Benefits from Radiation Therapy Outweigh Risks for Cancer Patients

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the issues raised by the Jan. 24 New York Times article, "Radiation Offers New Cures and Ways to Do Harm," US Oncology, Inc. wants to ensure that cancer patients and the general public understand that the benefits received from radiation therapy in cancer care far outweigh the risks, and that cancer patients fighting their disease with help from the US Oncology physician network, and their loved ones, can rest assured that extensive quality control measures are put in place to minimize risks.

Cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Radiation therapy is one of the safest, most effective ways to treat this disease. About half of all people with cancer are treated with radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with other types of cancer treatment.

US Oncology is affiliated with a network of more than 1,300 physicians, including more than 160 radiation oncologists. As technology advances, so does the care required by the technical team to ensure patient safety. US Oncology affiliated practices that offer radiation therapy services are led by board certified radiation oncology physicians and a highly trained technical staff. Quality assurance and patient safety are taken very seriously. Throughout the US Oncology network, steps are taken on a daily basis to ensure that each and every treatment is delivered as intended by the physician. 

Practices across the entire US Oncology network follow published guidelines from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine on the performance testing of all radiation therapy technology, comply with regulatory requirements, and engage in a radiation oncology peer-review program that includes a focus on quality assurance.

For more information, or questions about the overall safety and efficacy of radiation and other cancer therapies, please contact Jennifer Horspool, 281-863-6739, [email protected].

About US Oncology

US Oncology, Inc., headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, works closely with physicians, payers, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers, to identify and deliver innovative services that enhance patient access to advanced cancer care. US Oncology supports one of the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research networks, accelerating the availability and use of evidence-based medicine and shared best practices.

US Oncology uses its expertise to support every aspect of the cancer care delivery system—from drug development to distribution and outcomes measurement—enabling the company to help increase the efficiency and safety of cancer care. According to the company's last quarterly earnings report, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,310 physicians operating in 493 locations, including 98 radiation oncology facilities in 39 states. For more information, visit the company's Web site, www.usoncology.com.

SOURCE US Oncology, Inc.