Oncology - Radiation
Advanced radiation therapy. Personalized cancer care.
Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment for many patients. At Marshall Health Network, our radiation oncology team combines advanced technology with individualized treatment planning to precisely target cancer while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiation oncology services are available through Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Institute, giving patients access to specialized cancer care backed by the physicians, expertise and resources of Marshall Health Network.
Radiation therapy designed around you
Radiation therapy uses carefully controlled, high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment goals, radiation therapy may be used to:
- Treat or eliminate cancer
- Shrink a tumor before surgery
- Destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery
- Work alongside chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other cancer treatments
- Control cancer that cannot be removed surgically
- Relieve pain or other symptoms caused by cancer
Your radiation oncologist works with the rest of your cancer care team to determine whether radiation therapy is appropriate and develop a treatment plan based on the type, size and location of your cancer, as well as your overall health and the surrounding healthy tissue.
Precision radiation therapy
Marshall Health Network radiation oncologists use advanced image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to help deliver radiation precisely where it is needed.
Imaging allows the treatment team to verify the tumor's location and your positioning during treatment, helping account for small changes that can occur from one treatment session to another. This added precision helps the team target cancer while limiting radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue.
What to expect
Consultation
Your care begins with a visit with a radiation oncologist who will review your diagnosis, imaging and medical history and discuss whether radiation therapy should be part of your treatment plan. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and understand what to expect throughout treatment.
Simulation and treatment planning
Before treatment begins, your radiation oncology team carefully maps the area to be treated. A CT simulation helps determine your exact treatment position and allows the team to create a personalized treatment plan.
Special positioning devices may be used to help you remain comfortable and in the same position during each treatment. Your team then determines the appropriate radiation dose, treatment angles and techniques for your individual needs.
Treatment
Radiation treatments are delivered according to the plan developed specifically for you. Your radiation oncology team monitors your progress throughout treatment and can help manage side effects, answer questions and coordinate your care with other members of your cancer team.
Connected cancer care
Cancer treatment often involves more than one specialty. Our radiation oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists to coordinate care across your cancer journey.
That collaborative approach means radiation therapy is not treated as an isolated service. It is part of a comprehensive plan built around you.
John M. Varlotto, MD
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
- Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center 304.399.6500
Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center
An outpatient department of Cabell Huntington Hospital
1400 Hal Greer Blvd.
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.399.6500
Toll-Free Phone:
St. Mary's Regional Cancer Center
2900 First Avenue
Huntington, WV 25702
Phone: 304.526.1143
Toll-Free Phone:
Find hope here.
At Marshall Health Network, our radiation oncologists deliver advanced, image-guided radiation therapy at Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center and St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Institute.
Our team will help you understand your treatment options, answer your questions and guide you through what comes next.