Radiation Oncology in Arizona

Overview

Radiation oncology refers to the use of ionizing radiation to damage cancer cells to stop them from growing and dividing. Ionization causes some cancer cells to die immediately, but most die because radiation damages chromosomes and DNA so the cells can no longer divide and the tumor cannot grow.

At Mayo Clinic's Department of Radiation Oncology in Arizona, highly trained specialists use sophisticated technology to deliver radiation therapy. In Mayo's unique system, experienced physicians work together to provide compassionate care and the most appropriate treatment for patients with cancer.

Each of Mayo Clinic's radiation oncologists specializes in treating just two to three types of cancer. At Mayo, even patients with rare cancers work with experts who are highly skilled at treating their condition. Patients should always choose a radiation oncologist based on the physician's experience with their specific condition.

Radiation Oncology in Arizona is part of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, the first multicenter clinic in the United States to receive National Cancer Institute-designation for its multisite program. Specialists in Arizona may confer with Mayo colleagues in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota when caring for their patients.

Mayo Clinic is committed to research and education that advances the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Patients treated by radiation oncology specialists at Mayo Clinic in Arizona benefit from all Mayo Clinic programs that research and treat malignant diseases. One institutional review board approves research protocols (clinical studies) for all Mayo group practices.

Radiation Therapy

The key to successful cancer treatment is to provide the appropriate amount of radiation to the tumor while limiting radiation to surrounding normal tissues.

At Mayo Clinic in Arizona, radiation oncology specialists offer advanced treatment options, high-energy X-rays, electron beams or radioactive isotopes to kill cancer cells without exceeding safe doses to normal tissue.

Radiation oncology team members adhere to quality assurance procedures that ensure radiation treatments are appropriately prescribed and accurately delivered.

Treatment

Cancer patients who choose Mayo Clinic in Arizona for radiation oncology treatment experience an extensive and thorough planning and treatment process. Radiation therapy is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Mayo's radiation oncology specialists use two- and three-dimensional treatment planning system and simulators, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SRS) and other advanced modalities.

Locations

Scottsdale Campus (13400 East Shea Boulevard)

In Scottsdale, Mayo's treatment equipment includes Varian linear accelerators with variable energy photon and electron beams and multi-leaf collimation to focus those beams precisely. The accelerators deliver sophisticated external beam radiation including IMRT and three dimensional (3-D) conformal treatments.

Mayo Clinic's Scottsdale campus offers state-of-the-art treatment design and dosimetry (measurement of doses of radiation) equipment. A team of support professionals — certified radiation therapists, dosimetrists and physicists — help physicians achieve sophisticated treatment planning and delivery.

View map of Scottsdale campus.

Phoenix Campus (56th Street and Mayo Boulevard)

Patients at Mayo Clinic in Arizona may use Mayo's convenient alternative location in Phoenix for cancer-fighting therapies. Sophisticated external beam radiation, including IMRT and 3-D conformal treatments, is also available in Phoenix.

View map of Phoenix campus.