Radiation Oncology

Leading the Way in Cancer Care

The Albany Med Health System's accredited radiation oncology is the Capital Region's leader in state-of-the-art technology and treatment methods for adults and children.  Our work is collaborative effort between radiation oncologists, nursing specialists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and supportive care professionals.

Radiation therapy uses high-dose radiation to shrink tumors by destroying cancer cells. It may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy and surgery. Our individualized approach enables us to limit side effects, improve outcomes, and enhance the overall quality of life.

We know a cancer diagnosis causes a lot of distress. We are a patient-centered program, knowing that every patient is unique and every patient’s needs may be different. We deliver the highest-quality of care, and design a treatment plan specifically formulated for you.

ACRO Accreditation

The Radiation Oncology programs at Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital are ACRO accredited. Our facilities have voluntarily gone through a vigorous review process to be successful in the day-to-day practice of radiation oncology. Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facilities meet or exceed quality assurance and safety guidelines.

Services We Offer

• Linear Accelerator: Linac based radiation therapy utilizing (VMAT) Volumetric Arc Therapy, (IMRT) Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, and Conformal Beam treatments.
• Advanced Technology: Image Guidance Radiation Therapy (IGRT), 4D Organ Motion Management, and Surface Guidance (SGRT), to precisely locate area of treatment and position the patient.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgey (SRS): Extremely precise technique that allows for the delivery of a high concentrated dose of radiation to be delivered in 1-5 treatments to the head.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Utilization of special equipment to position the patient to be able to deliver a very high dose of radiation to tumors delivered in 1-5 treatments to the body. SBRT technique is often used for lung and liver tumors, in patients who cannot undergo surgery.
• Pediatric Radiation Oncology: Radiation oncology services for children, with full pediatric anesthesia available as needed.
• Radioembolization (Y90): Y90 refers to the radioactive isotope yttrium90, which is inserted into tiny particles and used to deliver radiation directly to tumors via long, thin tubes called catheters Y90 treatment.
• Gamma Tile: Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT) for brain Tumors. A radiation treatment specifically designed for use inside the brain.
• Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT):  Successful radiation therapy is dependent on the ability to deliver substantially more dose to a tumor than surrounding healthy tissues. Image-Guided Radiation Therapy has been newly developed over the past few years to improve dose delivery. Image-Guided Radiation Therapy allows for superior localization of a tumor relative to healthy tissues.
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volume-Modulated Radiation Therapy (VMAT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Radiotherapy requires delivering the greatest dose possible to a tumor while sparing normal tissues. IMRT, VMAT and SRS are radically new methods of x-ray therapy that are exceptionally successful at increasing tumor dose while reducing side effects.
• Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy in which small radioactive sources are placed directly into or near a tumor. Our radiation oncology department has an active brachytherapy service. High-dose-rate brachytherapy has given breast cancer patients an alternative to external beam therapy and has greatly improved the implant treatment of endometrial cancer and cervical cancer.