Consultation & Treatment Process
We understand that being a candidate for radiation therapy has its logistical concerns. Unlike other cancer treatments, radiation therapy involves daily treatments that can last up to ten weeks. The Cancer Center at Gaithersburg is committed to making this process of receiving care as easy as possible — from the first appointment to your follow-up visit once treatment has completed.
Through personalized plans, our process includes the following steps:
Consultation
The first appointment will involve a consultation with the physician. This is usually made within 24 to 48 hours. The consultation involves taking a patient history, reviewing reports and x-rays, a physical examination, as well as a thorough explanation of the treatment that is best suited for the patient.
Simulation
If the decision is made to proceed with treatment, the patient will be scheduled for a simulation. This is done with our state-of-the-art, high speed, multi-slice Philips large bore simulator. The images are used to define the patient’s anatomy and identify the tumor or area to be treated and then to create a three or four dimensional reconstruction of the body. The simulator is equipped to take into account breathing motion, allowing for the highest degree of accuracy.
Treatment Planning
Once the patient has undergone simulation, the physician and the members of the treatment team review the images along with the patient’s medical tests to develop an optimal treatment plan. The most advanced treatment planning system is available to help deliver IMRT, IGRT, stereotactic radiosurgery, and 3D conformal therapy. The Pinnacle treatment planning system is the most technologically advanced system available.
Radiation Therapy Treatments
When the patient begins treatments with us, each session is painless and usually takes less than 20 minutes. Because the treatments are five days a week, we make it a priority to accommodate patients’ scheduling needs.
To provide added convenience, the Cancer Center offers free,
door-to-door transportation
for patients who are unable to transport themselves.
Click here for more information.
