Radiation Therapy at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital Cancer Center Services

Board-certified radiation oncologists provide advanced treatment for a wide range of cancers.  In addition to our experienced team, we offer some of the latest radiation therapy technology, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which allows radiation amounts to be adjusted during treatment to spare close-by normal tissue and permits increased doses of radiation to the tumor. We also use a Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC) that allows metal "fingers,” controlled by a computer, to filter radiation beams in a precise pattern for more targeted treatments. In addition, Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold technique is available in certain circumstances to help minimize the amount of radiation that reaches the heart.

Radiation oncologists at Sinai-Grace Hospital treat many cancers, including:

• Bone
• Brain
• Breast
• Colon
• Gynecological
• Head and Neck
• Lung
• Lymphoma

Your radiation oncologist and the radiation therapy team will work closely with your other Sinai-Grace Hospital cancer doctors before, during and after your radiation treatments to coordinate your care and provide the safest and most effective treatments available.

CT Simulator

CT simulation is a process of determining the location, shape and size of a tumor. The CT simulator at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital acquires 3D and 4D images for treatment planning that allows the radiation oncologist to localize the tumor and surrounding areas requiring radiation treatments. The bore opening (85-cm bore) increases patient comfort and allows for more diversity in positioning patients for radiation treatments. It is also capable of acquiring 4D data, which captures the location and movement of a tumor and the movement of the body’s organs over time for more accurate treatment planning and delivery.

Linear Accelerator (LINAC)

One of the most advanced cancer treatment platforms, the linear accelerator (LINAC), is located at Sinai-Grace Hospital. This external-beam radiation technology pinpoints and treats cancerous and noncancerous abnormalities in the body with targeted conformal high energy X-rays resulting in less radiation to surrounding healthy tissues. The LINAC is used to treat all body sites, using techniques, including Intensity-Modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Three-dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT).

Close and comfortable care

Radiation therapy treatments are often prescribed once per day from 1 to 9 weeks. The close, convenient care at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital offers many advantages in addition to some of the latest technology. You will benefit from onsite free parking, pleasant surroundings and compassionate caregivers who will make you and your family as comfortable as possible during your course of treatment.

How is radiation therapy used?

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is used to cure, stop, or slow cancer growth.  When a cure is not possible, radiation may be used to shrink cancer tumors to help reduce pain or problems caused by cancer. For example, radiation therapy may shrink a tumor that prevents a patient from eating or swallowing.

How is radiation therapy given to patients?

Radiation therapy can damage normal cells as well as cancer cells. Therefore, your DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital radiation oncologist will carefully plan your treatment to minimize side effects. The radiation oncologist determines the dosage and scheduling of treatments, manages side effects, and all other aspects of your radiation therapy. The type of radiation therapy prescribed by a radiation oncologist depends on many factors, including:

• The type of cancer
• The size of cancer
• Cancer's location in the body
• How close the cancer is to normal tissues sensitive to radiation
• How far into the body the radiation needs to travel

For more information about radiation therapy at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital or find a Radiation Oncologist, please call (888) DMC-2500.

Other Helpful Hints:

• Family or friends are welcome to accompany you during your treatment. However, visiting restrictions may vary but preferably no small children or those that are ill. Please call the main desk at 313-966-3116 to verify the most updated visitor policy.
• For first-time therapy, it is recommended that someone accompany you to your appointment.
• Refreshments are available but lunch is not provided.
• You may eat breakfast and take usual medications before coming for your appointment unless otherwise directed.