Radiation Oncology

Comprehensive cancer care requires a team approach, treating not only the disease but the needs of the patient and their family.

Campbell County Health's Radiation Oncology area utilizes ionizing radiation from a machine called a linear accelerator to break up and destroy the molecules within the tumor cells. Our Varian 21iX Linear Accelerator, which replaced the old LINAC in October of 2012, utilizes the newest technology offered (including IMRT, CBCT) in the Radiation Therapy field. Use the north, or "annex" entrance to access Radiation Oncology (take a right after you enter the Cancer Center main sliding doors).

What Happens Before, During and After Treatment?

Click here for a video that gives patients an introduction to External Beam Radiation Therapy.

Members of the cancer care team

• Radiation Oncologist: Dr. John Stamato is a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist, specializing in using radiation therapy to treat cancer.
• Medical Physicist: Specialized in radiation therapy physics. Performs monthly calibrations of the linear accelerator, chart checks, dose verification etc.
• Medical Dosimetrist: uses CT images to develop a "plan" for your radiation treatments. This includes determining the treatment area and insuring that as much normal tissue is spared as possible. A 3-D plan is generated on a special computer with dosimetry software to determine the best angle of the machine, shape of the field etc. Plans are approved by the Radiation Oncologist as well as the Physicist.
• Licensed Radiation Therapists: Certified therapists administer radiation therapy, according to measurements and protocols determined by the radiation oncologist and medical physicist.
• Other Support Physicians: Family Practice, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Orthopedics or Pediatricians may be involved in a diagnosis of cancer. Board Certified Radiologists and Surgeons perform procedures to identify and remove cancerous tissue.
• Diagnostic Imaging: X-ray, CT scanning, PET Scanning, MRI, Ultrasound and Mammography are important diagnostic tools used in identification and treatment.
• Laboratory tests and Pathology: The hospital laboratory performs tests for cancer markers and health assessments during the treatment process, and provide blood products for transfusion when necessary. Pathologists confirm a cancer diagnosis and staging to track disease progression.
• Certified Oncology Nurses: The nurses coordinate patient care within Cancer Care Services, and facilitate communication with your treatment team.
• Social Worker: The social worker helps find needed resources for assistance in the home, provides emotional support, referrals to programs such as hospice, if needed, and advice on items such as financial assistance and living wills.
• Chaplain: The chaplain provides spiritual support for you and your loved ones.
• Dietitian: Good nutrition is essential to the healing process. A dietitian may be involved in care to ensure a well-balanced diet.
• Therapists (other than the Radiation Therapists delivering your daily treatments): If surgery or treatment change the way you function in your daily activities, you may be referred to a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech language pathologist for assistance. Physical and occupational therapists provide mastectomy rehabilitation, strengthening and massage therapy.