Specialties & Services

Radiation Oncology

If you’re being treated for cancer, radiation oncology may be part of your care. It’s natural to have questions about this treatment, and we’re here to walk you through each step. We provide advanced radiation therapy with fewer side effects because your complete well-being matters.

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Radiation oncology: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Siteman Cancer Center and the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center are two programs accessible through BJC HealthCare. Radiation oncology is often a critical part of a cancer treatment plan. And It matters where you receive radiation oncology treatment. We provide exceptional radiation therapy through our:

  • Multidisciplinary team: Our board-certified radiation oncologists work with physicians and cancer biologists who specialize in radiation therapy. This expert team is highly experienced in delivering the most effective dose that targets cancer while avoiding healthy tissue.
  • Advanced technology: Our cancer centers are equipped with the latest technology to deliver proven radiotherapy care. We provide advanced treatments like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which targets tumors using highly detailed 3D imaging.
  • Customized care: Our experts evaluate your health history and the tumor type, size, and location before creating your radiation therapy plan. We also closely track your progress so we can adjust your therapy to achieve the best outcome.
  • Nurse navigators: Cancer treatment can be overwhelming, so we provide the support you deserve. You receive a dedicated nurse navigator who schedules your appointments, answers your questions, and connects you with helpful resources.
  • Compassion and support: Your physical and emotional well-being is our priority. Whether you’re experiencing side effects or need mental health care, our team listens and provides the support you deserve.
Siteman cancer doctors

The Siteman approach to radiation oncology

The WashU Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology, one of the largest in the United States, is nationally renowned for developing the latest radiation treatments for cancer patients. We offer the widest range of radiation therapy options in the Midwest, allowing our physicians to tailor treatment to each individual patient’s needs. 

What is radiation oncology?

Therapeutic Radiology Overview

Therapeutic radiology is also called radiation oncology or radiation therapy. It's the treatment of cancer and other diseases with radiation. Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer. Radiation in many forms is used to kill the cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Therapeutic radiology may be used to cure or control cancer. Or it may be used to ease some of the symptoms linked to cancer.

Healthcare providers who treat diseases with therapeutic radiology are called radiation oncologists.

Therapeutic radiology was developed just a few years after X-rays were discovered in 1895 and radium in 1898. The first cure of cancer by radiation was reported in 1899. It involved a case of skin cancer. Radiation oncology became a medical specialty in 1922.

Therapeutic radiology treatment may be used alone, or along with other types of treatment. These include surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments.

Your radiation oncologist will decide on the amount and type of radiation to use based on the type of cancer, location of the tumor, and sensitivity of the surrounding tissue.

Although each treatment facility may have specific practices in place, radiation oncology procedures often include the following steps.

Simulation

To help set up the actual treatment, the treatment team first "maps" out the position you will be in for each treatment. This is done with the help of molds, headrests, or other devices. Sometimes the team will mark the area on the body to be treated. This will help make sure the radiation will be given in the exact area. They may also make special shields to help focus the radiation and protect surrounding tissue.

Treatment plan

Once the simulation has taken place, the radiation oncologist will decide the exact type of treatment.

Therapeutic radiology treatment can be confusing and stressful for both you and your family. If you have questions or concerns about the treatment, ask your radiation oncologist.

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Our highly trained team of specialists offers advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care.

What types of radiation therapy do we provide?

Our radiation oncology specialists select a radiation therapy technique that fits your treatment needs. We are skilled in using this treatment to shrink tumors before cancer surgery, stop cancer recurrence (keep cancer from coming back), and treat existing cancer, either alone or with other treatments like chemotherapy and surgical oncology.

Your radiation therapy may come in the form of:

Brachytherapy

 This treatment delivers radiation inside your body. Your treatment may be a small capsule, ribbon, or seed placed inside or near the tumor. Your radiation oncology team will explain what to expect during your brachytherapy procedure.

External beam radiation

 A machine called a linear accelerator aims high-energy rays into the tumor from outside your body. For this treatment, you attend regular appointments at a cancer center for several weeks. Our team explains what to expect at your radiation therapy appointments, and we focus on preventing or minimizing side effects.

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