Radiation Oncology

Overview

State-of-the-art radiation therapy uses focused, high-energy X-ray beams to target only diseased tissue. This type of therapy destroys cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy organs or tissue. We also use low-dose radiation therapy to treat benign conditions such as inflammatory skin, soft tissue and joint disorders.

Our multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists works together to recommend the best treatment plan for your cancer or condition. In some cases, radiation is used in conjunction with systemic therapy or surgery for best results.

Radiation Oncology at Cleveland Clinic in Florida: Why Choose Us?

Our radiation oncologists are experts in designing highly customized radiation therapy strategies for your unique needs. Our program offers:

• Patient-first culture: We provide exceptional patient-centered cancer care in every way. Our compassionate team gives you a thorough overview of treatment options. We tell you why we recommend a particular therapy and guide you through every step of treatment.
• Skilled providers:Our radiation oncologists are experienced cancer fighters. Many of our physicians have received specialized training in treating specific types of cancers. Our team offers the supportive care you need throughout your radiation treatment. Your health, comfort and quality of life are our priorities.
• Leading-edge technologies:We use radiosurgery techniques to focus high-dose radiation beams down to 2.5 millimeters. This level of precision allows us to treat tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissue. Our use of innovative technology may also shorten your course of therapy. Instead of the traditional 4 to 8 weeks, for many cancers, we can decrease therapy time to 1 to 5 days.
• Advanced treatment for benign conditions: Low-dose radiation therapy can be used to effectively treat a number of acute and/or chronic conditions such as Castleman disease, Dupuytren’s contracture, frozen shoulder, inflammatory skin disorders, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow and many other dermatologic, orthopaedic and rheumatologic conditions.
• Industry-leading research: Our researchers continuously search for new ways to deliver radiation therapy with fewer side effects. Learn how we’re advancing the science of radiation therapy at the Florida Research and Innovation Center.
• Support services: Our supportive care specialists help patients manage side effects from treatment such as fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, dermatitis and mucositis. We also offer a number of additional resources and support services.

Radiation Therapies We Offer

We use the most advanced technologies — specializing in image-guided radiotherapy — to treat tumors and target cancer cells. Experts take a CT scan before treatment begins and use a real-time, motion monitoring system to deliver therapy according to your treatment plan. We use:

Brachytherapy

Specialists insert temporary or permanent radioactive implants at the tumor’s location to treat only the tumor and nearby areas of concern while protecting healthy tissue. We use brachytherapy to treat skin cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, brain tumors and other types of cancers.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

During intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), we use computers to deliver a precise, high dose of radiation that matches a tumor’s size and shape. Using images from CT scans, MRI or PET/CT scans, we plan IMRT with sophisticated computer software. Our specialists use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging taken every few seconds to guide radiation to the exact tumor location. In many cases, we can offer volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), a type of IMRT that allows the radiation to be delivered in just a few minutes.

Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT)

Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) is a non-invasive X-ray treatment used to target many conditions that cause inflammation in the skin, soft tissues and/or joints, like arthritis. LDRT is painless and administered as an outpatient treatment. Patients with recurrent, benign conditions that have not responded well to other medical interventions may be candidates for LDRT.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

We use advanced radiosurgery techniques to treat tumors with high doses of radiation. We take detailed images every 5 to 10 seconds to ensure accurate dose delivery to the specific target. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) helps protect healthy tissue.

Radiation Techniques We Use

Our expertise includes advanced radiation techniques to further personalize your treatment. We use:

Adaptive radiation therapy

Tumors change in size and shape as you have radiation treatments. We check your progress and take more images as treatment progresses. As tumors shrink, we adjust your radiation treatment plan to improve targeting of the smaller tumor and to better protect healthy tissue.

Hyperthermia

We heat tumors before radiation treatment to make radiation more effective. Hyperthermia is especially effective for resistant or recurrent tumors.

Respiratory breath hold technique

Tumors and organs move when we breathe. Our specialists teach you to hold your breath during planning and treatment. You wear virtual reality goggles, which give you visual feedback on how to take a deep breath and when to hold your breath. These techniques help minimize movement of the tumor and help ensure we deliver less radiation to the surrounding healthy tissues.

Cardio-oncology care during radiation therapy

Our cardio-oncology specialists do everything possible to protect your heart during cancer treatment.

Our Doctors

Appointments & Locations

Make an appointment or schedule a second opinion at one of our Cleveland Clinic locations in Florida.

Locations

Palliative & Supportive Care

Our cancer palliative and supportive care specialists help you manage side effects from treatment such as fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, dermatitis and mucositis. We also provide information and resources, and help you schedule appointments.