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.

Images and Videos

This video provides an introduction to the Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center, providing a clear understanding of what to expect throughout the treatment process.

Sonya Sutton faced cancer head on with the help of UAB Medicine.

Welcome to the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB

Personalized cancer treatment focused on one patient at a time.

PHYSICIANS

Drexell Hunter Boggs, MD

Markus Bredel, MD, PhD

Omer L. Burnett, MD

Michael C. Dobelbower, MD, PhD

John B. Fiveash, MD

Rojymon Jacob, MD

Kimberly S. Keene, MD

Robert Kim, MD

Andrew Michael McDonald, M.D.

Ruby F. Meredith, MD, PhD

Arun Paul, MD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

John M Stahl, MD

Christopher D. Willey, MD, PhD

Eddy Yang, MD

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Radiation Therapy. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials