Radiation Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with cancer?
If you're facing cancer, you are not alone. At UPMC, we’re here to walk beside you with expert care, compassion, and unwavering support. From the moment of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, we’re dedicated to helping you live fully and confidently every step of the way.
If you’re seeking clear answers, advanced radiation therapy, or compassionate specialists who listen and guide you, the Radiation Oncology team at UPMC Hillman is here to help.
How Our Radiation Oncology Team Can Help with Cancer Treatment
The radiation oncology team at UPMC Hillman uses the latest technology for your cancer treatment. Our goal is to provide advanced treatment options while reducing side effects.
From the moment of imaging to the final delivery of treatment, we harness the most advanced technologies available — including AI-driven tools, tattooless SGRT (Surface Guided Radiation Therapy), and Varian HyperSight — to ensure every step is precise, personalized, and powerful.
This cutting-edge approach allows us to treat cancer with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, helping protect healthy tissue while enhancing outcomes. It’s not just radiotherapy — it’s a smarter, faster, and more patient-centered way to fight cancer.
Types of Radiation Treatment
At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we deliver state-of-the-art radiation treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.
Our radiation therapy techniques and methods include:
- Radiosurgery (Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) with Varian TrueBeam® HyperArc / Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR)): advanced, non-invasive treatments use highly focused radiation beams to target tumors with sub-millimeter precision. Often delivering results comparable to surgery.
- Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) with Varian TrueBeam® HyperSight: This precision method allows for real-time imaging to target tumors more accurately, improving outcomes while reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissue.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): This cutting-edge technique uses varying radiation doses to target tumors with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) with Varian TrueBeam® RapidArc Technology: A highly efficient method that delivers precise radiation from all angles, allowing for faster treatments with enhanced accuracy.
Why Types of Cancer Are Treated with Radiation?
Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option for many types of cancer and at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center we can provide radiosurgery and/or conventional radiotherapy for most common types that typically require radiation oncology as part of their care.
Our expert team provides care based on a thorough evaluation of each patient’s medical documentation and clinical needs.
Every treatment plan is personalized to ensure the highest level of precision, safety, and effectiveness.
How does radiation treat different types of cancer?
Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in many cancer treatment plans. It works by directing high-energy x-rays at the tumor to destroy cancer cells.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is a leader in the use of radiation.
What to Expect During Cancer Radiation Treatment
Your radiation oncologist will design a treatment plan that will:
- Ensure treatment only affects your cancer while protecting the rest of your body.
- Outline how much radiation you'll receive.
- Include your total number of treatment days.
Radiation therapists at UPMC Hillman:
- Have training in radiation treatment delivery and patient care.
- Will treat health problems that may arise during your treatment.
- Are here for you before, during, and after radiation cancer treatments.
Your first radiation cancer treatment consult
A receptionist will meet you when you arrive at UPMC Hillman.
You will then meet your radiation oncologist who will:
- Talk to you about your type of cancer.
- Do a physical exam.
- Propose a treatment plan aligned with international guidelines for your specific cancer type and stage.
- Thoroughly explain your treatment plan, including the expected outcomes and potential side effects, so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Ask questions during your first visit. It is helpful to bring a family member or friend to the appointment to take notes.
Your second visit – simulation and treatment planning
Your second visit will simulate your planned treatment. You will not receive radiation treatment during this visit.
To plan your treatment, your doctor:
- Uses high-resolution CT scanners — and, when needed, MR and/or PET/CT — enhanced with AI-powered tools to accurately visualize and define the tumor. This allows us to precisely identify the area to be treated and tailor the radiation therapy with maximum accuracy and effectiveness.
- No permanent marks — just precision and comfort. It also removes an unnecessary source of discomfort for patients, allowing for a more dignified and patient-friendly experience throughout their care journey.
- We prioritize patient comfort without compromising precision. That’s why we use the latest positioning accessories, such as vacuum mattresses and open-face head masks, which help patients feel secure and relaxed during treatment. These innovations reduce feelings of claustrophobia and eliminate unnecessary discomfort, making the entire radiotherapy experience more tolerable and patient-friendly — especially during longer sessions.
Third visit – your first radiation cancer treatment
Your radiation therapist will:
- Greet you in the waiting area.
- Tell you what to expect during your first treatment and answer your questions.
- Get you into the right position for your treatment.
- Take a final set of images as a quality check before giving you your dose of radiation.
Ongoing radiation cancer treatment
How many radiation treatments you need will depend on your diagnosis.
Some treatments may be completed in a single session, which typically lasts 30 minutes or more. Others may require multiple visits over several weeks, with each daily session usually taking around 15 minutes.
On treatment days, many people can go back to work and resume their normal routine.
What Choose UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for Radiation Oncology?
At UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, we provide trusted and compassionate care through a multidisciplinary approach. Our team of experts, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists, develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
As part of the UPMC Hillman global network, our medical team in Croatia and the U.S. work closely together to determine the best course of treatment and care for each patient. This partnership makes it possible for you to receive world-class cancer care close to home.
Expert Cancer Care and Treatment Options
In addition to Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers other services to support your cancer journey, including:
Contact Us About Radiation Oncology at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
If you or your physician believes radiation oncology could be an important next step in your care, our experienced team is ready to help.
Contact UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to schedule your appointment or learn more about the process.
Phone: +385 (0)49 638 710
Email: info@upmc.hr
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center brings world-class cancer care closer to home.