Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy at UVM Cancer Center
Comprehensive cancer care often includes radiation therapy. This treatment uses concentrated energy to destroy cancer cells and lower the likelihood of recurrence. At University of Vermont Health, you are in the skilled hands of a nationally recognized radiation oncology team.
As a patient of UVM Health, you have access to leading-edge radiation therapy technologies and expertise without having to travel far. We consider your personal preferences and all of your medical needs, so you feel cared for at every step.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the leading cancer programs in the region, we offer:
- Innovative treatments: As a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers performing several investigative physician-led studies.
- Coordinated care: Our team of radiation oncologists work closely with surgeons, medical oncologists and other specialists to personalize your care and treatment plan.
- Convenience: Our network of providers gives you access to radiation oncology treatments in clinic locations across Vermont or northern New York. Whenever possible, we schedule your appointments with multiple members of your care team on the same day.
Cancers We Treat with Radiation Therapy
What to Expect From a Radiation Treatment
UVM Health radiation oncology facilities are designed with your needs in mind. You receive treatments in a comfortable, friendly environment.
Our nurses, therapists and front desk staff take extra steps to help you feel welcome and cared for during treatment sessions. Our patients often tell us they feel supported and listened to, and that treatments went as smoothly as possible.
When you arrive for your radiation treatment, you will be escorted to a private changing room. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Your radiation therapist will bring you to a treatment room and position you on a table.
Radiation comes from a machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC) that will be placed near your body and then rotate around you. The machine is designed to give the exact dose of radiation to the area of your body that needs to be treated. You will receive the same treatment dose at every visit, unless informed otherwise.
Once you have been positioned under the LINAC, the therapists will leave the room. However, they will still be able to see and communicate with you through cameras and an intercom. Each treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes, although your first appointment will be longer.
When treatment is finished, your therapist will come back into the room to help you off the table, and escort you back to the changing room. They will provide you with your treatment dates and times, review your upcoming appointments, and make scheduling adjustments as needed.
Clinical Trials
The UVM Cancer Center supports more than 100 active clinical trials focused on prevention, screening, treatment, supportive care and survivorship.
Benefits of Radiation Oncology Care
Our experienced team works together to deliver coordinated, seamless care that meets your unique needs. You benefit from the expertise of:
- Radiation oncologists: Specialize in specific cancers, including ones affecting the breast, brain, lung, prostate and gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. Our radiation oncologists check in with you weekly about your care and treatment.
- Medical physicists: Ensure accurate delivery of your prescribed treatment plan
- Dosimetrists: Specialize in planning the delivery of radiation therapy for cancer patients
- Radiation therapists: Provide accurate positioning for treatment delivery
- Simulation therapists: Help prepare you for treatment by simulating your body position during treatment to ensure effective and accurate radiation delivery
- Nurses: Will check in with you weekly and help support you through your care
- Medical assistants: Work alongside physicians and perform duties like taking your medical history and recording your vital signs.
- Social work: Social workers help you improve your well-being in the face of difficult circumstances.
- Support staff: Handle billing and scheduling and work to make your experience as streamlined as possible
We use minimizing doses to healthy tissue using modern radiation therapy techniques.
Care for gynecologic cancers may involve brachytherapy, otherwise known as internal radiation.
For breast and lung cancer, treatments may also involve respiratory gating, or deep inspiration breath hold, a technique in which external monitors are used to track breathing and deliver radiation after a patient has taken a full breath. This approach is used to protect the heart.
We also perform a CT scan before all cancer treatments that enables our team to simulate treatments and create a plan that will minimize dose to healthy tissue.
We use the latest research-based methods for care, including: IMRT, SBRT, breath hold and brachytherapy.
Our cancer experts are also exploring new opportunities for enhancing treatment outcomes with radiation oncology. In recurring cancers like glioblastoma (brain tumor), we are evaluating whether radiation in combination with immunotherapy is effective.
Our team uses leading techniques to deliver effective radiation therapy in less time.
Patient Resources
Review our series of explainer videos to help you prepare for upcoming radiation therapy appointments.
Learn how to protect your heart while receiving radiation treatment, using Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH). This technique may not work for all patients, and we may use alternative techniques to protect your heart.
Helpful guidance to prepare you for your first HDR appointment and treatment at University of Vermont Health - UVM Medical Center.
Learn about how to prepare your bladder for some radiation therapy procedures.
Awards & Certifications
American College of Radiology Accreditation
All radiation oncology facilities across UVM Health maintain accreditation from the American College of Radiology or the American College of Radiation Oncology for radiation oncology excellence. These distinctions are only awarded to top programs that consistently deliver safe, high-quality care.
Locations near you
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75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-1438
130 Fisher Road
Berlin, VT 05602-8132
160 Allen Street
Rutland, VT 05701-4560
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Garden Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
23 Fourth Street
Suite 1 & 2
Malone, NY 12953-1331
