Radiation Therapy

The Radiation Oncology Center at Virginia Cancer Specialists

Virginia Cancer Specialists offers advanced radiation therapy for a wide range of cancers and select benign conditions. Using state-of-the-art treatment planning and precision radiation technologies, our radiation oncologists deliver highly targeted care designed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing impact on healthy tissue.

Treatment options may include intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), high-dose-rate brachytherapy, radiopharmaceutical therapies, and seed brachytherapy. Our experienced team is committed to providing safe, precise, and efficient treatment while ensuring a comfortable and supportive patient experience.

What makes radiation therapy at Virginia Cancer Specialists unique?

Virginia Cancer Specialists is home to one of the nation’s leading theranostics programs, the Center for Theranostics Research, a highly specialized facility focused on revolutionizing cancer treatment through theranostics. This innovative approach combines imaging and therapy to target cancer cells with radiopharmaceuticals.

The Center brings together leading clinical and research experts, offering patients access to the latest treatments. It is one of the few community-based centers with a dedicated research program.

Led by accomplished radiation oncologists Gregory S. Sibley, MD, and Harold C. Agbahiwe, MD, the Center’s theranostic clinical program—one of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S.—delivers hundreds of radiopharmaceutical treatments and sets national standards for safety and quality.

The team also contributes to research, conferences, and the development of theranostic programs at other institutions.

Under the leadership of Alexander I. Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, FASCO, the Center launched one of the region’s first radiopharmaceutical trials introduFcing alpha-therapy for neuroendocrine tumors, positioning the Center as a hub of innovation and expanding treatment options for patients. Since that milestone, the program has grown significantly expanding beyond its initial focus to include multiple active trials across a broad spectrum of cancers.

The Radiation Oncology Center at Virginia Cancer Specialists is proud to hold APEx® (Accreditation Program for Excellence) accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), a prestigious distinction awarded to radiation oncology practices that demonstrate the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient-centered care.

APEx accreditation is earned through a rigorous, independent review of a facility's policies, procedures, and clinical practices. The program evaluates performance across five key areas: the radiation treatment process, the radiation oncology team, patient safety, quality management, and patient-centered care.

For patients, APEx accreditation provides confidence that Virginia Cancer Specialists has voluntarily undergone comprehensive peer review and is committed to delivering exceptional care through evidence-based practices, effective communication, coordinated treatment planning, continuous quality improvement, and active partnership with patients and their families throughout the treatment journey.

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing compassionate, innovative, and high-quality radiation oncology care close to home.

How does radiation therapy work?

Radiation therapy works by causing DNA damage in cancer cells that cannot be repaired and leads to cancer cell death. It can be given externally or internally, depending on the type and location of the tumor. External radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator that generates high-energy beams that are precisely directed into the tumor. External beam radiotherapy is delivered over several days or many weeks depending on a variety of factors. Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, uses radioactive sources that can be temporarily inserted or permanently implanted in the operating room. Radiation from the implant travels only a short distance, which spares most tissues from treatment side effects.

What types of cancers are treated with radiation therapy?

The radiation oncologists at Virginia Cancer Specialists use advanced planning systems, state of the art technology, and targeted radioisotopes to safely and precisely treat many cancer types. Radiation treatments for bladder, bone, brain, breast, gastrointestinal, head & neck, lung, lymphoma, myeloma, pancreas, prostate, rectal/anal, skin, sarcoma, spine, and uterine cancers are designed to be efficient, effective, and as comfortable as possible.

Understanding the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is designed to target cancer cells while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. Most side effects are temporary and depend on the area of the body being treated, the radiation dose, and your overall health. Common side effects may include fatigue, skin irritation in the treatment area, and changes specific to the part of the body receiving treatment, such as difficulty swallowing, changes in bowel habits, or urinary symptoms. Your radiation oncology team will monitor you closely throughout treatment and provide strategies to help manage side effects and maintain your quality of life.

How best can I prepare for radiation therapy treatment?

Preparing for radiation therapy begins with understanding your treatment plan and communicating openly with your care team. Before treatment starts, you may undergo a planning session called a simulation to help ensure radiation is delivered precisely to the intended area. During treatment, it is important to stay well hydrated, maintain good nutrition, get adequate rest, and follow any skin care or activity recommendations provided by your radiation oncology team. Don't hesitate to ask questions or report symptoms early. Your Virginia Cancer Specialists care team is committed to helping you feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout the treatment process.

What is intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)?

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is a noninvasive therapy that begins by acquiring a computed tomography (CT) scan exactly in the treatment position and then fusing other imaging studies like PET and MRI. The physician uses all of this information to precisely define the tumor as well as tissues to be avoided. Physicists/dosimetrists then use a sophisticated treatment planning system to maximize target coverage and minimize normal tissues exposure. The high speed computer does this by ‘trying’ millions of beam segments and intensities until the best solution is determined. The result of IMRT planning is a dose that ‘shrink wraps’ around the target. Although not beneficial for all patients, IMRT for some patients will both improve tumor control and reduce side effects. IMRT is routinely used to treat prostate, brain, and esophageal cancers, among others. A treatment course of IMRT typically spans 5-7 weeks.

What is image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)?

Image-guided radiation therapy uses a combination of scanning technologies with the control of IMRT that delivers precise amounts of radiation. Continual scans ensure that cancer cells are being treated, while simultaneously avoiding normal structures and organs. IGRT can enable higher doses of radiation to be delivered more accurately and safely, which can increase the chance for tumor control and cure. This radiation oncology option is used to treat tumors close to organs or prone to body movements such as the lungs, liver, and prostate.

What is high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy?

High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a direct delivery of precise radiation through the use of catheters, or applicators inserted into tissue or a body cavity. HDR briefly places a high activity radioactive source in contact with cancer tissues and is then removed when a curative dose has been delivered to the cancer. This comprehensive, aggressive approach to treatment ensures the maximum radiation dose is given where needed, while sparing the healthy surrounding tissue. HDR is frequently used in breast, cervical, and uterine cancers and has become an effective treatment for early stage prostate cancer. Treatments are typically given in 1-4 weekly doses, with each HDR treatment typically lasting for 3-5 minutes.

Related Treatment Areas & Resources

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