Radiation Therapy

Patients receiving radiation therapy at Trinity Health Of New England 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.

Radiation Therapy: Why Choose Trinity Health Of New England?

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells with powerful radiation beams. When you receive services at Trinity Health Of New England, 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, Mercy Medical Center and Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center maintain ACR’s prestigious Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation. All of our locations prioritize your safety and comfort.
• 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. Mercy Medical Center was the first radiation oncology program in western Massachusetts using Varian TrueBeam™ STx technology for stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy. 
• Precise treatments: Radiation therapy at Trinity Health Of New England 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 Trinity Health Of New England 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:  

• Brachytherapy: We implant tiny seeds containing a radioactive substance in the precise location of the cancer. The seeds deliver radiation directly to the cancer so there’s less exposure to healthy tissue. You may receive brachytherapy if you have prostate or cervical cancer.
• 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
• Orthovoltage: This treatment deposits radiation on the skin’s surface while minimizing exposure deeper layers of tissue. Orthovoltage is effective for cancers on the skin’s surface.
• Radiopharmaceutical injections: We inject a radioactive drug into the bloodstream that targets and destroys cancer cells. You may benefit from this option if you have prostate cancer that has spread to your bones.
• Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT): Radiation beams rotate around your body, changing shape and intensity, leading to shorter treatments. This option enables us to more accurately target the tumor and protect nearby healthy tissue. We often use VMAT to treat head and neck cancer or prostate cancer.

Specialized Radiation Therapy Options Available at Mercy Medical Center

You receive services from a radiation oncologist who completed additional (fellowship) training. This level of expertise enables us to deliver specialized care that may include:

• Advanced treatment planning: We use 4D computed tomography (CT) scans before treatment to evaluate how the cancer and your organs move as you breath. These images enable us to more effectively target the tumor during treatment. We use this option for lung cancer, upper abdominal cancers and some soft tissue cancers (lymphoma)
  • 3D conformal therapy: We perform imaging tests before you start treatment to capture 3D images of the cancer. Then, special technology adjusts radiation beams to match the tumor’s precise shape during treatment.
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): This technique delivers radiation with pinpoint precision even in hard-to-reach areas. You may receive treatment with CyberKnife or TrueBeam STx 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 and TrueBeam STx are used to deliver this therapy. SBRT is a common treatment for lung and spine cancer.

Education and Support During and After Treatment

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.

Our cancer dietitian lowers your risk of unexpected weight loss and dehydration. This service and other helpful therapies are available to you at any point in your cancer care journey.

Read about palliative and supportive care services
 

Radiation Therapy at Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center

Patients receiving cancer care at Saint Mary’s Hospital go to Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center for radiation therapy. This partnership enables you to receive more of the services you need close to home. Get more information about The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center.

Contact Us

Services vary by cancer care location.