Radiation Oncology

Patient Care

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State-of-the-art, personalized care for cancer patients

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy, either alone or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy. The USC Department of Radiation Oncology offers state-of-the-art radiation treatment in a modern, comprehensive facility, offering a broad spectrum of radiotherapy capabilities, including:

Staff perform procedure on a patient lying down

Therapies

The USC Department of Radiation Oncology provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art radiation treatment facility, offering a broad spectrum of radiotherapy capabilities, including:

  • Despite the name, radiosurgery is done without any knives or scalpels. USC is proud to offer two systems for radiosurgery.

    Linear-accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive system that uses focused beams of radiation from a linear accelerator and several real-time imaging systems to ensure precise targeting of brain tumors. A plastic mesh mask, which has a window for the eyes and nose, is used to align the patient with millimetric accuracy. Linear-accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery is performed at Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles, as well as our regional clinics in Santa Clarita, Arcadia, Buena Park, and Newport Beach.

    USC is proud to offer the only Gamma Knife facility in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. The Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™ is a non-invasive system that uses 192 converging beams of radiation to treat brain tumors and benign conditions such as vascular malformations. Typically performed in a single outpatient treatment session without general anesthesia, the Gamma Knife avoids incisions and long hospital stays. The Gamma Knife Icon is able to perform stereotactic radiosurgery with ultraprecise, sub-millimetric precision without necessarily using a restrictive headframe (as was required with previous Gamma Knife models). Gamma Knife radiosurgery is performed at Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles.

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    Visual

    In 3D conformal radiotherapy, converging x-ray beams meet to target a tumor and any surrounding areas at risk for microscopic spread from that tumor. Cautious positioning (including prone positioning when appropriate), images of your unique anatomy, and strategic beam geometry are used to optimally target the areas at risk while sparing your normal tissues.

  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a specialized form of radiation therapy that uses multiple smaller beams in place of a single, larger beam of radiation to create a more customized and precise distribution of radiation for your anatomy. Your radiation oncologist designates the desired dose placement, and inverse-planning software works backward to determine the shielding configuration and balance of beams intensities to achieve this goal. In IMRT, the metal leaves for blocking the radiation beam are moving in real time while the beam of radiation is on, so that the dose from each of several intersecting beams is finely modulated. While each small beam is directed at your body, the beam is shaped in real time by moving metal rectangles called a multi-leaf collimator. The motion of the metal rectangles is calculated and pre-planned to optimally modulate the radiation dose so that normal tissues can be strategically shielded.

    Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is a subtype of IMRT in which the beam moves in a continuous arc around your body while the moving rectangles are modulating the dose. This allows faster treatment completion (typically 2-5 minutes) and can further optimize the conformity of the dose so that normal tissues are further spared.

    Randomized trials have shown improvements in toxicities with IMRT/VMAT as compared to traditional 3D conformal radiation therapy methods – for example, head and neck radiation can be performed with less long-term dry mouth, and pelvic radiation for gynecological cancers can be performed with less diarrhea.

  • Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive material inside the body to target and destroy cancer cells. In low-dose rate brachytherapy, the radioactive seeds are permanently implanted into a patient’s body and gradually delivers radiation to the tumor over a span of several weeks. In contrast, high-dose rate brachytherapy delivers higher radiation doses in one or more short treatment sessions. The source of radiation is removed from the patient after each session.

    While less than one-third of all radiation therapy facilities in the United States perform clinical brachytherapy, radiation oncologists at USC have been leaders in developing innovative clinical brachytherapy techniques since the 1970s with specializations in:

    • Treatment of prostate, uterine, and cervical cancers with high-dose rate brachytherapy
    • Plaque brachytherapy for ocular melanoma, through the joint efforts of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck Hospital of USC, and Doheny Eye Hospital
    • GammaTile brachyhterapy for recurrent brain tumors

  • Biology Guided Radiotherapy (BGRT) is an exciting new technology that provides a highly precise method of targeting cancer cells. Unlike traditional radiotherapy, which targets tumors based on their location and size, BGRT uses PET imaging and your tumor’s biological activity to more accurately detect and target cancer. This means that the radiation can be directed specifically at the cancer ensuring that radiation follows the tumor’s movement in real time, minimizing exposure to healthy tissue and reducing side effects. BGRT combines state-of-the-art technology with an enhanced understanding of cancer biology to deliver high-dose, focused radiation. Currently, BGRT is being used to treat both primary and metastatic cancers of the bone and lung.

