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Northwestern Medicine doctors use scan machine

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy makes use of carefully regulated doses of radiation to target cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation therapy may be used in combination with other cancer treatments depending on the severity of the condition.

Why choose us?

The Northwestern Medicine radiation oncology team offers compassionate care using leading-edge equipment in a soothing and modern environment that’s close to home. In many cases, you can receive chemotherapy and radiation in the same building, reducing your time traveling or away from home. Our radiation oncologists work collaboratively with medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and other specialists to determine the best course of treatment for your unique needs.

About us

The Northwestern Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology is recognized as one of the leading programs in the country, offering innovative, state-of-the-art radiation therapy services in a setting of multidisciplinary cancer care.

The mission of the Northwestern Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology is to invest heavily in the latest state-of-the-art radiation technology. Cutting edge techniques help our clinicians target your tumor more accurately, plan the optimal radiation dosage, and deliver the most precise pinpoint radiation to your tumor while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Northwestern Medicine Cancer Centers located in Chicago and the Northern and Western Suburbs offer a variety of radiation treatment types for a wide range of cancers.

Meet the Teams

Physician with his arms crossed, holding a stethoscope
The Northwestern Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology is recognized as one of the leading programs in the country, offering innovative, state-of-the-art radiation therapy services in a setting of multidisciplinary cancer care. Meet our teams in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Conditions treated

Radiation therapy may be used for treatment of:

Radiation therapies

Northwestern Medicine Cancer Centers offer a variety of radiation treatment types, including:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital is Nationally recognized (No. 20) in Cancer by U.S. News and World Report, 2024-2025.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Nationally recognized in Cancer (No. 20)

Nurse speaking with cancer support group patient.

Cancer Support Services

Northwestern Medicine offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care that includes support services to help nurture and sustain you and your family throughout your cancer journey.


Looking for a Cancer Second Opinion?

You deserve to be comfortable with your treatment decision and have confidence in your physician. A second opinion with another specialist can help you make the most informed choices.

Winning the Race of a Lifetime

dave-explorepatient (1)
How Oncology and Urology formed the perfect team to get Dave over the finish line.

Related Resources

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

New Patient Form: Learn what to bring and other important information for your first radiation therapy visit.