Head & Neck Cancer Radiation Treatment

At the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center, radiation treatment is a key part of our multidisciplinary approach to treating head and neck cancers. Radiation alone can cure early stage cancers of the head and neck, while more advanced tumors are often best treated with a combination of radiation, systemic therapy (chemotherapy and/or targeted agents) and sometimes surgery. Radiation treatment after surgical resection helps to diminish the risk of tumor recurrence.

Leading Technology. Exemplary Care.

At UTMC we use intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) with daily image guidance (IGRT) to treat all head and neck cancers. These state of the art technologies allow us to more precisely and effectively target head and neck cancers while minimizing the radiation dose received by adjacent normal tissues, such as the spinal cord, salivary glands, larynx/esophagus and mandible.

UTMC radiation oncologists have extensive experience in using stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT) for recurrent and metastatic head and neck tumors. SBRT uses highly-precise radiation treatment, which is delivered in one to five sessions. It can also be used to improve the control of recurrent tumors of the head and neck if conventional therapy does not work. SBRT minimizes the radiation dose received by adjacent normal tissues, and is therefore usually well-tolerated with very few side effects.

OneTeam

At UTMC’s Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center we take a team approach, with the knowledge that the best treatment plan involves an integrated approach using the experience and skills of specialists across the medical care spectrum. Our radiation oncologists collaborate with specialists in medical oncology, surgery, integrative care, pain management, physical therapy and nutrition. Your team of cancer specialists is all under one roof at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. Our team of cancer specialists meets each week to discuss each cancer case, and creates the most effective and efficient multidisciplinary care plan.

More Options

Patients at UTMC have many opportunities to enroll in new clinical trials. Your team of cancer specialists will discuss potential clinical trials available to you, and guide you in selecting the best treatment option for your personalized care.