  • When people think of radiation therapy, they often think of radiation treatments over many weeks for cancer patients. However, low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has been established over decades as an effective option for patients living with chronic degenerative and inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and Dupuytren’s contracture. LDRT offers a non-invasive way to reduce pain and stiffness while improving mobility and quality of life.

    • The radiation dose is significantly lower than that used in cancer treatments. For example, prostate cancer may be treated with 70 to 80 units of radiation, whereas LDRT uses 3 units of radiation in total, split up into 6 sessions of radiation over the course of 2 weeks.
    • This is because of two factors. First, osteoarthritis is not just “wear and tear” but also a complex inflammatory process involving signals sent between immune cells. Second, immune cells are very sensitive to radiation therapy as compared to our other cells. So if a patient has a focal area of inflammation, such as a knee affected by osteoarthritis, that knee can be treated with radiation in order to reduce the activity of the immune cells and therefore break the cycle of inflammation and pain.
    • Each radiation therapy session lasts about 15 minutes, though the amount of time that radiation is actually treating your body is about 3 minutes. Most of the session involves precisely aligning your body to ensure accurate targeting of the painful area.
    • Studies show that over 70 percent of patients experience pain relief after LDRT. Most patients reported continued pain relief two years after LDRT.

Conditions we treat

The USC Department of Radiation Oncology provides comprehensive treatment coordinated with a multidisciplinary team of experts. 

  • Radiotherapy plays an important role in treating bladder cancer, particularly muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). It offers a vital option for patients who wish to preserve their bladder or for those with tumors that cannot be surgically removed. Modern radiation techniques have significantly improved outcomes while reducing long-term side effects, allowing many patients to maintain bladder function.

    Although radical cystectomy has been the traditional standard, trimodal therapy-comprising transurethral bladder resection (TURBT), chemotherapy, and radiotherapy-is also a Category 1 recommendation in the NCCN guidelines for seated MIBC patients. This designation signifies the highest level of evidence and expert consensus, underscoring the approach’s efficacy and strong clinical support. Ongoing research into adaptive radiation therapy aims to refine treatment strategies, balancing efficacy with minimized side effects and highlighting the value of personalized care. For advanced bladder cancer, palliative radiotherapy is often indicated to help relieve symptoms like pain and bleeding.

    USC employs a multidisciplinary approach to optimize treatment outcomes for bladder cancer patients. The center assembles experts across specialties – radiation oncologists, urologists, medical oncologists, and supportive care providers. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that considers all aspects of their health and well-being. Through the integration of advanced technologies, clinical trials, and patient-centered care, USC demonstrates the critical role of teamwork in achieving optimal bladder cancer treatment outcomes.

    In summary, radiotherapy remains a cornerstone in bladder cancer treatment, particularly for patients aiming to preserve their bladder. With advancements in technology and the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach at USC, patients benefit from cutting-edge care that prioritizes both efficacy and quality of life.

  • Brain tumors require a multifaceted approach to identify the best treatment course. USC’s Department of Radiation Oncology and Brain Tumor Center offer the most advanced state-of-the-art treatment for brain tumors and other central nervous system conditions.

    Our Radiation Oncologists work closely with neurosurgeons, neuro-radiologists, neuro-oncologists, pathologists, and endocrinologists to provide the best possible recommendations for patients. USC even specializes in treatment of recurrent brain tumors and has been designated as a GammaTile Center of Excellence for its expertise on specialized reirradiation with GammaTile.

  • Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. At Keck Medicine of USC we treat several hundreds of new breast cancer patients every year as part of a multidisciplinary approach. It’s a priority of our breast Radiotherapy Program to improve outcomes and reduce side effects. Surface-guided radiation therapy at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles and the USC Regional Site in Newport Beach allow “tattoo-less” treatment in which patients do not require permanent marks for radiation positioning. Additionally, USC has decades of experience with prone positioning for heart and lung sparing and partial breast irradiation. 

  • The Keck Medicine of USC Department of Radiation Oncology works closely with colorectal surgery and medical oncology to offer organ-preservation options for our patients with rectal and anal cancers. Nonoperative management (NOM) has been increasingly utilized as patients wish to avoid a permanent colostomy bag or the bowel symptoms of low-anterior resection syndrome (LARS). USC’s multidisciplinary approach and clinical trials in rectal and anal cancer help to increase the odds of organ preservation after this distressing diagnosis.  

  • Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Radiation combined with chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival when given prior to surgery in patients with stage II and III esophageal cancer. For those patients with stage II and III esophageal cancer for whom surgery is not recommended, radiation with chemotherapy can be used for a curative approach. Finally, radiation therapy alone may be used to decrease symptoms from esophageal cancer in patients with metastatic esophageal cancer.

