Radiation Therapy at UC Davis Cancer Center
Radiation Therapy (RT) is used to destroy tumor or leukemia cells to help control cancer. The
treatments take place at the UC Davis Cancer Center in the Radiation Oncology Department. The
doctor in this area is called a radiation oncologist. This doctor will explain to you:
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How the staff will give RT to your child;
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What areas of your child’s body will be treated; and
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How long the treatment will last.
A staff member will discuss the treatment plan with you. This plan will tell you how long your child
may be in Radiation Oncology at each visit and the total number of treatments your child may have.
Radiation therapy guidelines
By following these guidelines, you will help us better serve you and your child.
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Before the first treatment, your child will have a CT scan and sometimes an MRI for planning
purposes. The scan will focus on the area of the body that will be treated. A staff member will put
marks on your child’s skin in this area. This is called “simulation.”
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Be on time for radiation therapy visits. If you will be late, call (916) 734-5823. If you are late, you
may have to wait until other patients receive their treatments.
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Before each visit, check in at the front desk and sign in with your tan card at the card reader.
Then, go to the Radiation Oncology dressing room. Please wait in the dressing room until a
radiation therapist calls your child for treatment.
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For children younger than age 5, the staff may use anesthesia. This medicine will help your child
stay still during the treatments. If anesthesia is needed, a nurse will give you NPO (nothing by
mouth) guidelines. The nurse will also tell you when to come to the Radiation Oncology clinic.
Parents and family members should stay in the Radiation Oncology waiting area. This helps the
staff focus on the patient and the treatment. A parent or other adult should always accompany the
patient when he or she comes to Radiation Oncology for exams and treatments.
During your radiation treatment plan
Your child will go to the nurse’s station once a week to see the radiation oncologist. This is called a
“status check.” It is a brief visit to determine how your child is tolerating radiation therapy. If your
child is having problems between these weekly visits, please call the nurse’s station and discuss them
with your nurse.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns after reading this handout, talk to a doctor, nurse or other staff
member in Radiation Oncology. Call (916) 734-5823.
Adapted with permission from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Revised 6/05
UC Davis Cancer Center 12/06
w w w. u c d m c . u c d a v i s . e d u / c a n c e r
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