The Department of Radiation Oncology at Yale-New Haven Hospital combines the most important considerations for cancer patients who are in need of radiation therapy: the latest treatment methods and highly skilled, patient-centered care.

In affiliation with the Yale School of Medicine Department of Therapeutic Radiology and the National Cancer Institute-designated Yale Cancer Center, the Department of Radiation Oncology at YNHH carefully customizes treatment plans for each patient to optimize benefit, while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. In addition to treatments, full clinic services are also available, including patient consultations and follow-up visits for patients who have completed their prescribed course of radiation therapy.

Read this patient guide to learn more about Radiation Oncology at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Our team
The Department of Radiation Oncology at Yale-New Haven Hospital is staffed by 11 radiation oncologists who simultaneously hold full-time faculty appointments at Yale School of Medicine. An attending physician is on the premises at all times and works closely with our highly experienced staff of nurses, radiation therapists, medical physicists and dosimetrists. Support staff members are always available to explain the treatments and answer patients’ questions.

Physicians

Radiation oncology services
The Department of Radiation Oncology offers a full range of radiation services for all types of cancers treatable by radiation therapy including:

External beam radiation therapy- The Radiation Oncology team at YNHH uses one of the most versatile cancer treatment devices available in the field of radiation therapy called the Trilogy linear accelerator. The Trilogy linear accelerator is a powerful new image-guided radiation therapy system that delivers high-dose radiation to even the smallest tumors.

Trilogy can deliver all forms of external-beam radiation therapy, from conventional radiation treatment and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to the newest and most advanced techniques, such as image-guided radiotherapy. Trilogy’s built-in imaging system can pinpoint the size and location of a patient’s tumor moments before each treatment.

Most often used to treat prostate, lung and breast cancers, the Trilogy can also be effective in treating head and neck cancer, tumors in or near the spine, tumors at the base of the skull, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer and pelvic tumors.

In addition to external beam therapy, other radiation oncology services include:

• Intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy
• High-dose-rate remote afterloading (Gamma-Med) brachytherapy
• Prostate implantation, using the ultrasound-guided perineal approach
• Total body irradiation for bone marrow transplantation
• Total skin electron beam therapy for lymphoma of the skin
• Stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral vascular malformations, pituitary adenomas, and intracranial benign and malignant tumors, using Gamma Knife
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer and other malignancies
• CT-based three-dimensional treatment planning for conformal radiation therapy
• Endovascular coronary artery radiation therapy
• Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Four-Dimentional Radiation Therapy (4DRT)
• Body Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Body SRS) for lung, spine, liver and other organs

Clinical trials
The Department of Radiation Oncology at Yale-New Haven Hospital offers clinical trials for patients through the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation. Many of these trials are sponsored by cooperative groups such as the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), the Eastern Cancer Oncology Group (ECOG), and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Appointment information
The Department of Radiation Oncology at YNHH is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays). Emergency radiotherapy is available on a 24-hour basis. For new patient consultations only, call 203.688.1861 or 203.688.1862.

Parking is available for Hunter Radiation patients, at no charge, in Lot 8, which is adjacent to the department.

Appointments: 203.688.1861 or 203.688.1862
Hunter Radiation Therapy Clinic: 203.688.4344
Nick Papale, Technical Director: 203.688.2945
Mary Starno, Chief Therapist: 203.688.6151
Tasha Santacroce, Billing and Insurance: 203.737.4064
John Woods, Administrator: 203.785.2941

Satellite Locations

Gamma Knife Center: 203.688.4040
Sterotactic Radiosurgery
60 Temple Street
New Haven, CT

Shoreline Medical Center: 203.453.7170
111 Goose Lane
Guilford, CT 06437

Directions

Frequently Asked Questions about radiation therapy

Patient comments

…Because of your professionalism and loving care, each and every one of you has helped me get through this with flying colors. I can honestly say the side effects have been a piece of cake but with your help, your cheerfulness and encouragement, I’ve managed to see this through ok.

In my 40+ years of being in the healthcare field, I have never met a team of healthcare providers who can surpass you all, for your warmth, compassion and kindliness. I have also watched how you deal with all of your patients, and how you try to always present a smiling face and cherry disposition to lift their spirits. Those smiling faces and cheery dispositions did so much to reduce my own anxieties and fear. You all should be proud of the roles that you play in providing the highest level of patient care.

During my seven weeks of radiation therapy, the entire staff at Yale-New Haven Hospital all treated me with dignity, concern, sensitivity, offering ongoing support throughout my treatment. I’m glad I went the extra mile, traveling from Plantsville, CT to YNHH five days a week for seven weeks. It was worth the trip – definitely! Being a nurse case manager, I have experienced several health care facilities throughout the state, and I am really impressed with the whole environment at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

I am thankful for this cancer center; the technology, research and dedication that made it possible. We were greeted by a friendly parking guard, a fine receptionist and warm support. This facility is a place of life and hope.

I am one of the lucky ones. My cancer was found very early and was very small. I was also able to join a research project and am only having five days of radiation. Everyone here is absolutely wonderful, very caring and always cheerful. They really make a bad situation much easier to bear. Thank you all!

Thank you for your professionalism, kindness and humor – all a patient could ask for.