    At Keck Medicine of USC Department of Radiation Oncology our expert radiation oncologists work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, and dietitians – all focused on navigating patients through the treatment options to their optimized and individualized regimen. 

  • Keck Medicine of USC Department of Radiation Oncology works closely with gynecologic oncologists to treat a wide range of gynecologic cancers, including cervical, endometrial (uterine), vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Our department has expertise in treating with conformal radiation using external beam radiation therapy (VMAT) as well as internal radiation including intracavitary and even interstitial brachytherapy. 

  • Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the management of head and neck cancer, and is critically important for organ preservation and functional preservation, potentially allowing patients to avoid potentially debilitating. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiation can provide local control and even improve survival in high-risk head and neck cancer patients.

    Just as head and neck cancer is a heterogenous and multifaceted disease process, our approach at USC is a multimodal team effort including expertise from head and neck surgery, radiation, medical oncology, radiology, audiology, speech and language pathology, nutrition, and pain management.

  • Radiation therapy plays a key role in managing all the stages of lung cancer. For early-stage lung cancer, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)/stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) can be used to replace surgery with excellent control rates. Patients treated at USC Pasadena or USC Newport Beach Radiation Oncology can even receive SBRT in the form of biologically guided radiation therapy (BGRT) on the Reflexion; Keck Medicine of USC is one of the pioneers in this technology, where the treatment machine can track active tumor in real time based on positron emission tomography (PET) signal to deliver highly precise radiation to obliterate the tumor.

    Patients with more advanced lung cancer can receive chemoradiation with curative intent. Additionally, our team at USC has published the data on shorter courses of radiation for patients who have locally advanced lung cancer and are unable to receive radiation therapy. Our team of radiation oncologists works closely with medical oncology and thoracic surgery to customize the best treatment plan for your personal scenario.

  • Radiotherapy plays an important role in managing hematologic malignancies, including lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. For lymphoma, it is commonly used to target localized disease, either alone or alongside chemotherapy, and provides effective symptom relief in advanced cases. Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is especially useful for cutaneous lymphomas. In multiple myeloma, radiotherapy is effective for treating bone involvement, alleviating pain, and managing solitary plasmacytomas.

    With specialized techniques such as total body irradiation (TBI), total marrow and lymphatic irradiation (TMLI), and TSEBT, radiotherapy has a wide range of clinical applications that enhance disease management and patient outcomes.

    TBI is commonly used as part of conditioning regimens before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for diseases like lymphoma and leukemia. It delivers radiation across the entire body, effectively reducing tumor burden and suppressing the immune system to facilitate donor cell engraftment. This approach is particularly effective for targeting areas where cancer cells might hide, such as the brain or testes.

    TMLI has meanwhile gained recognition as an advanced technique that selectively targets the skeletal system and major lymphatic structures, while reducing radiation dose to internal organs. Frequently used in conditioning regimens for acute leukemias, TMLI allows for dose escalation and/or reduction of overall toxicity while maintaining the immunosuppressive effects needed for successful transplantation. This precise targeting optimizes the treatment of bone marrow and lymphoid tissues, minimizing harm to healthy tissue.

    In the context of cellular immunotherapy, radiotherapy is emerging as an effective bridge to CAR T-cell therapy. For patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy, radiotherapy can help achieve better disease control by reducing tumor burden beforehand, creating a more favorable environment for CAR T-cell activity

    The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center stands out as a leader in advanced radiotherapy for hematologic malignancies, offering specialized treatments like TBI, TMLI, TSEBT, and bridging radiotherapy to CAR T-cell therapy. With a multidisciplinary team of experts, USC integrates cutting-edge technologies into personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each patient. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible outcomes while minimizing side effects and improving quality of life.

    In summary, the use of radiotherapy for treating localized disease, and specialized techniques such as TBI, TMLI, and TSEBT, exemplify the important role of radiotherapy in the treatment of blood cancers. By incorporating these advanced methods and leveraging radiotherapy as a bridge to CAR T-cell therapy, USC delivers innovative and patient-centered treatment solutions.

  • Ocular melanoma, also known as uveal melanoma, is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the eye. It primarily arises in the uveal tract, which includes the iris (the colored part of the eye), ciliary body (which helps control the shape of the lens), and choroid (the layer of blood vessels between the retina and the sclera). Ocular melanoma can lead to vision problems and, in some cases, metastasis (spread to other parts of the body).

