Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy, or radiation oncology, uses beams of energy to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. During this treatment, our therapists use protective measures to shield your healthy tissues from radiation exposure.

Our oncologists use the latest radiological technology to diagnose and treat cancer. Our advanced imaging tools can pinpoint the exact location requiring radiation therapy. Two linear accelerators enable us to perform precise therapy with recording and verification of treatment sessions.

We use a variety of techniques, including:

• 3D conformal radiation therapy — This 3D therapy reduces the risk of radiating healthy tissue.
• Brachytherapy — We offer both low-dose and high-dose rate modalities for brachytherapy.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) — This system uses computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with computer-aided treatment planning.

If a child needs radiation therapy for pediatric cancer, he or she may come to the pediatric sedation/infusion unit before the procedure to make the treatment more comfortable.

We offer a surgical option that can treat tumors without incisions or the need for an overnight hospital stay. We are the first and only hospital in southeast Kansas to offer our particular radiosurgery system for cancer treatment.

Treatments are done on an outpatient basis and are typically completed within the same week, usually taking one to five sessions. Each session usually lasts less than an hour.

With radiosurgery, a wide range of tumors that are typically difficult to reach with traditional surgery can be targeted and treated with power and precision. The technology may be used to treat tumors found in the lung, brain, spine and other areas throughout your body.

Using precise beam sculpting and a real-time tracking system, clinicians are able to deliver high radiation doses to destroy the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. To learn more about radiosurgery, please talk to your doctor or call an oncology nurse navigator at (316) 962-7087.

Fighting cancer takes a team

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare — a leading provider of cancer care and research — we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (316) 776-6470.