Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy kills cancer cells by using high-energy beams that make them unable to divide.
Advances in technology make radiation therapy more targeted and safer than ever. Treatments are usually done on an outpatient basis with some lasting just a few minutes.
The Department of Radiation Oncology at The Tate Cancer Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center offers the most advanced radiation treatments at a convenient location in Anne Arundel County.
Working with experts from medical and surgical oncology, our radiation oncology team carefully considers all treatment options in order to give you the best chance for successful results.
To make an appointment or to learn more about our program, call 410-553-8100.
Our Therapies and Technology
The Tate Cancer Center has advanced radiation therapy technology on site.
- External beam radiation therapy aims radiation beams directly into the tumor. The machine we use is a Varian linear accelerator. Learn more about this therapy.
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) changes the intensity of the beams to deliver a more precise dose to the tumor, reducing the radiation to surrounding healthy tissue. Learn more about this therapy.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is not surgery but a very precise technique used to deliver radiation to tumors in the head and spine. Learn more about this therapy.
- Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), sometimes called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), is the same as SRS except it is used to treat sites outside of the head and spine. Learn more about this therapy.
Clinical Trials
Radiation Oncology Clinical Trials
The Department of Radiation Oncology offers promising new therapies years before they are widely available. Eligible patients can take part in clinical trials conducted at BWMC in Anne Arundel County, or at our downtown Baltimore sites, UMGCCC and the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC).
View open radiation oncology clinical trials at all locations.
Tate Cancer Center Clinical Trials
As part of UMGCCC, the Tate Cancer Center offers a number of clinical trials, such as those combining immunotherapy and radiation treatment.
View all Tate Cancer Center trials.
Patient Experience
Your physician is here to support and educate you about what to expect throughout your time with us. We offer complimentary valet services for all patient appointments.
Ask the on-site cancer care team about current cancer screening initiatives during your next visit.
Learn more about:
Social Worker and Specialty Services
A licensed social worker is available to provide community resources, help you navigate financial and insurance questions, and offer emotional support and understanding.
Cancer Support Services
The Tate Cancer Center offers a monthly Cancer Support Group on the first Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6:30 pm. This free open discussion group offers peer support for cancer patients and survivors as well as forums about timely treatment and care topics. To register and for more information, contact Kelly Harris at 410-553-8179 or visit our Cancer Support Group page.
Access to More Cancer Treatment Options
In addition to the technology on site at Tate Cancer Center, state-of-the-art treatments can be accessed at the UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) and the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) in downtown Baltimore. (At both locations, a concierge program helps you navigate the process and offers free valet parking.)
These specialized treatments include:
- Proton therapy with pencil-beam scanning
- Hyperthermia to increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy by gently heating cancer cells
- GammaPod for early stage breast cancer
- Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for liver cancer
- Prostate brachytherapy