Radiation Oncology

Overview

• Top doctors: Our physicians are nationally and internationally renowned for their research and clinical care, and most specialize in the treatment of just one or two types of cancer. That focus gives them unparalleled expertise and the ability to handle the most complex cases.
• Expertise and teamwork: Collectively, our doctors are experts in all types of cancer, including rare types of cancer and cancer that returns (recurrent). They provide comprehensive care by closely collaborating with other Stanford specialists, providing treatment from every angle.
• Research and innovation: We stand at the forefront of developing the newest approaches to radiation therapy, meaning our patients have access to the most sophisticated technologies and clinical trials in the world.

What to Expect

We strive to make your experience as easy, safe and comfortable as possible:

• Consultations and follow up visits take place in our first floor clinic. A medical assistant greets you in the waiting room and brings you back for your exam.
• During your initial visit, you will meet with the care team, including the radiation oncologist, who will speak with you about the specifics of your case, evaluate your scans and medical records, and determine if radiation therapy is appropriate.
• Stanford is a teaching hospital, so your care team may also include medical students and resident physicians.
• If radiation therapy is appropriate, the next step will be an appointment for a simulation, which is part of the planning process.  This procedure will be performed in the Radiation Therapy Department on the ground floor.
• Treatments also take place on the ground floor. While waiting for your appointment time, you can wait inside, or outdoors in our bamboo garden.
• A nurse coordinator, nurse practitioner or physician assistant works with your radiation oncologist and helps you navigate all the specialized services that you may need for your treatment. You keep the same coordinator throughout your time with us.
• If you have questions or concerns during your treatment, you can either wait for your next appointment or reach out to us right away by calling or using the MyHealth online portal.

Learn more about our radiation treatment process.

Treatments

As one of the world’s leading programs for radiation therapy, we offer the latest equipment and treatment techniques for a range of cancers. Examples of our sophisticated models and services include:

• Brachytherapy: Our high-dose rate (HDR), internal brachytherapy provides concentrated, shortened therapy for prostate and gynecological cancers.
• CyberKnife M6: Stanford is the first academic medical center on the West Coast to install the latest version of the highly precise CyberKnife.
• TrueBeam: TrueBeam offers our doctors and patients a fast, powerful and versatile option.
• IORT: Intraoperative radiation therapy delivers radiation therapy directly to the site of a tumor during surgery.

Learn more about radiation therapy and the full range of treatments we offer.

Conditions Treated

Our doctors treat all major forms of cancer, and many rare kinds. Learn more about conditions treated with radiation therapy.

Programs and Services

We believe treatment of the whole patient is crucial. Like other Stanford Cancer Center programs, we offer our patients a wide variety of services for emotional, physical and social needs including:

• Nutrition services for cancer patients
• Wig Bank
• Cancer social workers
• Palliative Care
• Cancer Survivorship Program
• Cancer Supportive Care Program, including free classes, exercise programs, support groups and events
• Financial counseling