Radiation Therapy
Our robust team of board-certified radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses and administrative team work together to bring you the most advanced, precise radiation treatments, enhancing both quantity and quality of life, all with the convenience of staying close to home. We deliver individualized radiation treatments for all types of cancer, no matter how advanced or complex. Radiation therapy can also be used for long-lasting relief of some benign conditions.
- Personalized treatment plans: Each patient, each tumor and each condition is unique. This is why we individualize each treatment plan so that it is targeted, effective and designed just for you.
- Precision that protects: We use advanced medical imaging and sophisticated computer modeling to shape radiation beams with hair-splitting accuracy, directing treatment exactly where it’s needed, achieving tremendous precision to protect healthy tissue, preserving surrounding organs, limiting potential side effects and reducing toxicity.
- A full range of radiation technologies: Having access to the full array of leading-edge radiation technologies and techniques means we have the most options to choose the approach that is best suited for you.
- Multidisciplinary care: Our radiation oncologists collaborate with other members of the cancer care team to include surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, pathologists and participate in weekly tumor boards. As radiation may be part of a larger treatment plan, this collaboration thoughtfully optimizes and sequences your care.
- Nationally recognized for excellence: We are nationally accredited by ASTRO APEx, NAPBC and the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, which demonstrates our commitment to high-quality, safe, integrated care.
Life-saving radiation treatment without the need to travel far from home
We’ve invested in bringing the most advanced radiation technologies and radiation oncology experts throughout our community. Our multiple locations offer the same high level of care you’d find at the country’s leading cancer centers with the convenience and comfort of staying close to home.
Find a location near you
Meet our Radiation Oncology Experts
Our board-certified radiation oncologists have trained at some of nation’s leading cancer centers and choose to bring their expertise to our community. They take the time to truly know you, offering clear guidance and compassionate care every step of the way.
Learn about our radiation oncologistsOur radiation oncologists collaborate with medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and surgical specialists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors, nurse navigators and other members of our cancer network to provide you with the highest quality care.
One of the ways they collaborate is through weekly multidisciplinary tumor boards. During the tumor conferences experts discuss your imaging, pathology and clinical details along with your health history and logistical needs. Patients benefit from the collective experience and guidance of cancer specialists from across our network with the singular goal to create the most effective, individualized treatment plan for you based on the best science from the leading cancer centers across the country.
Radiation uses a form of light energy to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors while preserving function of normal healthy tissue. For some kinds of cancer, radiation alone is enough to destroy the cancer. In other cases, it may be combined with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy. When cancer cannot be reached by surgery, radiation can often be used to offer a potential cure and organ preservation therapy.
Your cancer care team will recommend the individualized treatment approach and the timing for when radiation is most effective.
For advanced cancers, radiation therapy may also be used for symptom management to improve quality of life.
Radiation therapy can be effective in improving arthritis and other benign conditions
We offer low dose radiation therapy to treat benign conditions like arthritis, keloids, Depuytren’s contractures, and heterotopic ossification. This evidence-based treatment works by reducing inflammation, preventing abnormal tissue growth and offers patients a non-invasive option that can provide long-lasting relief from pain, stiffness and functional limitations.
Each radiation treatment plan is thoughtfully designed around you, using advanced imaging and modeling to deliver high-precision care. Our medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation oncologists work together to plan every beam, every angle, every dose.
- At your initial consultation, your radiation oncologist will discuss with you which treatment options are most effective for your cancer.
- Treatment recommendations are based on evidenced based guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- We take the time to answer every question, ensuring you understand what to expect
- We never rush conversations, because we want you to be comfortable in your treatment decision and have the support you need so you can focus on healing
Once a radiation treatment option is selected, your radiation oncologist will outline your plan of care, prescribe the dose and work with the medical physicist and dosimetrist to create your customized plan of care.
Riverside’s Radiation Therapy program offers comprehensive selections of advanced radiation technologies and techniques because every cancer is different. Having a full array of tools allows us to tailor treatment to what is most effective for you, your cancer and your lifestyle.
SBRT is an advanced and precise radiation therapy that delivers highly focused, intense doses of radiation to cancerous tumors and lesions in five treatments or less. Patients appreciate the shorter treatment time and minimal side effects.
SBRT is delivered on our Varian Edge offered in Radiation Oncology Specialists Williamsburg and on our Varian Edge with Hypersight at Riverside Radiosurgery Center Newport News.
Learn about treatment with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
As the most advanced Gamma Knife technology available, the Elekta Esprit treats brain lesions with incredible accuracy and greater comfort.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is delivered on our Elekta Esprit at Riverside Radiosurgery Center Newport News.
Learn about incisionless treatment with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
IMRT and VMAT are modern, highly accurate forms of radiation therapy that shape the radiation beam to precisely match the contour of the tumor and safety zone around it. VMAT is a faster version of IMRT. Both treatments use daily image guidance where a scan is performed immediately prior to each radiation treatment to visualize the target area and ensure the radiation will be delivered with hair-splitting accuracy.
VMAT and IMRT treatments with daily image guidance are available at all Riverside Radiation Oncology Centers across the region.
The best radiation plan is useless if we miss our target. SGRT and IGRT technology adds a scan of the patient immediately before each radiation treatment so that micro adjustments in positioning can be made. Doing this allows us to guarantee highly precise accuracy.
For tumors in the chest, where the tumor moves as you breathe, we have gating techniques that allow us to pause treatment until the tumor returns in range.
Our medical physicists are involved in daily checks on radiation doses and your treatment plans. They perform thorough quality assurance checks for the radiation equipment and are present during stereotactic body radiation therapy, Gamma Knife radiosurgery and brachytherapy treatment sessions.
Supportive services extend your care beyond medical treatment
Oncology Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a significant role in cancer treatment. We offer lymphedema therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy and more.
Cancer Care Navigation
Our oncology certified registered nurse navigators are your dedicated guide through cancer care.
Social Work
Our dedicated social workers are integrated into your cancer care team, helping you overcome obstacles to care.
Palliative Care
Palliative care works alongside medical care to improve quality of life for patients by easing side effects of treatment and offering caregivers resources, guidance and support.
Caring for you after radiation treatment
Once you have completed your radiation treatment, we continue to support you. Our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) follow up to monitor your recovery, manage any side effects, and provide emotional and practical support. Our patients often say they feel reassured knowing they’re not alone in what comes next.
Riverside Cancer Care Network offers helpful survivorship resources. Learn more by visiting our Survivorship Care page.
Meet our APPs