Radiation Oncology In Mission Cancer Care’s Radiation Therapy Department, we use carefully targeted and calibrated doses of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. The radiation causes some of the cancer cells to die immediately after treatment, but most of the cells die or become incapacitated as a result of the radiation-induced damage to the cancer cell’s chromosomes and DNA. Our radiation therapy services combine the quality and capability of state-of-the-art technology with the expertise and compassion of our medical staff. Our team of five board certified radiation oncologists will work closely with your surgeon and medical oncologist to determine the best treatment options for you. Supporting our physicians is a talented staff of nurses who meet with the patients to discuss any problems, questions or concerns regarding radiation treatment; radiation therapists who have been specially trained to administer daily radiation treatments; medical dosimetrists who work “behind the scenes” with the radiation oncologist to design a specific treatment plan for the patient; and medical physicists who ensure a precise and accurate delivery of the treatment plan by testing, monitoring and calibrating the sophisticated technology used in radiation therapy. Our office staff are on hand to schedule appointments, maintain records and assist with directions and parking. Recognized Care Mission’s Radiation Therapy Department is accredited by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) – Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx). This accreditation is awarded by an objective review of professional peers, and recognizes outstanding systems, personnel, policies and procedures that demonstrate a commitment to safety and quality. In Mission’s Radiation Therapy Department, we perform the following therapeutic procedures: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) Focused Ultrasound radiosurgery is the delivery system for SRS and SBRT Focused Ultrasound Radiosurgery Mission Health - First in western North Carolina to offer Focused Ultrasound The first robotic radiosurgery system, Focused Ultrasound tracks tumors in 3D space, correcting for movement, delivering precise beams of energy with sub-millimeter accuracy – destroying harmful cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue, dramatically reducing time of treatment and maximizing positive results. Now Treating with Focused Ultrasound: Lung Cancer Brain Cancer Prostate Cancer Focused Ultrasound for Prostate For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, how many radiation therapy appointments would you like - 5 or 40? Because of the sub-millimeter precision of the Focused Ultrasound, Mission Health can cut your number of treatments by up to 90 percent. Advantages to the Patient: Noninvasive Minimal side effects Up to 90 percent fewer treatments No immobilization Shorter recovery time Higher precision