Frequently Asked Questions

What Treatments Do You Offer?

We are very proud to practice at facilities that offer sophisticated radiation equipment. Services include:

• Teletherapy (external radiation)
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Prostate Brachytherapy (seed implants)
• Brachytherapy (internal radiation)
• MammoSite®
• 3-D Conformal Radiation Therapy
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery
• Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Mountain Radiation Oncology offers a wide variety of modern radiation therapy services. Our physicians participate in the large collaborative research groups, allowing them to offer patients the opportunity to participate in the latest national cancer treatment trials. The radiation is planned and delivered using only the most modern technology and equipment, and the physicians are supported by a quality team of medical physicists and dosimetrists.

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When Are Treatment Days?

Radiation treatments are typically given Monday through Friday, from 8am-4pm. Daily appointment times are scheduled by the radiation therapists and they try to accommodate everyone's requests for particular times. During a course of treatment, patients will see the physician/nurse practitioner to assess their progress and to determine if they are experiencing any problems related to the treatments. Additionally, our staff remains available at any time for problems that may arise.

On the first day of treatment, patients should bring their medication list (include the name, dose and frequency) or pill containers. Dress comfortably. Eating breakfast or lunch before treatments is fine. Any other special instructions will be given to the patient by the doctor prior to that treatment.

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What Happens At Your Consultation?

Everyone arriving at one of our facilities will have an initial consultation with the radiation oncologist. Pertinent information and diagnostic tests/studies have usually been sent to him/her for evaluation. After reviewing the patient's medical profile, the physician will discuss any potential role of radiation therapy, potential side effects, expected outcomes, and the process of treatment if indicated. Additional testing procedures may be advised. A medical history and physical examination will be performed on the day of consultation. Family members are encouraged to come with the patient to share in the discussions. Patients can expect to be in the department for at least one hour.

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What Is The Simulation Process?

Once the physician prescribes the type and amount of radiation that best suits the patient's needs, a simulation procedure will be scheduled. This may be done on the consultation day, or may be scheduled at a later time. During this procedure a CT or fluoroscope may be utilized to identify the tumor and mark the treatment area. Also, various angles and measurements are calculated and the more technical aspects of the treatments are planned from these films and calculations. This procedure may take as little as 30 minutes or as much as two hours, depending on complexity. Prior to the patient's first treatment, customized lead blocks may be fabricated from these planning films to protect normal tissues as much as possible.

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When Are Follow Up Visits?

Patients may be scheduled for post-treatment checkups in the radiation therapy department approximately one month following completion of radiation. This appointment is established to make sure that the patient is recovering from the treatments and to assess the response of the disease. Additional appointments may be scheduled at that time, on an individual basis. X-rays and lab work may also be ordered during these visits. Additionally, MRO encourages patients to return to their primary care doctor and referring physician for regular follow-up.

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What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are controlled, experimental studies designed to evaluate the potential value of new treatment/therapies. Today, clinical trials are recognized as the best method of developing and evaluating improved standards of care for cancer patients.

Our group participates in several national cooperative trial groups including the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Cancer and Leukemia Group, Children's Oncology Group, and Gynecologic Oncology Group. Through our involvement with these organizations, enrollment in the latest national trials is available to our patients. For more information regarding the state-of-the-art clinical trials, contact Community Clinical Oncology Program at 828-213-0145 or 1-800-238-7128.

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