Internal and External Radiation Treatment
Our team of radiation oncology experts provide individualized care and identify the right internal or external radiation treatment option for your specific condition. A linear accelerator is specialized cancer care technology, using highly precise beams to treat the tumor while sparing healthy tissues and organs used to minimize side effects.
Some of these treatments are offered locally in person or via telemedicine. Some highly specialized treatments may require travel to Sioux Falls.
Treatment Planning
Radiation treatments are tailored using 3D and 4D imaging technology. Highly precise beams work to treat tumors, destroy cancer cells, preserve healthy cells and prevent spreading.
Types of External Beam Radiation Therapy
- Linear accelerator technology, which uses highly precise beams to treat tumors, sparing healthy tissues and organs and minimizing side effects
- Image-guided radiation therapy
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy
- Total body irradiation (available in Sioux Falls)
- Volumetric modulated arc therapy
- Gamma Knife® to non-surgically treat brain tumors and other conditions of the brain (available in Sioux Falls)
- Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for breast cancer, certain gynecologic cancers and advanced colorectal cancer (available in Sioux Falls)
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation. During high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, radioactive materials are placed into or near the affected tissue to target cancer cells. Brachytherapy can be used in treating a number of cancers, including cervical, endometrial and vaginal.
Radionuclide Therapy
Also known as nuclear medicine therapy, radioligand therapy is an injection that links a radioactive chemical to a tumor cell-targeting molecule. This molecule then binds to a specific target on some cancer cells, helping to destroy the cancer cell while limiting impact to normal cells.
Types of Cancer Treatments
In addition to your radiation oncology team at this clinic, Avera has a larger, integrated team committed to you. We offer:
- Surgical care including advanced, minimally invasive and robotic techniques
- Chemotherapy and biotherapy
- Genomic medicine (also known as precision oncology)
- Connection to clinical trials that may provide treatment options in addition to standard of care
24/7 Patient Navigation
Nurses and social workers are here to talk through your questions or concerns. The Navigation Center is available to anyone impacted by cancer including families. No matter what you face, there’s a real person waiting to help just one phone call away.
888-422-1410
Second Opinion Consultations
It’s common for people to want a second opinion regarding a cancer diagnosis. We can help. Submit a second opinion request to our cancer navigation center.
Department of Avera St. Mary's Hospital
