Being referred for radiation treatment is an unfamiliar
experience to most cancer patients. On these pages, we will
explain radiation oncology to you and answer questions that most
often exist for our patients. And we will also explain why you
should feel remarkably confident in coming to URMC, the region’s
leader in radiation oncology. What is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation oncology is one of the three major cancer specialties
in oncologic medicine. It uses energy from radiation beams,
radio isotopes, or charged particles to target tumors and to
eradicate cancer cells. Radiation beams are usually generated in
treatment machines, such as linear accelerators or high-energy
CT scanners. Another type of radiation treatment uses
radioisotopes, or radioactive materials. These are utilized in
radiation implants and radioisotope-labeled molecules in the
treatment of various cancers. In addition to getting rid of
cancer, radiation treatment is highly effective in reducing
symptoms such as cancer-related pain. Radiatio