Radiation Oncology

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The Department of Radiation Oncology at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center plays a central role in treating adults and children with cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Children's Hospital. Our care providers work closely together to develop an individualized radiation therapy plan for each patient, and to provide supportive resources before and after treatment.

As part of your cancer care plan, you may be referred for some form of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a part of treatment for about two-thirds of patients with cancer.

We understand that the prospect of radiation therapy may make you anxious, particularly with regard to side effects and safety concerns. We want to assure you that your treatment plan will be customized for you and carried out by a team that includes physicians, nurses, radiation therapists, medical physicists, and experts who calculate radiation doses. Learn more about radiation therapy safety.

The Department of Radiation Oncology has two separate units, one at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the other at Dana-Farber, staffed by providers who work at both locations. Our radiation oncologists treat more than 2,700 patients annually, in collaboration with the specialists in Dana-Farber's disease-specific treatment centers.

In addition, we provide expert, community-based radiation oncology services at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center and Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at South Shore Health.

Radiation therapy is a fast-moving field that is continually bringing new advances to patients. Our specialists are committed to providing the latest developments that have proven both effective and safe.

Diseases We Treat


Different types of cancer require different radiation therapy approaches. Our clinicians have specialized knowledge in treating each type of cancer for which radiation therapy is indicated, and you will be matched with the most knowledgeable team members for your specific case.

Cancers treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology include breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, gynecologic cancers, head and neck cancers, sarcomas, thoracic cancer, lymphoma, and cancers of the central nervous system.

Services and Support at Dana-Farber

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Becoming Our Patient

As a new Dana-Farber patient, find answers to questions about your first visit: what to bring, how to find us, where to park, and how to prepare.

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Resources and Support Services

We offer a wide range of support programs and resources for patients, caregivers, and loved ones. Our supportive services are designed to help you navigate your care experiences with greater comfort and ease.

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How Our Patients Rate Dana-Farber

See patient satisfaction survey results for different Dana-Farber locations collected by Press Ganey, an independent company experienced in patient satisfaction surveying.