Radiation Oncology Services

Radiation Therapy and Oncology Services in Rhode Island

The Brown University Health Cancer Institute’s radiation oncology department includes pioneering physicians, unique and sophisticated technology, and experienced staff.

Using an array of advanced technologies, the department of radiation oncology has a proven record of superior outcomes for patients who have been diagnosed with common and uncommon cancers of every type.

At the Brown University Health Cancer Institute, doctors and care teams utilize the most advanced radiation therapies and customize treatment plans for each patient's specific needs.

What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation utilizes intense energy beams to seek out the damaged cells and kill or slow the progression of cancer by damaging the cell’s DNA. Many times, radiation is used in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, unlike other cancer treatments, radiation therapy can be administered before, during, or even after other treatments to help increase the chances of a positive outcome.

Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about radiation therapy

Radiation Therapy Side Effects

As with many cancer treatments, radiation therapy can have side effects. Because radiation targets cells in the body, it can also affect nearby healthy cells. Most often, the side effects produced by radiation therapy are mild and temporary, and in some cases patients may not experience side effects at all. The most common side effect tends to be fatigue, with the intensity ranging from patient to patient. One of the benefits of radiation versus chemo is site-specific side effects. The reactions that may develop often depend on which area or part of the body is being exposed to the radiation.

Research and Clinical Trials

The Brown University Health Cancer Institute is an active clinical trials site, committed to providing patients with the latest protocols. Our patients have access to groundbreaking new immunotherapies and other new and emerging cancer treatments at various stages of diagnosis and across many cancer types. Cancer treatments include the latest chemotherapy, biologic agents, radiation oncology, surgery, and image-guided procedures—many of which are not available elsewhere in New England. Our physicians actively participate in the Brown University Oncology Group, a unique regional clinical trials network that provides innovative approaches to cancer care.