Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology
More than half of all people with cancer have radiation treatment, either alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.

Smilow Cancer Hospital's Greenwich Hospital Campus offers advanced treatment with the Novalis TX. This latest generation linear accelerator allows physicians to target higher doses of radiation directly at the tumor, sparing healthy tissue and minimizing side effects.  Three-dimensional computer-generated images and other radiological tools are used to develop individualized treatment plans based on the size, shape, and location of the tumor.

The Novalis TX linear accelerator can deliver radiation in many ways:

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
Internal organs and tumors can move between and during treatments. IGRT allows the radiation therapy team to see and track the tumor at the time of treatment and to make fine adjustments to the patient’s position. This greatly increases the precision and accuracy of radiation therapy treatment.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) uses multiple beams with varying intensities to attack a tumor from different directions while limiting the radiation to surrounding healthy tissues. IMRT technology allows the radiation oncology team to tackle cancers that are close to, or wrapped around, critical organs. IMRT is effectively used to treat prostate, head and neck, brain, and some tumors of the intestinal tract. A built-in computed tomography (CT) scanner provides three-dimensional images of the targeted area. This helps ensure that the patient is positioned accurately during treatment.

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using Phillips Smart Arc software
Single or multiple radiation beams are delivered in uninterrupted arcs around the patient, dramatically reducing treatment times compared to similar modalities. It is often used to treat prostate, and head and neck cancers.

Varian respiratory patient monitoring (RPM) is an additional tool that enables the radiation to follow a lung lesion even during a patient’s natural breathing cycle. This provides an accurate dose of radiation to the tumor while sparing the surrounding lung tissue.

Stereotactic radiosurgery using BrainLAB
This procedure is used to treat parts of the brain where standard surgery would be difficult or impossible. The radiation oncology team can deliver a single dose of radiation to a tumor or several tumors, while minimizing radiation to healthy tissue. Stereotactic radiosurgery offers a minimally invasive alternative to neurosurgery and conventional radiation treatment for some brain tumors.

Stereotactic body radiation
Even the smallest lesions in the lung, liver or spine can be treated with stereotactic body radiation. The Novalis TX offers the advantage of a high definition "multileaf collimator." This device can precisely outline the targeted treatment area to receive radiation down to 2.5 mm. Physicians can deliver a high dose to a targeted area during a shorter treatment period. This technique can be more effective than traditional radiation therapy, is completely non-invasive when delivered on the new Novalis at Smilow Cancer Hospital's Greenwich Hospital Campus, and spares normal tissues.

Soothing environment facilitates care
Providing practical and emotional support to patients is as important as having access to advanced technology. Smilow Cancer Hospital's Greenwich Hospital Campus stands by patients and their families every step of the way – from education about the treatment process and managing side effects, to finding transportation, social services, home care, support groups or other community resources.

The treatment suite was designed to help patients feel calm and comfortable. A Zen garden with raked gravel and meditation stones sets a serene tone. The soothing décor extends to the radiation treatment room, where cherrywood cabinets conceal much of the medical equipment. Patients lying on the treatment table view a colorful, lighted ceiling panel filled with trees and blossoms.

Contact information
For questions about radiation oncology, the Novalis TX linear accelerator or to make an appointment with Radiation Oncology Services please call 203-863-3701.

Professional and Personalized Care
The staff includes a board certified radiation oncologist, licensed radiation therapists, an oncology-certified nurse, board-certified medical physicists and others. These experts work together to provide the safest and highest caliber of cancer treatment. The team’s focus on service excellence is exemplified by consistently high patient satisfaction ratings among the top in the nation.

Affiliation with Yale School of Medicine
Smilow Cancer Hospital's Greenwich Hospital Campus's partnership with Yale School of Medicine gives patients access to a wide network of clinicians in addition to the cancer expertise offered locally. Learn more >>  

Other options for treating cancer may include:
Surgical Oncology >>
Medical Oncology >>