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| Radiotherapy Department |
| Below is a general guide to Radiotherapy, as practiced in our department.
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| 1. Overview
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Cancer is a frightening diagnosis. The good news for cancer patients is that
modern medical treatment offers more hope for cancer patients than ever before.
Over half of all cancer patients can be cured. There are three major medical
specialty areas that treat cancer:
1. Surgery. Surgeons in many medical specialty areas treat cancer surgically.
The cancer and possibly some surrounding normal tissues are removed.
2. Medical Oncology. Medical Oncologists (Oncology means "study of cancer")
specialize in treating cancer with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be given by
mouth or intravenously. They often coordinate with other physicians to evaluate
the extent of cancer prior to treatment. Medical Oncologists may coordinate the
overall medical management of patients during treatment and follow up after
treatment.
3. Radiation Oncology. Radiation Oncologists use high energy x-rays in the
treatment of human disease, especially cancer.
Only surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any combination of the three
treatment modalities (including all three) may best manage different cancers.
The decision to use a particular cancer treatment modality(s) depends on many
factors including the site of cancer in the body, cancer type (what it looks
like under the microscope), cancer extent, symptoms the cancer is causing, the
patient's health and other factors.
For the majority of newly diagnosed cancer patients, medical literature clearly
guides the optimal cancer treatment approach. Cancer physicians in different
specialties often spend considerable time discussing among themselves the
optimal treatment approach prior to beginning treatment. |
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| 2. Purpose
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| The Radiation Oncology Department specializes in the treatment of benign and
malignant disease with the use of high energy radiation. Under the supervision
of a Radiation Oncologist and with a highly specialized team of professionals
optimal care is given to all cancer patients. This is done through initial and
ongoing assessment of the patients needs. The department has an HDR Unit for
Brachytherapy program for radioactive treatment. Two high energy Linear
Accelerator is used for external beam therapy. |
| 3. Mission
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| The Mission of the Radiation Oncology Department is to provide in a cost
effective manner, a comprehensive Radiation Oncology program. A highly trained
staff will deliver Cancer treatment care in a warm, caring atmosphere
consistent with the values of BGUH. With the assistance of the hospital
administration and physicians the Radiation Oncology Department will strive to
enhance services to meet the needs of the community. With Surgery and Medical
Oncology working with Radiation Oncology, a multidisciplinary team approach
manages cancer care. |
| 4. Vision
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| The Department of Radiation oncology offers state-of-the-art treatment for
cancer patients including a complete clinical evaluation, staging,
individualized radiation therapy and follow-up care. Depending on the type of
cancer to be treated, radiation therapy is administered either externally by
clinical linear accelerator or internally, using Brachytherapy implants for
localized contact with tumor. |
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Department of Radiation oncology offers state-of-the-art treatment for cancer
patients including a complete clinical evaluation, staging, individualized
radiation therapy and follow-up care. Depending on the type of cancer to be
treated, radiation therapy is administered either externally by clinical linear
accelerator or internally, using brachytherapy implants for localized contact
with tumor.
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| 5. Goals |
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Provide a clearly defined system of resolving identified problems to improve
departmental performance and patient results.
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Provide an effective method of communication between Radiation Therapy and
other departments for the purpose of problem identification, investigation, and
resolution.
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Provide a specific program of monitoring all functions that are essential to
Radiation Therapy in fulfilling its purpose.
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Continue activities of the environmental/safety committee, make rounds of
department. Conduct documentation and report to the infection control committee
and quality assurance committee.
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To meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of each patient with
technical competency, courtesy, and empathy
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6. Programs
and Services
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Consultation
To determine the appropriateness of radiation therapy, evaluation of all
patients is conducted by radiation oncologist. The evaluation includes a
through review of the patient’s medical records and history, a physical
examination and a discussion with the referring physician.
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3-D Treatment Planning
3-D Treatment planning is a complex process that can include treatment
simulation, cast or mold fabrication, special CT scan, and dosimetry
measurements. During simulation, a moving x-ray machine (simulator) is used by
the oncology team to localize the tissue volume to be treated. X-ray planning
films of the fields to be treated are taken. The physicist may also be present
during the simulation to take various measurements to assist in formulating the
treatment plan.
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External Beam Therapy
When the treatment plan is complete and special shielding devices (Ceroband
Blocks or MLC) have been constructed for individualized care, radiation is
scheduled. A typical series lasts from five to eight weeks and consists of four
or five treatment per week. External beam therapy is delivered by a device
called a linear accelerator which generates high energy X-ray or Electron beams
aimed at the tumor from outside the body while the patient lies on a special
treatment table.
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HDR Brachytherapy
Working closely with surgeons and other relevant specialist, the radiation
oncologists treat a variety of tumors with brachytherapy, which involves
implanting radioactive sources into body cavities or tissues to deliver
carefully localized radiation treatment. HDR Brachytherapy is used to treat
gynecological, lung, or any other cancers depending on the medical case using
Ir-192
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| 7. Medical
Physics
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Individualized treatment plans are devised for each patient by the medical
physicist who provide the
expertise necessary for calculating and preparing therapy. In addition, the
medical physicist is responsible for maintenance and quality assurance checking
on the department’s linear accelerators and other related equipment, managing
the department and keeping the Department Up-to-date by implementing new
technologies and procedures.
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| 8. Follow-up
Care
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When the course of radiation therapy is complete, the attending radiation
oncologist, in coordination with the patients referring physician, recommends a
schedule for follow-up care. Appointments are regularly scheduled at 1, 3, 6,
and 12-month intervals as deemed necessary.
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| 9 . Location and Contact
Information
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Our department is located in the basement (floor B3) beneath the
MainBuilding of the hospital. The direct phone number for appointments and
information is (01) 830-450.
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| List of Staff |
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| 1. Radiation Oncologist:
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| Salim Chammas, MD
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| 2. Medical Physicist:
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| Ibrahim Duhaini, MS
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| 3. Dosimetrist |
| 4. Oncology Nurse
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| 5. Therapy Technicians: |
| Zena Hamder |
| Hala Itani |
| Camilla Kozaily
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| 6. Secretary :
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| Huda Hassan |
| Najwa Adada |
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| 7. Orderly :
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| Mohamad Kassab
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