Kellogg Cancer Center patients have access to the most advanced radiation therapies available for the treatment of a broad array of cancers—from the common to the less common.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a radiation treatment utilizing a radioactive source (high or low dose) that is temporarily placed inside the body adjacent to or in the tumor.
Deep Inspiration Breast Hold (DIBH)
A sophisticated technique used to deliver radiotherapy to the left breast, while reducing any incidental radiation dose to the heart or nearby organs. Therapists use an advanced imaging system that monitors the breath hold to ensure treatment is consistently delivered in the same place. This imaging, along with the reduction of patient motion, allows for a more precise dose to the tumor only.
External Beam Radiotherapy
This radiation therapy method delivers high doses of radiation from a linear accelerator machine to a localized area of disease.
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy
A form of external beam radiation, this therapy provides a higher dose of radiation per treatment delivered to the tumor over a shorter period of time. It reduces treatment time by about half: from five to six weeks to three to four weeks. Patients can go back to their lives in less time than they would with conventional treatments. Studies have shown that this therapy is comparable to standard radiation in efficacy. Surprisingly, it is also often less toxic. Not all patients are candidates for hypofractionated radiation therapy. Our team reviews each case and works with you to develop a personalized care plan.
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
With IGRT, doses are delivered to a precise location though the use of internally placed markers and daily imaging. IGRT allows for a higher treatment dose to the tumor.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT delivers radiation doses that are electronically manipulated in an effort to increase exposure to tumors, while decreasing exposure to healthy tissues.
Prone Breast Treatment
A unique approach to treating breast cancer, this treatment allows patients to comfortably lie in the prone position (chest facing down) This technique works by isolating the area for treatment. Having the breast away from the body minimizes the radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues, including the heart and lungs. Prone breast treatments are not for every body type. Our radiation oncologists will work to tailor your individual treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Radioisotope Therapy
An injectable and/or ingested form of radiation treatment, radioisotope therapy is used to better target certain cancers while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Our team provides a variety of isotope therapies, including radium 223 (Xofigo®) for prostate cancer and iodine-131 (I-131) for thyroid cancer. In 2020, NorthShore was the first in Illinois to offer a new innovative Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) known as GammaTile Therapy for the treatment of brain cancer.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
Specialized forms of radiation treatment, SRS and SBRT allow for high treatment doses to be precisely delivered to a small area of the body during the course of one to five treatments.