The Radiation Oncology Department of the Ann B. Rodriguez Cancer Center offers patients image guided intensity modulated radiation therapy via our two linear accelerators, as well as high dose rate brachytherapy for many forms of cancer. The Radiation Oncology & Pavilion is located in the lower level of the Reston Hospital Center Pavilion building. This department is led by Rosemary Altemus, MD, PhD who is joined by Jefferson Moulds, MD and a staff of physicists, radiation therapists, dosimitrists and nurses. Our radiation oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, and other physicians so that combined chemotherapy, surgery and radiation result in many advances in treatment of certain cancers.

Radiation therapy is one of the most sophisticated tools of modern medicine. It is usually given five days a week for six or seven weeks. When radiation is used for relief of pain, the course of treatment may last two or three weeks. Daily treatments are given in small daily doses rather than several large doses to help protect the normal body tissues in the treatment area. Patients can expect each daily radiation session to last approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Receiving external radiation treatments is painless, just like having an X-ray. Most patients receiving radiation therapy are able to continue working and maintain a relatively normal lifestyle.