The same doctors you see in our clinics are nationally recognized for their research and advancement in radiation therapies and technologies.

We are proud of our leadership in many areas:

• We were the first institution in Minnesota to implement intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which is now the standard of care. 
• Our team is active in advancing high-dose rate brachytherapy to treat difficult internal tumors, like cervical cancer.
• We treat early cases of lung cancer, prostate, and liver cancer with high-precision stereotactic radiotherapy when surgery is not an option. We can also use this approach to treat cancers that have spread to locations in the body that are difficult to treat with standard radiotherapy.
• We utilize radiosurgery to treat tumors and other conditions of the brain with pinpoint accuracy.
• Our team is working to refine and modify methods for total body irradiation (TBI) to help prepare both pediatric and adult patients for blood and marrow transplantation. 

We offer several techniques to deliver your radiation treatment both through external radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy.

This includes:

3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) uses three-dimensional scans to determine the exact shape and size of the tumor. Radiation beams are shaped by tiny metal leaves arranged to fit the tumor. This minimizes the side effects to healthy tissues. Several cancer types have seen improved outcomes from this including brain cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) delivers multiple radiation beams directly on the tumor. Our team of experts uses special planning software to minimize dose to the surrounding normal tissues. This type of radiation is often used when the tumor is extremely close to surrounding normal organs.

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) uses multiple radiation beams of different intensities. As the treatment machine rotates, radiation is delivered at every angle. This focuses the highest dose of radiation on the tumor, while reducing radiation to healthy organs. VMAT can be used to treat several types of solid tumors, including prostate cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has a narrower beam of radiation. It allows us to more precisely target the tumor. SBRT may be a good option for patients who are not candidates for surgery, and it can be used for a variety of cancer types, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, and cancers that have spread to the bones.

Brachytherapy involves radioactive material that is implanted in the body. Tiny radioactive “seeds” are placed at the tumor site with a special needle or catheter.  Your doctor will decide which type of seed to use and how long it will be inside your body. Often, this is done as an outpatient procedure. Brachytherapy is used for treatment of gynecological cancers including cervical, endometrial, and vaginal.

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is used to treat an exposed tumor during cancer surgery. IORT delivers a high dose of radiation to a surgically exposed treatment area. Surrounding healthy organs and tissues are protected by lead shields. 

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not actually surgery. Instead, it uses dozens of tiny radiation beams to treat tumors in the head and neck with a single radiation dose. M Health Fairview uses the Gamma Knife® SRS system and the Edge by Varian®. 

Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) is used to improve the accuracy of radiation treatment alignment and delivery of radiation treatment. This technology allows your skin to remain unmarked; it is available at some of our locations. 

Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) is a radiation therapy technique where patients take a deep breath during treatment and hold this breath while the radiation is delivered. By taking a deep breath in, your lungs fill with air and your heart will move away from your chest. DIBH can be useful in situations where radiation therapy is necessary in the chest region, and it is desired to avoid radiation to the heart.

Radiation therapy is recommended at different times throughout your cancer treatment, for different reasons, including:

• Primary treatment: Radiation may be the only therapy recommended to treat your cancer or condition.
• Before surgery: To help shrink the tumor before surgery.
• After surgery: To limit the growth of any remaining cancer cells (often in conjunction with chemotherapy).
• With chemotherapy and surgery: Radiation therapy is often part of standard cancer treatment plans to stop the growth and spread of cancer in your body.
• Palliative care: To reduce symptoms and side effects for patients with advanced cancer.