Expert treatment close to home

External beam radiation is a safe, painless procedure that effectively treats cancer and other diseases using a linear accelerator. An invisible beam of energy penetrates the tumor and destroys the cancer cells while protecting the surrounding tissue. We use Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, IGRT,  and Portal Vision, so radiation therapists and physicians can see a patient’s treatment setups in a fraction of the time it takes to create traditional X-rays. This technology digitally captures your setup and adjusts it as needed before each treatment. Portal vision is a critical component in delivering a more accurate result.

High-dose rate brachytherapy, offered only in Sedona at this time, is useful for treating many cancers, and is commonly used to treat early-stage breast cancer; skin cancers; and some uterine and cervical cancers. We look forward to bringing this service to Flagstaff in Fall 2025.

Low-dose rate prostate brachytherapy – a groundbreaking alternative to radiation therapy or surgery. Also known as prostate seed implants, the procedure involves placing small, rice-sized radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. These seeds deliver an ultra-high, cumulative dose of radiation to the cancer, while only exposing surrounding areas to a low dose.

Image-guided radiation therapy, or IGRT, is an exciting technology designed to improve the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Its automated system allows physicians to target and track tumors more accurately. Clinicians can obtain high-resolution images to pinpoint tumor sites, adjust patient positioning when necessary and complete a treatment – all within the time it takes to deliver a standard, non-IGRT treatment.

One of the latest developments in radiation oncology, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT, uses computer software to shape the radiation beam to the exact shape of the tumor. This lets the physician increase the dosage based on tumor volume while minimizing radiation exposure, side effects and the chances of a tumor coming back.

Stereotactic radiosurgery, or SRS, and stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT, are forms of radiation therapy that focus high-power energy on a small area of the brain and small lesions in the body. They can be performed within one to five treatments.

LDRT is a targeted treatment that delivers small amounts of radiation to the affected joint. The radiation dose is significantly lower than levels used for cancer treatment, and it is carefully controlled to minimize risk while potentially offering the following benefits: 

• Inflammation reduction 
  • LDRT can help decrease swelling around the joint. 
• Pain relief 
  • Reduced inflammation may lead to significant pain relief and improved mobility and function. 
• Promotion of healing 
  • LDRT may stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, helping repair damaged tissues. 

LDRT is typically recommended for patients whose OA has not responded well to physical therapy, medications, joint injections or other treatments. It may be beneficial for those with moderate to severe pain and swelling who are looking for a non-invasive treatment option. In advanced cases of OA, joint replacement or other surgical procedures may still be necessary. 

LDRT is a simple, outpatient procedure typically delivered over a series of short sessions. Each session lasts about 10-15 minutes and targets the specific joint affected by OA. Most patients require multiple sessions spaced over several weeks. 

LDRT for OA is supported by many years of evidence-based research. It involves very low levels of radiation, and side effects are generally mild. Some patients may experience temporary skin redness or mild irritation at the treatment site, similar to a mild sunburn. As with any medical treatment, there are risks, including a small but potential long-term risk of cancer. NAH’s expert radiation oncology physicians carefully weigh the risks and benefits for each patient. 

Matthew Greer, MD, and Stephanie Rice, MD, offer LDRT as a treatment option for OA. As board-certified radiation oncologists at Cancer Centers of NAH, they use this advanced therapy to help patients reduce pain and stiffness while improving overall quality of life.