Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that utilizes radiation therapy to treat cancer and other diseases. At the University of Florida (UF), radiation oncology is a comprehensive program that offers various treatment options for patients with cancer. The UF Health Radiation Oncology program is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art radiation therapy treatments, including external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Overview of Radiation Oncology at UF
The radiation oncology program at UF is staffed by a team of experienced radiation oncologists, physicists, and therapists who work together to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. The program is equipped with advanced technology, including linear accelerators, computed tomography (CT) simulators, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. This technology enables the radiation oncology team to deliver precise and effective radiation therapy treatments.
Treatment Options at UF Radiation Oncology
The UF radiation oncology program offers a range of treatment options, including:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This is the most common type of radiation therapy, where a beam of radiation is directed at the tumor from outside the body.
- Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): This type of radiation therapy involves placing a small amount of radioactive material directly into or near the tumor.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): This is a non-invasive treatment that uses high doses of radiation to target small tumors in the body.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): This is a non-invasive treatment that uses high doses of radiation to target small tumors in the brain and other parts of the body.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): This is a type of EBRT that uses advanced technology to deliver precise doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): This is a type of EBRT that uses imaging technologies, such as CT or MRI, to guide the delivery of radiation therapy.
The radiation oncology team at UF works closely with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and pathologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each patient.
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) | Delivers a beam of radiation from outside the body to target the tumor |
| Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy) | Places a small amount of radioactive material directly into or near the tumor |
| Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) | Delivers high doses of radiation to target small tumors in the body |
| Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) | Delivers high doses of radiation to target small tumors in the brain and other parts of the body |
| Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) | Delivers precise doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue |
| Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) | Uses imaging technologies to guide the delivery of radiation therapy |
Benefits of Radiation Oncology at UF
The radiation oncology program at UF offers several benefits, including:
- Personalized care: The radiation oncology team works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals.
- Advanced technology: The program is equipped with state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology, including linear accelerators, CT simulators, and MRI scanners.
- Multidisciplinary care: The radiation oncology team works closely with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and pathologists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Clinical trials: The program participates in clinical trials that offer patients access to the latest advances in radiation therapy technology and treatment options.
The radiation oncology program at UF is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of each patient.
What is radiation oncology?
+Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that utilizes radiation therapy to treat cancer and other diseases. It involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
What are the different types of radiation therapy?
+There are several types of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Each type of radiation therapy has its own unique benefits and is used to treat different types of cancer and other diseases.
What are the benefits of radiation oncology at UF?
+The radiation oncology program at UF offers several benefits, including personalized care, advanced technology, multidisciplinary care, and clinical trials. The program is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of each patient.
