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- The Department of Radiation Oncology is a specialized medical field focused on the treatment of cancer using radiation therapy. This department plays a vital role in the comprehensive care of cancer patients by collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals to deliver radiation therapies tailored to each individual’s needs. Radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists are key members of the Radiation Oncology team.
- Some key aspects and functions typically associated with the Department of Radiation Oncology include:
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Treatment Planning: Radiation oncologists collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and medical oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans for cancer patients. They review medical records, imaging scans, and
pathology reports to determine the optimal radiation therapy approach. Treatment planning involves identifying the target area to be treated and minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues.
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Administration of Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapists are responsible for delivering radiation treatments to patients. They use highly specialized equipment, such as linear accelerators, to deliver targeted doses of radiation to affected areas of the body.
Radiation therapists ensure precise patient positioning and accurate delivery of radiation therapy according to the treatment plan prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
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Treatment Simulation: Before beginning radiation therapy, patients undergo a treatment simulation process. This involves obtaining imaging scans (such as CT or MRI) to accurately identify the target area in the treatment position and determine the best angles for radiation delivery. Simulation sessions also include creating immobilization devices and markers on the body to ensure consistent positioning during treatment sessions.
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Treatment Verification and Quality Assurance: Medical physicists and dosimetrists work collaboratively with radiation oncologists to verify and ensure the accuracy of radiation therapy plans. They perform calculations to determine the appropriate radiation dose, conduct quality assurance tests, ensure the safe use of radiation equipment, and verify the precision of treatment delivery.
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Brachytherapy: The Department of Radiation Oncology may also offer brachytherapy, a specialized form of radiation therapy. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumor area. This approach allows for highly targeted and localized radiation delivery and is often used for specific cancer types such as prostate, cervical, or breast cancer.
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Patient Monitoring and Support: Throughout the course of radiation therapy, the Radiation Oncology department provides continuous monitoring and support for patients. This includes regular follow-up appointments with the radiation oncologist to assess treatment response, manage side effects, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have. The department may also offer supportive care services such as pain management, counseling, and access to support groups.
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Research and Clinical Trials: Many Radiation Oncology departments actively conduct research and participate in clinical trials to advance the field of radiation oncology. This research aims to develop innovative treatment techniques, improve radiation delivery methods, enhance patient outcomes, and contribute to ongoing advancements in cancer care.
- The Department of Radiation Oncology plays a critical role in the comprehensive treatment of cancer. Through the use of radiation therapy, skilled professionals in this department work to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Their expertise, combined with technological advancements, contributes to improved cancer outcomes and ongoing progress in cancer treatment.
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Istanbul Aydın University Faculty of Medicine is to ensure excellence in patient care by delivering the highest level of quality within a safe and compassionate environment. The department aims to generate new knowledge about the causes, prevention, and treatment of cancer; disseminate new information gained from our clinical and laboratory research; develop methods to improve outcomes for our communities; and become future leaders in academic medicine and/or healthcare delivery.
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Our Vision
- To be a nationally recognized academic radiation oncology department and the most accessible and trusted privately owned Diagnostic Medical Imaging provider serving our community.
