Regional Cancer Care’s Radiation Therapy program serves all of Northwestern Ontario and is one of the best programs in the province. The Radiation Therapy Department houses two high-energy external beam linear accelerator treatment units, a CT scanner, which helps us plan your treatment, and a dedicated high dose rate brachytherapy treatment unit that is used for internal radiation treatments, located in the surgical unit of TBRHSC.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy or RT, uses high-energy x-rays to produce radiation that kills or shrinks cancerous tumour cells. Radiation therapy is effective in treating many cancers however it may not be effective for all types of cancer.

Patients may be nervous when they come for their first visit to the radiation therapy department. However, our radiation therapy staff are friendly and caring, and will soon put you at ease. You will be given information about your radiation therapy treatment and have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Meet Your Radiation Oncologist

The cancer centre in Thunder Bay serves all of Northwestern Ontario and has 13 regional sites that participate in chemotherapy treatment delivery; however the cancer centre in Thunder Bay is the only location that houses the radiation therapy treatment equipment. Therefore, consultation and treatment will all take place in Thunder Bay. You may be able to have follow-up care at one of our regional sites once you complete your treatment.

During your first appointment, the Radiation Oncologist will review your clinical history, examine you and discusses your treatment options.

Your Simulation Appointment

Once you and your oncologist decide that you will benefit from radiation therapy, your oncologist will initiate the planning of your radiation therapy. To begin the planning you will need to come to the cancer centre for a simulation appointment. Simulation refers to a “mock-up” or imitation of your radiation therapy treatment. This appointment may occur within one to two days of meeting your Radiation Oncologist or, if needed, after additional tests are performed.

Preparing You for Treatment

Blocks may be constructed for you that protect healthy tissue from radiation. Dosimetrists plan and calculate the proper radiation dosage. Medical physicists monitor the safety, reliability and accuracy of the equipment, and develop treatment improvements through research. Once this team of healthcare professionals has completed the planning for your radiation therapy treatment, you will be called to come in and start your radiation therapy. At your first treatment appointment, all aspects of your treatment will be reviewed.

How is Radiation Therapy Given?

Radiation therapy can be given in a number of ways. The most common method used at our centre is “external beam therapy” or “teletherapy.” This means the radiation is produced and aimed at the tumour site from a distance. These treatment units are referred to as Linear accelerators and are pictured below.

Another method involves placing a radioactive source directly on or in the tumour or tumour bed and delivering the dose of radiation at a very short distance. This is called “brachytherapy.” Brachytherapy can be delivered over a short or long length of time. At RCC, brachytherapy is offered over a very short period of time. This is often referred to as “high dose rate brachytherapy.”

Your Radiation Treatment Appointment

Your treatment usually begins within two weeks from the time of your consult with the Radiation Oncologist. Treatment is given daily, from Monday to Friday, and generally each treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes. Depending on the type of cancer you have, your treatments may be scheduled over a few days or several weeks. While you are receiving your radiation therapy treatment, you will see your radiation oncologist weekly so they can monitor you and discuss any possible side effects you may experience.