Radiation Oncology at Saint Francis Hospital

Patients receiving radiation therapy at Saint Francis Hospital get services from a team that treats them like family. Our radiation oncologists, specialists and staff get to know you as a person. We discuss the activities that are important to you outside of treatment, enabling us to personalize your care. And we use the best available techniques for precise care with less downtime.

Our certified radiation oncology nurses explain what to expect and answer your questions before starting radiation therapy. We show you the different equipment we use and explain how treatments work. Radiation oncologists see you at least weekly during your treatment to help you get relief from any side effects.

Radiation Therapy: Why Choose Saint Francis Hospital?

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells with powerful radiation beams. When you receive services at Saint Francis Hospital, our radiation oncologists work alongside experienced surgeons and medical oncologists. Together, they deliver safe, effective treatment that is best for your needs.

Highlights of our program include:

• National Recognition: The American College of Radiology (ACR) recognizes our commitment to delivering high-quality radiation oncology services. Saint Francis Hospital maintains ACR’s prestigious Radiation Oncology
  Practice Accreditation.
• Expertise: Our team includes highly skilled radiation oncologists. We see a high volume of patients and treat common and complex types of cancer. You can count on us for appropriate care that gives you the best chances for healing. 
• Innovative therapies: Saint Francis Hospital was the first radiation oncology program in southern New England offering CyberKnife® stereotactic radiosurgery. This technique safely delivers high doses of radiation in fewer sessions. You also have access to the next generation of radiation therapy technologies through cancer research and clinical trials.
• Precise treatments: Radiation therapy at Saint Francis Hospital is a team effort. Radiation oncologists work with our medical physicists and dosimetrists to plan the dose and delivery of each treatment. We meet regularly to ensure our care meets your changing needs.

Radiation Therapy With Comfort and Precision

Traditional radiation therapy often requires daily treatments, lying still for long periods and sessions that span several weeks. Radiation oncologists at Saint Francis Hospital use technologies that deliver effective care in less time. Our team also takes extra steps to protect nearby healthy tissue and help you stay comfortable.

Sophisticated radiation therapy technologies available at Trinity Health Of New England include:

• CyberKnife radiosurgery: A robotic arm and special technology deliver high doses of radiation to targeted treatment areas. We use CyberKnife to treat a broad range of conditions, including:
• Brain tumors
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Spine tumors

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): This technique delivers radiation with pinpoint precision even in hard-to-reach areas. You may receive treatment with CyberKnife if you have brain tumor.
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): This option uses stronger doses of radiation, allowing you to complete treatment in fewer sessions. CyberKnife is used to deliver this therapy. SBRT is a common treatment for lung and spine cancer.