Radiation Therapy treatment is utilized in approximately 50-60% of all cancer patient treatments. Techniques which are utilized today offer a maximum focused effect on the tumor with minimal injury to surrounding normal tissues. Hartford Hospital's Radiation Oncology department, one of the largest of its kind in the Northeast United States, is the center of a radiation oncology network. The department is located in the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, and is equipped with a comprehensive set of diagnostic and treatment devices, appropriate support equipment, and one of the largest and most comprehensive staff of experts throughout New England.

Overview of the radiation oncology visits

The radiation oncologist (physician who specializes in the use of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer and other diseases) participates in the multidisciplinary planning of individually tailored care for each patient.

The first visit is a consultation, to develop a plan, discuss proposed treatment and its possible side effects, and answer any questions the patient and family might have.

The second visit is a simulation, where mapping and planning the treatment takes place. The radiation oncologist and a team of radiation therapists, dosimetrists, and physicists place the patient in the treatment position, utilize diagnostic scans and X-rays to accurately delineate the tumor and the surrounding normal tissue, and map out the treatment area. Measurements, X-rays and scans are taken which enable physicists and dosimetrists to accurately optimize a radiation plan which precisely focuses the radiation on the tumor and minimizes the dose to normal tissue. Designs are made which enable the engineers to fabricate devices which will shield the normal tissues from radiation. Permanent dots are placed on the skin which allow precise positioning of the radiation during 2-7 weeks of daily treatment.

Following the simulation, the patient is given an appointment to start therapy several days thereafter, and a schedule is developed for the 10 minute daily treatment appointments. These treatments are painless and have side effects including fatigue and possible additional symptoms which vary according to the area being treated. Most patients are able to function in a normal way during the weeks of treatment.

State of the Art Treatment Technology

The Radiation Oncology department of Hartford Hospital consists of 4 treatment machines - 3 linear accelerators delivering a range of photons and electrons, and a special machine devoted to the treatment of skin tumors. The department houses 2 radiation therapy simulators, designed to provide state-of-the-art laser associated treatment planning. One of these simulators, the Ximatron CT, utilizes CT scanning of the patient in the treatment position. The department pioneered the use of this simulator and helped develop it for use elsewhere in the United States.

The department, because of its innovation and creativity in a leadership role, has been designated as the Northeast United States "Center of Excellence" by the leading manufacturer of radiation therapy equipment in this country. In addition to the above equipment, the department houses numerous 3-Dimensional treatment planning computers which are utilized to develop optimized treatment plans, mold, shield, and device fabrication laboratories which fabricate devices to shield normal tissues, and electronics laboratories.

The department is staffed by a comprehensive team of nationally recognized radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, engineers, oncology nurses, radiation therapists, and support staff to provide customized, highly specialized, and patient centered care.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

In addition to the highly integrated team approach within the Radiation Oncology department, the team functions collaboratively with medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and other specialist to fully integrate cancer care across the continuum and provide the patient with a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. The patient and family are offered educational, social service, nutritional, nursing, and pastoral support, as well to help them deal with the cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The environment of the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art care which matches radiation oncology care found in any other major center in the United States. At the same time, particular attention is given to supporting the patient and family through such an experience by attending to the psycho-social and emotional needs of the patient and coordinating their care with their primary care physicians and other care givers.

For more information please contact the Department of Radiation Oncology at (860) 545-2803.