radiation oncology

IMRT: Securing a future of hope in the fight against cancer

Few communities the size of Rome are fortunate to have a cancer treatment facility with the technological precision of Mohawk Valley Radiation Medicine. We have the only intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) system equipped with respiratory gating and portal imaging in the Mohawk Valley.  This computer-aided-technology offers superior precision in treating cancer because of its dynamic targeting system.

greater precision, fewer side effects

The advantage of IMRT is its ability to shape the radiation beam intensity to better match the dimensions of a tumor, allowing a high dose of radiation to be delivered to the tumor with less harm to surrounding normal tissue.  because tumors can move as a result of normal internal organ activity, we also invested in respiratory gating and portal imaging technology, which enable us to better target the tumor by following its natural movement in the body.

For example, a lung tumor can move as much as four centimeters with each breath.  Respiratory gating is able to track when a patient breathes, so the treatment beam is activated only when the tumor is in range.  In additions, portal vision facilitates accurate delivery of the radiation dosage because images can be taken while the patient is in position to verify that the tumor is in the treatment field.

For our patients, the new technology means fewer side effects from treatment and higher cure rates because we can deliver a higher, more targeted dose of radiation to the tumor.

IMRT can be used to treat many different types of cancer, including tumors in the prostate, brain, pancreas, liver, breast, head, neck and lungs.  In some cases it even allows the hospital to retreat cancers which have previously been irradiated.  It also allows safer treatment of tumors which are located very close to delicate organs like the eye, spinal cord or rectum.

The ceiling above the treatment table utilizes visual therapy to help patients relax and refocus during treatment.

professional cancer treatment with a personal touch

At the Mohawk Valley Radiation Therapy Center, our highly skilled and credentialed team understands your needs. 

The quality of your life is important to us, and we understand your need for honest and straight-forward information about cancer and treatment.  We will work together with you and your referring physician to develop an individualized treatment plan to fight the cancer.

Linda Schicker, M.D., is the board certified radiation oncologist, who will oversee your treatment plan.  Because she is a full-time provider at Mohawk Valley Radiation Medicine, she is easily accessible to answer your questions and can offer you continuity of care during your treatment.

Mohawk Valley Radiation Medicine cares about the total patient.  We have a patient support room with free wigs and resources to help you better cope with your diagnosis.

what is cancer?

Cancer occurs when your tissue cells grow out of control.  The growth can often form into masses called tumors.

Cancer can affect the prostate, breasts, lungs and other areas of the body.  However, cancer does not discriminate and can affect anyone.

Research funded by the American Cancer Society has helped modern medicine make many advances in cancer treatment.   These advances have helped to increase the survival rates for patients diagnosed with cancer.

In 1997, Rome Memorial Hospital opened Mohawk Valley Radiation Medicine to bring cancer treatment close to home.  It was the first facility in Rome to offer radiation therapy.

what is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is used to treat approximately 50% of patients with cancer.  It is often used in combination with chemotherapy and surgery.  The radiation can be delivered with an external beam, or it can be delivered internally with the use of radioactive sources.

are radiation treatments painful?

No!  Radiation treatments are like chest x-rays.  You cannot feel them, and each treatment ranges from 30 seconds to 2.5 minutes.

what are the side effects?

While trying to destroy cancer cells, some healthy cells will also be damaged; this can produce side effects, depending on the specific area being treated, and fatigue.  However, most patients experience only minimal side effects.

By utilizing diagnostic scans and tests, a precise treatment area is pinpointed to spare much of the healthy tissue from radiation.  Healthy cells that have been damaged can recover from radiation, whereas cancer cells are destroyed.

how long and how frequent are radiation treatments?

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, your treatment will generally last one to seven weeks.  Although you will receive treatment daily, Monday through Friday, your appointment will be short and painless.  The therapist will assess your condition daily before treatment, and you will also see the radiation oncologist at least once a week.

what happens after the radiation treatment?

Continuity of care is an important component of cancer treatment.  Your radiation oncologist will continue to see you periodically following completion of your treatment.  She will also discuss follow-up care for continued monitoring of your health.