A new linear accelerator at Seton’s Cancer Care Center delivers state-of-the-art, effective cancer treatments to our patients

Patients with cancer can take comfort in the compassionate care and attention they’ll receive at Seton Medical Center, as well as in the knowledge that they have access to one of the most advanced cancer treatments available anywhere. Radiation therapy has long been a safe and integral part of many cancer treatment plans, and the technique has taken a major leap forward at Seton.

We have acquired a new linear accelerator that allows us to be incredibly precise in the delivery of radiation,” says Barry Chauser, M.D., Seton’s Medical Director of Radiation Oncology. “We can deliver a higher dose of radiation to the cancer while minimizing the radiation to surrounding normal tissues.” This leading technology helps patients in two ways: It eradicates cancer cells more effectively, and, by sparing nearby healthy tissue, it greatly reduces the side effects that previous forms of radiation therapy could cause. “Radiation delivery is also completely computerized, so treatment sessions are shorter for our patients,” adds Dr. Chauser.

Radiation therapy is safe, painless, noninvasive, and as effective as surgery for certain cancers. It is used most often for prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancers. Another common practice is to use it in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, to give patients the best chance of beating cancer.

Radiation therapy treatments and other forms of cancer treatment at Seton are designed to be as gentle and manageable as possible for patients. When you choose Seton for your cancer care, you’ll be cared for by experienced cancer experts who understand your needs—body, mind, and spirit—and will put you in touch with resources to help you through this difficult time. For more information on cancer care at Seton, call 650.991.6728.