Radiation Oncology

We understand that getting a cancer diagnosis can be surprising and life changing. We provide the most innovative radiation therapies with comfort and compassion. 

Our approach to radiation oncology

At UCI Health, we use the most advanced radiation oncology to deliver radiation much faster and more accurately than conventional radiotherapy. More than half of all patients with cancer will require radiation at some point during their care. 

We treat cancers throughout the body, including brain, breast, head and neck, lung, abdomen and prostate. 

We also personalize your care so you receive the best possible outcome.

We will review your health history, including: 

• Images
• Biopsies
• Other physicians’ or oncologists’ assessments

A team focused on you

Your first visit will be with a physician to review your medical history and evaluate your condition. 

We will also discuss the role of radiotherapy as part of your treatment, along with potential benefits and side effects. We will also answer any questions you may have and be with you every step of the way.

At the end of the visit, you and your radiation oncologist will decide whether radiotherapy is the right choice for you. 

Your care team will also include: 

• Medical physicists 
• Medical dosimetrists 
• Radiation therapists
• Oncology nurses

They all work together — and with you — to plan your treatment. 

Simulation

If you decide to proceed with radiation, we will first simulate your treatment. Radiation is most effective when aimed at the same target every time you receive treatment. 

Your radiation therapist and physician will work together to outline the treatment area. Devices will also assist in holding your body in a specific position to ensure accuracy. We will use a CT scan to design your treatment. 

Treatment 

You will begin treatment about one week after simulation. 

When you arrive, our radiation therapists will position you on the treatment table. You will not see or feel the radiation as it is delivered. Treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the entire appointment takes about 30 to 45 minutes. You can resume your usual daily activities after finishing treatment. 

Once a week, you will meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss any issues or questions you have. 

Follow-up

Once you complete radiation therapy, we will schedule routine follow-up visits to check on your recovery and treatment effectiveness. We will use CT scans or MRI to ensure the tumor is gone.

Why choose UCI Health for radiation oncology?

A holistic approach

We focus on all aspects of treating you as a person. A dietitian will help you with nutrition to manage the side effects of cancer treatment. A social worker can help you locate resources during the course of your treatment, including:

• Lodging
• Financial concerns
• Transportation
• Support groups
• Coping techniques
• And more

Advanced radiation treatments for cancer

UCI Health is one of the only healthcare systems in Orange County and the region to offer the TrueBeamTM STx and RapidArc radiotherapy systems. These advanced radiotherapy and radiosurgery treatments deliver faster and more accurate beams to destroy tumors. These also minimize effects on healthy tissue, meaning shorter treatment times and less pain. 

Nationally recognized cancer care

We’re part of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Orange County. This gives you access to clinicians who are leaders in improving cancer care, clinical trials and the most advanced radiation oncology treatments.

As Orange County’s only academic medical center, UCI Health is at the forefront of medical research. Studies consistently show that quality of life and survival rates are better when you choose an academic medical center. 

Collaborative care

Our team includes radiation oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, medical dosimetrists and other specialists. These specialists work with your surgeon, medical oncologist and other healthcare professionals to provide efficient, compassionate and comfortable care. They determine the right plan just for you.