Within The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, Dr. Amit Bhate and Dr. Bharati Bhate coordinate care for patients in the Radiation Oncology Department, an outpatient radiation therapy center dedicated to excellence in all aspects of patient care related to radiation. An experienced and compassionate team of physicians, physicists, radiation therapists, and support staff uses cutting edge treatments and strives to keep patients informed and comfortable.

> Take a virtual tour of the Radiation Oncology Patient Lounge and Treatment Room

The Radiation Oncology Department treats patients with all types of cancerous tumors. Radiation oncology may be part of an individualized cancer treatment plan in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Patients are evaluated using specialized computers that create diagnostic images of the cancerous areas in the body. Radiation therapy is used to radiate only the cancerous area while sparing healthy, surrounding tissue. Patients are usually scheduled daily for a determined length of time, over a period of weeks based on his or her individualized treatment plan.

Types of Treatments Offered

The team may prescribe one or a combination of treatments for your specific condition. Please consult your doctor with questions about any of the treatments described below.

3-D Conformal Treatment Planning provides computer images to show the size, shape, and location of the tumor, allowing the physician to shape the radiation beams to the tumor’s shape and size.

PET/CT and MRI/CT Fusion allows two images to be fused together for more accurate planning and radiation treatment. PET/CT and MRI/CT fusion allows the radiation oncologist to better outline the tumor and localize radiation more efficiently, and in some cases reduces side effects and improves survival.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) provides the ability to decrease or eliminate side effects to surrounding tissues and organs. IMRT may also allow for a higher dose of radiation to the tumor, which may increase the chances of completely destroying the tumor.

Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) provides for a more precise treatment using diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or x-rays, prior to each radiation treatment. Cancerous tumors and organs can move day to day. For example, how full or empty the bladder and rectum are can change the position of the prostate drastically. IGRT allows adjustments to be made to allow for the most accurate treatment possible. This can possibly decrease side effects and increase radiation dose to the tumor, which can also increase the chance for a cure.