Radiation Oncology

If you have received a cancer diagnosis, radiation therapy may be part of your treatment plan. Radiation oncologists at Mayo Clinic Health System tailor treatment to your needs, with a focus on precision and safety.

Radiation therapy destroys cancer cells by exposing them to intense energy. Using advanced technology, we deliver the radiation with pinpoint accuracy to treat cancer while minimizing damage to nearby tissue.

Our radiation oncologists are part of Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. They collaborate with cancer specialists in Rochester and across Mayo Clinic Health System to deliver world-class care right in your community. We help thousands of people with cancer each year achieve excellent outcomes, and we can help you, too.

Find out more about our radiation oncology services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Treatments
• Radiation oncology specialists
• Referrals
• FAQ
• Radiation oncology locations near you
• Radiation oncology providers near you

   

Conditions and consultations

Your cancer care team will review your case to determine the right treatment or combination of treatments. Radiation oncologists are part of this process. If radiation therapy is being considered for you, you will meet with a radiation oncologist for a consultation. Together, you will discuss the risks and benefits and decide whether to move forward with care.

We offer radiation therapy for a wide range of cancers at Mayo Clinic Health System locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota. For cancers that are rare and highly complex, we provide seamless referral to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The main types of cancer we treat using radiation therapy include:

• Bone cancer
• Brain and spine tumors
• Breast cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancer (esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, colon, rectal and anal)
• Genitourinary cancer (bladder, kidney, prostate, penile and testicular)
• Gynecologic cancer (cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vaginal and vulvar)
• Head and neck cancer (nose, mouth, throat, voice box, paranasal sinuses and salivary glands)
• Hematologic (blood and immune system)
• Lung cancer
• Sarcoma (soft tissue)
• Skin cancer

In some cases, we also use radiation therapy to treat noncancerous (benign) conditions.

Back to top

Treatments

Mayo Clinic Health System offers many types of radiation therapy. Some types are available at Mayo Health Care System locations, while others are offered at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester. Your care team will determine which treatment option is right for you.

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

IGRT uses advanced imaging to plan and deliver treatment. Radiation oncologists take images before treatment starts and before each session to target the tumor precisely.

3D conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT)

3D CRT uses a computer-generated 3D picture of the tumor to guide treatment. Multiple radiation beams are aimed at the tumor from different angles to conform to the exact tumor shape.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

IMRT uses a carefully customized approach. Beams of radiation are aimed at the tumor from multiple directions to match the tumor shape. The intensity of each beam can also be adjusted to minimize the radiation reaching healthy tissue.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)

SBRT and SRS use multiple beams of precisely focused radiation. SBRT is for cancers in your body, outside your brain. SRS is for brain tumors. Because they deliver higher radiation doses, SBRT and SRS require fewer treatments — usually one to five sessions.

Proton therapy

Proton therapy uses energy from protons instead of X-rays, as in most radiation therapy types. In proton therapy, the highest concentration of energy is on the tumor, with less radiation reaching surrounding tissues.

Internal radiation therapy

Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive source placed inside your body. Because the source is close to the treatment area, there is less risk of damaging healthy tissues.

Radiation oncology clinical trials

Clinical trials provide treatments before they become widely available. We offer many cancer clinical trials as part of our comprehensive cancer care approach. Your care team will let you know if you are eligible to participate in a trial.

Back to top

Radiation oncology specialists

The technology used in radiation oncology requires extensive training and experience. All our radiation oncologists have specialized education in radiation treatment for cancer and certain noncancerous conditions. They lead skilled teams that carefully plan and carry out treatment.

Receiving radiation therapy can be challenging. Your team understands these challenges and works together to provide supportive and compassionate care.

Our specialists include:

• Radiation oncologists
• Medical physicists
• Radiation therapists
• Dosimetrists
• Advanced practice providers
• Registered nurses

You may also receive care from:

• Registered dietitians
• Social workers

Back to top

Referrals

A referral is required for radiation therapy. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if radiation therapy is right for you and to arrange a referral.

If you are a provider, you can refer a patient online, by phone or by fax.

Back to top

FAQ

How do physicians plan radiation therapy?

Planning is an essential part of treatment to ensure the right amount of radiation goes precisely where it is needed. Planning typically includes a simulation to walk through treatment. This process helps the team position you correctly on the same type of table that will be used. It may involve the use of cushions, a body mold or a mesh face mask. The team may also mark the area that will get radiation with a marker or small tattoos.

After they determine the correct position, they may take a planning CT scan or MRI. During this scan, you lie in the treatment position. Our radiation oncologists use the 3D image to map a custom radiation plan.

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

When you meet with your radiation oncology team, they will review the side effects that may occur with your treatment. If you experience any side effects, your care team will help you manage them.

How do I know if treatment is working?

Your team will discuss the most appropriate ways to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. Monitoring could include a combination of clinical exams, imaging tests or blood tests.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Our Patient Account Services representatives can assist you with any issues related to billing and insurance. We also offer financial assistance if you are unable to pay for care due to financial hardship.

Back to top

Explore locations or providers near you for details on radiation oncology: