Cancer Care Center

What is Radiation Oncology?

Oncology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and radiation oncology (or radiation therapy) is the treatment of cancer and other diseases with radiation.

For the procedure, radiation in various forms is used to kill cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Therapeutic radiology may be used to cure or control cancer, or to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cancer.

Therapeutic radiology treatment may be used alone, or in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy (the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancerous cells), and/or other treatments.

The level and type of radiation used will be determined by the radiation oncologist based on the type of cancer, location of the tumor, and sensitivity of the surrounding tissue.

Radiation Oncology at Southern Ocean Medical Center

At Southern Ocean Medical Center, part of Meridian Cancer Care, our team employs a collaborative care model, an approach to treatment that helps patients deal with the range of emotions and increased stress that often comes along with a cancer diagnosis. An expert clinical team, advanced treatment options and a comfortable environment are what set our programs apart from the rest.

World-class Training and Expertise Close to Home

Each patient will have a team of doctors that not only includes a radiation oncologist, but also their primary care physicians, a diagnosing and treating surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiation therapist, working with each other as well as the patient and their family, every step of the way.

Our unique Nurse Navigation Program enlists the support of highly trained nurses to help coordinate each patient’s journey through the treatment process, including education, social service aid and insurance matters. Other support services include genetic counseling and testing, psychosocial support, nutrition counseling, rehabilitation, support groups and other services required to ensure the highest quality of life possible.

Participation in clinical trials at both a national and local level helps us to provide patients with the latest in emerging treatments. Meridian Health is the only System Partner of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and closely affiliated with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG).

Advanced Treatment Options

At Meridian, patients have access to a vast scope of radiation oncology services, some of which include:

• Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography (4DCT)
• High Dose Radiation Therapy (HDR)
• State-of-the-art Linear Accelerators with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
• Unparalleled experience with CyberKnife®
• Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation with the CONTURA® MLB Catheter
• Xofigo (radium Ra 223 dichloride)

Environment of Healing

While we often hear the word “experience” and think about the doctor’s professional experience – where they trained, their level of training and how many treatments they have performed each year – it is equally important to think about your own experience.

When you or a loved one are faced with a cancer diagnosis, your focus should be on getting better. With comfortable environments equipped with amenities and access to services like Concierge Care, at Ocean you are able to focus on just that, getting better.

Concierge Care is a complimentary service, available to all patients and guests of the Medical Center, designed to address non-clinical needs, including a variety of services to ease your mind and make your stay more comfortable. Whether you are seeking home care services or need assistance with special dietary needs, our Concierge is here to help our oncology patients and their loved ones when they need it most.

Meet Our Radiation Oncology Team

Your treatment team goes beyond a doctor and a nurse, including a number of clinicians, physicians, and professionals all dedicated to working together to provide you with the most individualized care. Here are some of the key players in your care:

Board Certified Radiation Oncologists

   David J. D’Ambrosio, M.D.

  Joseph P. Lattanzi, M.D.