Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy (RT) is a treatment modality that uses radioactive sources. It also is known as radiotherapy. RT uses high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Because radiation can be harmful to healthy body tissues, proper targeting of cancer cells and protection of normal tissues is essential. Possible side effects of treatment with radiation include temporary or permanent loss of hair in the area being treatment, skin irritation, temporary change in skin color in the treated area, and fatigue. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. The following treatment categories are offered at UAB: 3D CRT, brachytherapy, EBRT-superficial, Gamma Knife Cranial Radiosurgery, IGRT Rapid Arc, IMRT, Radioisotope Therapy, Stereotactic Body Radiation, Total Body Irradiation, Stereotactic Body Radiation, Total Body Irradiation, and Total Skin Irradiation.
Why UAB
UAB Medicine’s Radiation Oncology team is staffed by world-renowned physicians and clinicians, who provide compassionate care and support you through every stage of treatment. As part of the National Cancer Institute-designated O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, radiation oncology works as a team with medical oncology and surgical oncology to develop comprehensive and individualized treatment plans for each of our patients. We encourage patients and their families to take an active and informed role in their health and treatment.
Most radiation treatments at UAB are delivered in the modern and comfortable Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Building. UAB Radiation Oncology offers a wide range of advanced treatment technologies and techniques in radiation therapy, including triggered imaging radiosurgery, medical dosimetry, 3-D conformal radiation therapy, brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, image-guided radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, radioisotope therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, total body irradiation, and total skin irradiation. UAB’s research is at the forefront of medicine, providing our patients with the latest and most innovative medical treatments and technologies, including a method that can precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Whatever your treatment plan calls for, UAB Radiation Oncology has highly specialized physicians and staff with the experience to deliver the most efficacious care possible.
VIDEOS
Proton International at UAB
Proton International from UAB Health System on Vimeo.
Proton International at UAB is Alabama’s first and only proton therapy center. Rather than traditional radiation, the center uses protons to reduce the dose to the healthy surrounding tissue and nearby organs, which leads to fewer side effects, better long-term outcomes, and improved quality of life in many patients.
UAB Radiation Oncology Welcome Video
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
- Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
The Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses, whether they are in active treatment or have completed treatment. Our goal is to help patients fulfill their maximum physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social potential.
The health professionals at the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic help patients manage the side effects associated with cancer. Referrals to the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic can be made by any treating physician or nurse or by patient self-referral. A broad range of insurance is accepted.
Patient appointment scheduling is flexible and based on patient needs and other concurrent treatments. Clinic sessions are held Wednesday and Friday mornings with palliative care physicians and fellows. A physician assistant is available Monday through Friday.
Our Team
Physicians and physician assistants have special expertise in complex symptom management including depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain syndromes, and others.
Nurses support patients by facilitating the clinic sessions as well as managing communication with patients. They are the front line of patient care.
Physical therapists develop individualized programs for each patient to help with coordination, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, or range of motion. Counselors are experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet the specific needs of each person. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.
Nutritionists have expertise in nutrition for patients with serious illnesses.
Massage therapists are trained in all types of massage, including oncology massage, which is a specialized approach that supports the body's health before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our clinic is an active teaching environment with fellows, residents, and students in both medicine and nursing participating in patient care.
Location
The UAB Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic is located on the 3rd floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.
Patients can request an appointment online or by calling UAB Healthfinder at 205.934.9999 or 800.822.8816.
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