and then your radiation therapy begins. Treatments are typically delivered daily, Monday through Friday, for three to six weeks.

Each session lasts 15 to 20 minutes, although some treatments may last longer. You’ll meet with your doctor and nurse weekly throughout your treatment to assess and manage any side effects.

After treatment ends: Once you complete treatment, you’ll meet with your radiation oncologist to review your survivorship care plan, which includes recommendations for follow-up care and resources to help you maintain your health.

Our team is here to support you and your family during the entire process. We look forward to celebrating with you as you ring the bell to mark the completion of your radiation therapy treatments.