The Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare in Flagstaff and Sedona are distinguished by multidisciplinary medical teams made up of compassionate radiation oncologists, nurses, social workers and dietitians dedicated to providing patients with the latest in cancer care.
During traditional cancer treatment, patients often experience a variety of side effects due to exposure to radiation – a highly effective tool in killing cancer cells, but also a danger to healthy portions of the body. As the science of fighting cancer has evolved, so too has the approach of using radiation.
Our cancer specialists are at the forefront of radiation treatment, utilizing innovative equipment to minimize exposure to the harmful effects of radiation while maximizing its benefits.
David Beyer, M.D., radiation oncologist and medical director at the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare in Sedona, said traditional radiation therapy means daily treatment for up to two months. Stereotactic radiosurgery, or SRS, and stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT, allow providers to geometrically pinpoint the location of tumors in the body and deliver a higher, more targeted dose of radiation in less time – sometimes as few as five treatment days.
Currently, stereotactic technology is used to treat only certain types of brain, lung, liver and prostate cancers, but Beyer said the technology is developing swiftly. Soon, a broader range of patients may benefit.
One major goal in cancer care is to reduce collateral damage to healthy tissue. Stereotactic technology helps ensure noncancerous tissue is exposed to a minimal radiation dose, which means fewer side effects from treatment.
Dr. Beyer
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