Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy is one of several treatment modalities used in the battle against cancer. With the advancement in computer technology, the field of radiation therapy has become highly technical and the delivery of treatments extremely precise.

The Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre houses state of the art treatment and planning equipment that serves patients throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our commitment to excellence in patient care is evident in the opportunities staff have for continuing education and professional development that is above the national average.

Equipment

	The Ximatron Varian Simulator is a machine that replicates the geometry of a treatment machine. The purpose of this machine is to aid in the process of planning radiation treatments.
	The Varian Clinac 2100/CD is a treatment machine that has both photon and electron capabilities making it versatile in the treatment of both deep and superficial tumors.
	The Theratronics Cobalt Unit is a treatment machine that uses radioactive cobalt as its source of radiation for patient treatments.
	The Phillips 250Kv Superficial Unit is a low energy treatment machine that is used to treat superficial tumors such as skin cancer.
	The Nucletron Cesium Remote After Loading System is a machine that is used to place radioactive sources within a body cavity, used mostly with gynecological cases.

Radiation Therapy Team

The radiation therapy team consists of radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiation oncology nurses. Each member performs a specific function focused on quality patient care.

Radiation Oncologist

A physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer with radiation. The oncologist will determine the dose of radiation the patient will receive, the number of treatments, and the intent of treatment ( i.e palliation or curative). The oncologist also monitors the patient while they are on treatment and after they have completed treatments.

Radiation Therapist

A health care professional who possesses the technical knowledge and patient care skills needed to deliver daily radiation treatments. The radiation therapists treats and monitors the patient on a daily basis and reports any concerns to the radiation oncologist or the radiation therapy nurse.

Medical Physicist

A health care professional whose specialty is physics and its application to radiation therapy. They have the responsibility of quality assurance on the treatment machines and treatment planning. The physicist provides consultation to the rest of the team on technical matters.

Dosimetrist

A health care professional who specializes in computer planning and calculations for radiation therapy patients. A dosimetrist is usually a radiation therapist who receives further specialized training in the area of medical radiation dosimetry.

Radiation Oncology Nurse

A nurse who specializes in radiation therapy and the associated reactions that are expected during and after treatments. The oncology nurse provides a crucial role in the continuity of patient care.

Michener Institute and Radiation Therapy Students

The NCTRF continues to maintain its affiliation agreement with the Michener Institute in Toronto, ON to educate Newfoundland Radiation Therapy students. We currently have six (6) people enrolled in the program with the intention or enrolling another three in the new fiscal year. Consequently, we will have three (3) employable Newfoundland Radiation Therapist in 2002, and three (3) in 2003, and an additional three (3) in 2004; each of whom are committed to our organization for a five (5) year return-in-service agreement. This initiative will enable our organization to champion a long term human resources plan to stabilize our staffing levels vital for the provision of radiation therapy services for the patients of Newfoundland and Labrador.