Radiation oncology at Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Portsmouth Regional Hospital’s new radiation oncology suite provides patients with easy access to care – private parking and entrance as well as a beautiful, calm and comfortable space – during a difficult time. We recognize patients being treated with radiation oncology often have daily appointments for many weeks at a time, and that the treatment can have numerous side effects, including nausea and fatigue. We want to ensure you receive high-quality care quickly, safely and comfortably, so you can return home, close to your support system.

To learn more about our radiation therapy services or to schedule an appointment, call (603) 559-4188.

Advanced technology in experienced hands

You can rely on our experienced oncology team to offer you access to the most advanced technology for cancer-fighting radiation therapy. Our interventional radiologists, physicians and clinical staff perform procedures with this equipment to deliver better patient outcomes.

You and your physician typically choose from two general types of radiation therapy—external beam or internal beam — or a combination of both types, all of which can be provided at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

What is radiation oncology?

There are two types of radiation: External beam radiation and internal radiation.

  • External beam radiation: Procedures using external beam radiation may involve image–guided radiation therapy and intensity–modulated radiation therapy, which link highly detailed imaging scans with focused radiation beams to target certain small, well–defined tumors.
  • Internal radiation: Internal radiation treatments, also known as brachytherapy, involve inserting a source of radioactive material — often called a “seed” — into a body cavity. For treatment of gynecological cancer or prostate cancer, this sealed source is sent into the body through a catheter for a short period of time, usually just a few minutes.

High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy

HDR brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that delivers targeted treatment to specific areas affected by cancer. It is commonly used to treat the following types of cancer:

  • Cervical
  • Uterine
  • Vaginal
  • Prostate

During HDR brachytherapy, a catheter is placed inside the body — either directly or adjacent to the tumor or surgical site. This catheter is then connected to a radioactive source, which delivers a concentrated dose of radiation in less than 10 minutes.

Most patients receive three to five HDR sessions over a period of two to three weeks. Because the radiation is delivered preciously to the area of concern, HDR minimizes exposure to surrounding healthy tissue and reduces potential side effects.

Cancer patients outside of Portsmouth Regional Hospital who require radiation treatment can ask their oncologist for a referral to this program.