Treatment Planning Timeline

Radiation treatment follows a clear timeline, starting with a consultation to assess the patient’s needs and create a personalized plan. The treatment typically lasts several weeks, from the first session to the final follow-up, ensuring the best care and monitoring throughout.

The workflow

Learn About the Radiation Workflow

Radiation treatment follows a detailed process, starting with an initial consultation where the doctor assesses the patient’s condition. Afterward, a team of specialists, including radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, and physicists, create a precise treatment plan. This planning phase takes time because the radiation must be carefully targeted to avoid healthy tissue. Before treatment begins, the plan is reviewed and sometimes adjusted to ensure the highest accuracy. Multiple professionals work together to ensure the best care, which is why the process can take a few weeks before treatment starts.

New Patient Consultation

You will meet with your radiation oncologist to determine if radiation therapy would benefit you.

Insurance Authorization Request

Depending on your insurance, authorization may take 1-7 business days.

CT Simulation scan

The CT simulation scan is an imaging procedure that uses computed tomography to precisely map the tumor’s location and surrounding anatomy for accurate radiation therapy planning. Your body will be in the position of your daily treatments.

Physics: Image Fusion

Your radiation oncologist may request prior diagnostic MRI, PET/CT and CT scans to be fused to the CT simulation scan. They may also order new scans.

Physician Contours Target

The physician carefully outlines the tumor and surrounding areas on imaging scans, called contouring, to ensure radiation targets the cancer precisely while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Physics: Treatment Planning

Treatment planning involves designing a personalized radiation therapy strategy that calculates the optimal radiation dose and delivery technique to effectively target the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The process can take several days depending on complexity.

Planning Review

Plan review is the critical step where the radiation oncologist and medical team thoroughly evaluate and approve your personalized radiation treatment plan to ensure it accurately targets the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues..

Plan Quality Assurance

The medical physics team thoroughly checks the radiation treatment plan to verify that all calculations and parameters are accurate, ensuring the plan safely and effectively targets the tumor before treatment begins.

Plan Peer Review

All radiation treatment plans are reviewed by a team of radiation oncologists to ensure accuracy and the best possible care for each patient.

Radiation Treatment

Treatments are delivered daily Monday-Friday at the same time each day.

Final Treatment

The final treatment marks the completion of your radiation therapy, a significant step in your journey toward healing and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the initial consultation for radiation therapy?

During your initial consultation, you’ll meet with a radiation oncologist who will review your medical history, imaging studies, and pathology reports. The doctor will discuss the role of radiation therapy in your treatment plan, explain the potential benefits and risks, and answer any questions you may have. This appointment sets the foundation for your personalized treatment journey.

What is the purpose of the simulation session in radiation therapy?

The simulation session is a crucial step where we plan the precise delivery of radiation. You’ll undergo imaging scans—such as CT, MRI, or PET—while positioned exactly as you will be during treatment. This allows us to map the exact location of the tumor and surrounding organs, helping us design a treatment plan that targets cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

How is my individualized treatment plan developed?

After simulation, a team of specialists—including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists—collaborate to create your treatment plan. Using advanced software, they calculate the optimal radiation dose and determine the best angles and beams to target the tumor effectively. This customized plan ensures maximum treatment efficacy and minimal side effects.

What technologies are used to deliver radiation treatment?

We utilize state-of-the-art radiation therapy machines, such as linear accelerators, to deliver precise doses of radiation. Techniques like Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) allow us to focus radiation beams with high accuracy, adapting to the shape and movement of the tumor.

How are treatments scheduled, and what is the typical frequency?

Treatment schedules are tailored to your specific needs. Most patients receive radiation therapy once a day, five days a week, over several weeks. The total number of sessions depends on the type and stage of cancer. Our scheduling team will work with you to find appointment times that fit your lifestyle.

What can I expect during each radiation therapy session?

Each session begins with you being positioned on the treatment table exactly as you were during simulation. Alignment markers or immobilization devices may be used to ensure consistency. The radiation therapists will leave the room during the radiation delivery but will monitor you closely via cameras and intercom. The treatment itself is painless and typically lasts only a few minutes.

How is treatment accuracy ensured throughout the process?

We perform regular imaging scans before or during treatment sessions to verify the tumor’s position and make any necessary adjustments. This image-guided approach ensures that radiation is delivered precisely, accounting for any slight movements or changes in anatomy.

What safety measures are in place during radiation therapy?

Patient safety is our top priority. Our equipment undergoes rigorous daily checks, and our staff follows strict protocols to ensure accurate dose delivery. The treatment room is designed to contain radiation, and real-time monitoring systems are in place to track each session.

How is my progress monitored during the treatment course?

Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular meetings with your radiation oncologist and care team to assess your response and manage any side effects. Additional imaging or blood tests may be ordered to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy and make adjustments if necessary.

What follow-up care is provided after radiation therapy is completed?

After completing treatment, you’ll enter a follow-up care phase where we monitor your recovery and long-term health. This includes scheduled appointments for physical exams, imaging studies, and lab tests. Your care team will also provide guidance on managing any lingering side effects and discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.