Radiation oncology

Radiation is energy that destroys cancer cells. Our expert radiation oncologists at Aurora BayCare Medical Center use leading-edge techniques as part of your tailored cancer treatment plan.

Radiation oncology treatments and services

Our cancer specialists use radiation therapy alone, or in combination with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation treatments we offer include:

External radiation treatments

We use state-of-the-art equipment to pinpoint and target radiation therapy directly at cancer, while preserving healthy tissue. External radiation treatments include:

• External beam radiation therapy: Our specialists use the Varian TrueBeam radiotherapy system to aim radiation beams from the machine at the tumor.
• Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT): Our radiation oncologists use advanced imaging techniques to see tumors during radiation therapy, allowing more precise tumor targeting.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): We use computer-controlled tools, along with CT scans and MRI, to focus radiation to the 3D shape of tumors. This focus transmits small, highly focused radiation doses directly to cancer, preserving healthy tissue.
• Surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT): AlignRT® is a system that monitors and tracks patient movement and positioning during radiation treatment. Utilizing this technology allows for an increased ability to protect your heart and healthy tissue. It also eliminates the need for permanent tattoos and skin markings.

Stereotactic radiosurgery treatments

Using sophisticated non-surgical radiation treatments, our specialists deliver targeted radiation to cancers that are hard to get to or located near body organs. We offer:

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): Our radiation oncologists use this technique to pinpoint the most complex brain tumors with a high dose of radiation. We were the first in Wisconsin to implement Varian’s HyperArc therapy, a streamlined approach that plans and delivers highly precise frameless treatment. The equipment moves in an automated fashion and creates surgical results in less than an hour without touching the patient.
• Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT): Our experts deliver precise, high doses of radiation to tumors outside the central nervous system (brain and spine).

Internal radiation treatments

We use advanced tools to place radioactive material inside your body near cancer. These tools deliver radiation directly to the tumor site. Internal radiation treatments include:

• Brachytherapy: Our oncologists place a radioactive sealed source into your body inside or near cancerous tissue. The source transmits the prescribed dose of radiation.
  • High dose rate radiation (HDR): Experts deliver a high dose of radiation quickly using radioactive material directly at the tumor site. The radiation source is placed and removed during an outpatient procedure, so it only stays in your body for a short time. HDR is less toxic to surrounding areas. We use it for prostate cancer and other conditions. HDR brachytherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • Low dose rate radiation (LDR): Specialists place radioactive sealed sources inside or near the cancer to deliver the prescribed dose of radiation. The radiation source may stay in place permanently. Prostate seed implantation is a type of low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy.

What to expect during radiation oncology

Our expert radiation oncologists tailor radiation therapy treatments to your needs. We make sure radiation treatment is safe, and that you have the support you need during treatment. We offer:

Preparation for radiation treatment

You’ll come to our cancer center for your radiation therapy treatments. Most people have a series of radiation therapy appointments. A typical radiation therapy session lasts less than one hour.

Support during radiation treatment

Most radiation therapy treatments are painless. You’ll be able to continue most, or all, of your daily activities throughout the course of radiation therapy.

We were the first hospital in Wisconsin to have an oncologist certified to use SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel in men with prostate cancer. Radiation oncologists inject this gel to move the prostate gland away from the rectum during radiation therapy to reduce side effects.

Care after radiation treatment

You might experience side effects after radiation treatment. Side effects depend on which type of radiation you received, cancer type and your overall health. Some potential side effects include feeling extremely tired and experiencing red or irritated skin.

Let your radiation oncologist or oncology nurse know about any side effects that you experience. We can recommend strategies to reduce these side effects.

Support during treatment

We offer resources that provide comfort and support during radiation therapy. These include complementary medicine, such as massage, and palliative care for symptom relief. Your nurse navigator is another source of support, ensuring you have information and resources you need throughout treatment.

Request an appointment

Learn more about radiation oncology treatment at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a nearby cancer specialist today.