Radiology and Oncology

Radiation oncology

Radiation oncology is a medical speciality that involves the controlled use of radiation to treat cancer either for cure, or to reduce pain and other symptoms caused by cancer. Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the term used to describe the actual treatment delivered by the radiation oncology team.

The future of radiation oncology:
The technology used in radiation oncology is constantly improving. Recent advances have benefited many patients with cancer, resulting in higher cure rates, fewer side effects, shorter treatments and improved quality of life. New technology provides three-dimensional images of tumours that precisely target radiation beams to the cancer, limiting damage to important adjacent organs. Real-time imaging is in development which will enable treatment teams to compensate for tiny involuntary patient movements, such as breathing.