Radiation Therapy

Today’s radiotherapy is quicker and more precise than ever before. Our Radiation Oncology team uses the most advanced treatment planning systems. State-of-the-art technology is used to deliver extremely accurate internal and external treatments. Whether treatment plans include Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), 3-D Radiation Therapy (3DRT), or High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, patients can receive all of their radiotherapy at our Niles location.

Most importantly, ICS provides world-class cancer care because our team is staffed by highly-skilled and caring professionals who understand the special needs of cancer patients and their families. Our Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Joel Schwartz, is board-certified and has over 10 years of training and experience caring for cancer patients. He is supported by friendly and knowledgeable nurses, radiation therapists, dosimetrists, physicists, pharmacists, and other specialists who work together to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.

IMRT
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced non-invasive form of radiotherapy treatment that allows radiation oncologists to precisely target tumor cells. It uses Computed Tomography (CT) imaging to build a three-dimensional diagnostic model tailored to each patient’s unique body shape.  From this model, an individualized IMRT treatment plan is then produced. By varying the intensity of a complex array of beams, physicians are able to focus the treatment at the tumor and minimize the amount of radiation distributed to the surrounding healthy tissues.

HDR
High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is an advanced treatment that allows physicians to directly deliver precise treatment to a patient’s cancerous tumors through the use of catheters inserted into an area of the body. It is frequently used in the treatment of breast, cervical and uterine cancers. Treatments are rapid and are often completed in a few days rather than several weeks.  Illinois Cancer Specialists is currently administering HDR to certain breast cancers.