Radiation therapy safe and effective for cancer treatment

In response to the issues raised by the Jan. 24 New York Times article, "Radiation Offers New Cures and Ways to Do Harm," US Oncology, Inc. wants to ensure that cancer patients and the general public understand that the benefits received from radiation therapy in cancer care far outweigh the risks, and that cancer patients fighting their disease with help from the US Oncology physician network, and their loved ones, can rest assured that extensive quality control measures are put in place to minimize risks.

Cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Radiation therapy is one of the safest, most effective ways to treat this disease. About half of all people with cancer are treated with radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with other types of cancer treatment.

US Oncology is affiliated with a network of more than 1,300 physicians, including more than 160 radiation oncologists. As technology advances, so does the care required by the technical team to ensure patient safety. US Oncology affiliated practices that offer radiation therapy services are led by board certified radiation oncology physicians and a highly trained technical staff. Quality assurance and patient safety are taken very seriously. Throughout the US Oncology network, steps are taken on a daily basis to ensure that each and every treatment is delivered as intended by the physician. 

Practices across the entire US Oncology network follow published guidelines from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine on the performance testing of all radiation therapy technology, comply with regulatory requirements, and engage in a radiation oncology peer-review program that includes a focus on quality assurance.