Radiation therapy is one of the key methods of cancer treatment; it uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. The Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center has two radiation therapy departments with modern equipment and highly qualified staff.
Radiation therapy department No. 1 specializes in intracavitary radiation therapy using the Co-60 radionuclide. This method is used both on its own and in combination with other types of treatment. The team is led by Oleksandr Ikonopystsev, head of department and radiation oncologist of the highest qualification category.
Radiation therapy department No. 2 provides external beam radiation therapy for patients with various malignant neoplasms, including cancer of the lung, esophagus, rectum, skin, breast and others. Treatment is delivered on a modern Varian Halcyon linear accelerator, as well as on the “AGAT-RM” and “AGAT-S” gamma therapy units. The department is headed by Oleksii Kolpakov, head of department, regional chief specialist in radiation therapy, physician of the highest qualification category.
What should patients know about radiation therapy?
🟢 Radiation sessions are painless.
🟢 Depending on the diagnosis, therapy is given five days a week for 3–6 weeks.
🟢 Reactions may occur in the treated area; they usually go away within a few weeks after treatment ends.
🟢 After a session, the patient is not radioactive and poses no danger to others.
How does treatment work?
🔹 Before treatment begins, the patient’s therapy is planned:
🔹 The exact location of the tumor is determined using CT or MRI.
🔹 An individual radiation dose is calculated to be as effective and safe as possible.
🔹 The number of treatment sessions is determined (from a few days to several weeks).
The procedure itself lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. For radiation therapy to go well, it is recommended to follow your doctor’s instructions, eat a nourishing diet and spend more time in the fresh air.
Your health is our priority.