Radiation Oncology

Definition

Radiation oncology is a specialized field of oncology that employs ionizing radiation (or radiotherapy) in the treatment of cancer. They frequently collaborate with medical oncologists who administer chemotherapy, in an attempt to improve the curative potential for patients with malignant diseases. Radiation oncologists determine the precise type of treatment (e.g., adjuvant, neoadjuvant, or palliative) depending upon the specific tumor type, location, disease stage, and patient’s health status. They also assess the appropriate delivered dose of radiotherapy by considering whether the amount is sufficiently high enough to eliminate the cancer cells without incurring unreasonable or excessive patient toxicity. When administering the treatment, radiation therapists may employ several types of stereotactic radiosurgery devices, including the gamma knife, linear accelerator (LINAC), brachytherapy, or additional innovative procedures, such as proton beam therapy and GliaSite...