Message from the Staff

Welcome to the Radiation Oncology Department in the Regional Cancer Center at Murray-Calloway County Hospital. We understand that your journey with cancer can be challenging, and our dedicated team is here to provide the support and care you need, right in your own community. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis or seeking relief during your treatment journey, we recognize that each patient’s story is unique. From your first visit to ongoing treatment and survivorship, we are here to stand beside you as partners and advocates, offering guidance and compassion every step of the way.

How Radiation Therapy Works

We recognize that much of the anxiety around radiation therapy comes from uncertainty—many patients are unfamiliar with what it is or how it works in cancer treatment. To help ease these concerns, we’ve provided a brief overview of how radiation can be an effective part of your care plan.

Radiation Treatment Types

At the Regional Cancer Center, we provide a comprehensive range of radiation therapy options, including:

3DCRT (3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy):

• Utilizes CT scans to create a 3D representation of the tumor and surrounding tissues.
• Shapes radiation beams to match tumor contours, delivering targeted doses while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy):

• Integrates advanced imaging technologies (e.g., CT, X-rays) to guide radiation treatment.
• Offers real-time visualization for precise tumor targeting while reducing impact on healthy tissues.

SGRT (Surface Guided Radiation Therapy):

• Utilizes surface imaging for accurate patient positioning during radiation therapy.
• Monitors patient movement to ensure precise treatment delivery.

IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy):

• IMRT delivers highly targeted radiation beams that conform to the specific shape of the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
• Allows for varying intensities of radiation to be delivered to different parts of the tumor, maximizing effectiveness while reducing side effects.

VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy):

• Advances IMRT by delivering radiation therapy in a continuous arc.
• Adjusts beam characteristics dynamically, allowing for highly precise dose distributions and shorter treatment times.

SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy):

• Administers high-dose radiation to small, localized tumors over a few treatment sessions.
• Utilizes advanced imaging (e.g., CT, MRI) for precise tumor localization, particularly effective for challenging locations such as the lung, liver, or spine.

SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery):

• Targets brain or CNS tumors with high-dose, precisely targeted radiation.
• Offers single-session or fractionated treatment options with sub-millimeter accuracy, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
• Effective for small tumors and metastases.

Prostate Cancer

At the Regional Cancer Center,  we have partnered with Dr. Stanczyk of Murray Urology, to offer SpaceOAR. SpaceOAR is a hydrogel spacer device used in prostate cancer radiation therapy. It is designed to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy treatment. The key benefits of SpaceOAR include:

Reduced Radiation Exposure to the Rectum

• By creating space between the prostate and rectum, SpaceOAR helps minimize the radiation dose delivered to the anterior rectum.

Minimized Side Effects

• Clinical studies have shown that SpaceOAR can help reduce urinary, sexual, and bowel side effects associated with prostate cancer radiation therapy.

Improved Quality of Life

• The device has been clinically shown to help preserve quality of life for prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Biodegradable Material

• SpaceOAR is made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and is designed to be absorbed by the body within approximately 6 months after placement.

Visibility on Imaging

• The new SpaceOAR Vue version contains covalently bound iodine, making it visible on CT scans and potentially eliminating the need for MRI in some cases.

Radiation Oncology Team

We take pride in our multidisciplinary team of skilled professionals who work together to provide comprehensive and effective radiation therapy treatments. Each team member plays a crucial role in delivering personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Radiation Oncologist

Our radiation oncologist is a board-certified medical doctor specializing in cancer treatment with radiation therapy. He develops and oversees individualized treatment plans, from initial consultations and determining the appropriate type and dose of radiation to monitoring progress and managing side effects.

Medical Physicists

Our medical physicists ensure the safe and effective delivery of radiation therapy. They calibrate our state-of-the-art equipment, develop advanced treatment plans with our oncologist, and perform rigorous quality assurance tests to uphold the highest safety standards.

Dosimetrists

Our dosimetrists meticulously plan the delivery of radiation treatments using advanced software and imaging technologies. They create detailed plans that maximize radiation doses to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Radiation Therapists

Our radiation therapists administer the prescribed radiation treatments with precision and care. They position patients for each session, operate our cutting-edge linear accelerator, and ensure accurate radiation delivery while monitoring patient safety and comfort.

Radiation Oncology Nurse

Our radiation oncology nurse provides comprehensive nursing care and support to patients undergoing radiation therapy. She educates patients about their treatment, manages side effects, offers emotional support, and assists with symptom management, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported journey for each patient.

Our Specialists

Alexander K. Diaz, MD, PhD, DABR, CSCS

Radiation Oncologist

Education

• Undergraduate: BS, University of Georgia
• Medical School: MD, The George Washington University School of Medicine & University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Graduate School: PhD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Internship: Methodist University Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
• Residency: Duke University Medical Center

Board Certification

• DABR, American Board of Radiology

Additional Certification

• CSCS, National Strength and Conditioning Association

Languages Spoken

• English
• Spanish

Why I Chose MCCH

I firmly believe that receiving care locally, surrounded by friends and family, is as therapeutic as the treatments we provide. I joined MCCH so that folks in this community can stay close to home and get the care they deserve.