Radiation Oncology

Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center

Half of all cancer patients will receive radiation therapy during their illness. At UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center’s Department of Radiation Oncology, patients have access to some of the most advanced radiation treatment technologies available anywhere, designed to increase the safety and effectiveness of radiation treatment. Treating more than 4,100 individuals with cancer each year, our patient-centric focus combined with state-of-the art technology means patients can expect the best treatment possible.

We are the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas and one of only 57 NCI-designated comprehensive care centers in the nation. As such, we are held to the highest of standards and are recognized for excellence in patient care, as well as clinical trials, research and education. Our main priority is and always will be our patients – their outcomes, safety, and entire healing experience.

Our facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission and the American College of Radiology – the gold standard for ensuring safety, quality, and patient care standards. Read our most recent issue of The Target.

Personalized Care

We provide personalized radiation therapy treatment plans based on the unique characteristics of an individual’s cancer, including the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as their overall health. Our physicians and oncology-trained staff, which includes physicists, biologists, medical dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, and support staff, are divided into disease-oriented teams, so patients receive care by those who specialize in their specific cancer.

We offer treatment for all types of cancer, including:

We also offer palliative radiation therapy to help ease the side effects of treatment or pain. Visit our patient resources for information on treatment for specific cancers.

"Comprehensive cancer care increasingly means more personalized care. We’re committed to providing a unique treatment that is effective and makes sense."

Robert Timmerman, M.D., Chair and Professor

Adaptive Radiation Therapy

For years, UT Southwestern has been a recognized leader in radiation oncology, advancing research in stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and personalized patient care using artificial intelligence. In May 2021, we added 71,000 square feet of space dedicated to a new avenue of treatment advances – adaptive therapy. This approach combines real-time imaging, artificial intelligence, and modern radiation techniques enabling ultra-precise treatment delivery that can quickly be adapted to changes in patients’ anatomy and tumor size.

PULSAR®, or personalized ultrafractionated stereotactic adaptive radiotherapy, is at the heart of our adaptive radiation therapy program. PULSAR starts with a large “pulse” of radiation therapy, which we can then titrate, or adjust, in subsequent doses depending on how the tumor responds between longer treatment intervals. PULSAR technology may even provoke an immune response, increasing the patient’s natural ability to fight cancer.

Clinical Trials & Research

Clinical trials are crucial in the evaluation and development of new medical treatments for cancer. Participating in a clinical trial is a powerful way to be part of finding new, more effective treatments.

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Education & Training

The Department of Radiation Oncology is committed to providing comprehensive and advanced educational programs to train the next generation of medical professionals so they will be capable of providing exceptional care to cancer patients.

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Patient Information

We offer a variety of resources to help patients prepare for their visit, assist while they’re in our clinics, and support them after they’ve gone home.

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