Your Radiation Therapy Treatment Journey

Step 1: Consultation

The first step in your radiation therapy journey will be meeting with your radiation oncologist. As part of this first visit, your radiation oncologist will:

• Review your medical history and any imaging that’s been completed
• Explain what radiation therapy is and if it is right for your type of cancer
• Answer any and all questions your may have and discuss your treatment options

Step 2: CT Simulator Scan

A specialized CT Scan informs your radiation therapy by:

• Creating 3D Images of your anatomy
• Determining the exact treatment area
• Identifying organs and healthy tissue requiring protection during radiation
• Establishing the best angles and intensity for radiation delivery

The CT simulator scan does not deliver any radiation and is for planning purposes only.

Step 3: Linear Accelerator Treatment

A team of highly skilled and trained oncology specialists perform the following functions as part of your radiation therapy treatment.

Radiation Oncologist

• Reviews the CT simulator scan 3D images
• Outlines the tumor and critical structures to be treated by creating a targeted, personalized radiation therapy treatment plan
• Prescribes the total dose and number of radiation therapy treatments based on your personalized images

Medical Dosimetrist

• Utilizes the CT simulator scan images to create your custom radiation therapy treatment plan
• Designs how the Linear accelerator will most effectively deliver the radiation safely to your tumor

Medical Physicist

• Checks and approves the radiation therapy treatment plan ensuring it is safe and accurate
• Ensures the Linear accelerator delivers the accurate dose of radiation exactly as intended to your tumor

Radiation Therapist

• Responsible for operating the Linear accelerator during your treatment
• Assists in positioning you exactly according to your personalized treatment plan
• Ensures everything matches the CT simulator scan set up to deliver safe and effective radiation therapy to the exact location of your tumor

Step 4: On-Treatment Visits (OTVs)

On-treatment visits, or OTVs, are scheduled weekly with your radiation oncologist throughout the course of your radiation therapy treatment to:

• Monitor any side-effects
• Check-in on your overall health and well-being
• Adjust any medications or offer supportive care/services if needed
• Answer any questions you may have about your treatment

Step 5: Completing Treatment and Follow-Up Care

After completing your final radiation therapy treatment you will:

• Receive follow-up instructions and supportive care tips
• Schedule follow-up appointments as appropriate to monitor your progress and recovery