Radiation Oncology

The mission of the Radiation Oncology division at MD Anderson is to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art, quality radiation treatment to cancer patients while integrating education, laboratory and clinical research, and radiation physics to achieve improved outcomes.

MD Anderson's Radiation Treatment Center is the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the world. Specially trained board-certified radiation oncologists are skilled in a wide range of standard and emerging treatments including proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, prostate brachytherapy, stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT), cardiac displacement, accelerated partial breast irradiation and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

By using the most current treatment planning technology available to "map" tumors, our radiation oncologists can design treatments with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that tumors get the most effective dose while healthy tissues and organs are spared.

Radiation oncology at MD Anderson is of the highest quality and focuses on cutting-edge techniques, many of which were developed by our faculty.

At MD Anderson, we are always refining radiation oncology treatment methods to deliver the highest-quality patient care possible. Our unmatched range of equipment includes the latest strategies to treat tumors aggressively, while reducing or eliminating some of the side effects that accompany radiation treatment.

The Radiation Oncology is one of five groups in Texas who hold the prestigious recognition of ACR/ASTRO accreditation. This accreditation is voluntary and recognizes the highest quality for radiation oncology services.

Education and training

Radiation Oncology Fellowship Program: The one- to two-year fellowship offers a unique opportunity to expand clinical and research experience, and cultivate familiarity with the application of such new technology as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, gated respiratory therapy and proton therapy. Fellows can choose five disease sites as topics for rotations or may select fewer sites to gain greater depth. Read more about the Radiation Oncology Fellowship.

Residency Training Program in Radiation Oncology: A four-year program. The contract for continued employment is reviewed annually and is based on satisfactory completion of patient care responsibilities and demonstrated progression of knowledge and skills. Read more about the Radiation Oncology Residency.

Radiation Oncology Elective Rotation: MD Anderson Cancer Center offers clinical rotations in Radiation Oncology to medical students enrolled at accredited US medical schools. We encourage students interested in pursuing radiation oncology as a career to inquire. The rotation offers the opportunity to interact with faculty and trainees within the division at one of the largest comprehensive cancer centers in the world. Read more about the rotation.