    These rare tumors of the eye require special ability and interdisciplinary cooperation to treat if vision is to be preserved. This treatment may include radiotherapy in the form of a temporary custom-made radioactive implant, called a plaque. USC’s Department of Radiation Oncology works closely with patients to decide the best treatment options.

  • Radiotherapy is an essential component of prostate cancer treatment, offering a range of advanced techniques that improve outcomes while minimizing side effects. Key modalities include Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy, Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), hypofractionated radiotherapy, and salvage radiotherapy for post-prostatectomy recurrence. At the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the emphasis on multidisciplinary management ensures that patients benefit from cutting-edge technologies and personalized care plans developed by a team of specialists.

    Our radiation oncologists work closely with genitourinary medical oncologists and urologic oncologists to optimize your personal radiation therapy strategy.

  • Sarcomas are a rare and broad group of cancers originating in the bones and soft tissues. Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the optimal management of sarcomas. At USC we have a multidisciplinary approach which considers a number of radiotherapy treatment options and advanced techniques tailored to the patient and their disease. We work closely with medical oncologists and orthopedic oncologists, often with the goal of limb preservation whenever feasible. 

  • Radiotherapy has traditionally played an important role in the treatment of a skin tumors. We offer external beam radiation therapy for curative treatment of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas. In certain situations, plesiotherapy (superficial catheter brachytherapy) can be used to deliver very focal doses. 

  • Radiotherapy for spine tumors traditionally involves X–ray radiation over a number of weeks. At Keck school of Medicine of USC we also specialize in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy which uses state of the art technology and planning systems to precisely deliver very high doses of radiation to a tumor in 1-5 treatments, while also avoiding the spinal cord. Importantly, this technique was also found to have 2.5 times higher chance of complete pain relief as compared to conventional radiation on a randomized trial of patients with painful spine metastases. USC is proud to offer this precise and powerful therapy to give our patients the best chance of controlling their pain and protecting their functionality and quality of life. 

  • Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. At Keck Medicine of USC Department of Radiation Oncology, our expert radiation oncologists work as part of the multidisciplinary team including surgeons, interventional radiologists, and medical oncologists – all focused on navigating patients through the treatment options to their optimized and individualized regimen. 

     For liver cancers specifically, such as Hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver metastases, stereotactic body radiation therapy is often an ideal form of treatment for patients with limited liver involvement. Stereotactic body radiation therapy requires optimal motion management to account for the liver’s inherent mobility, and we use advanced treatment planning techniques and considerations such as fiducial marker placement, gating, and breath-hold technique to deliver as highly targeted a treatment as possible. For larger liver tumors, we often use dose-escalated intensity modulated or volumetric modulated arc radiation therapies to provide optimal local control while sparing healthy liver tissue. 

     Radiation therapy is also often used in the management of biliary and pancreatic cancers, and our expert practitioners here at Keck Medicine of USC use both stereotactic body radiation therapy and volumetric modulated arc radiation therapy; sometimes in combination with concurrent chemotherapy delivered by our excellent medical oncologists, to treat our diverse patient population. Radiation therapy alone may be used to decrease symptoms from hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers in patients with more advanced disease, and stereotactic body radiation therapy may be used for patients with limited metastatic disease. All patients are screened for their eligibility for available clinical trials which may offer access to new treatment strategies. At Keck Medicine of USC, we use our clinical ability coupled with advanced technology and sophisticated planning techniques to deliver a state-of-the-art treatment plan tailored to the individual patient. 

Clinic Locations

The Department of Radiation Oncology  services a wide range of communities throughout the Southern California region. Allowing us to provide better access to care for our patients. Below you will see a list of locations where our clinicians provide treatment:

  • Our USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center oncology experts work together as a team to deliver patient-centered cancer care. Our renowned doctors and specialists use the latest cancer detection, prevention and treatment options to help you get the care you need each step of your cancer journey.

    As an original National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, we’re a well-established leader in cancer research. This means we’ll always be in front of the next big thing in oncology care. Through our research, we bring you the most advanced therapies available and aim to make cancer a disease of the past.

    USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital delivers exceptional, personalized care in 14 key areas of cancer treatment: breast cancer, cancerous brain tumors, gastrointestinal cancer, genetic counseling, gynecologic cancers, head and neck cancers, hematology, lung cancer, melanoma, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, sarcoma, skin cancer and urologic oncology. Our 60-bed hospital is an integral part of our academic medical center.

    Using a multidisciplinary team approach, the world-renowned physicians and scientists of USC Norris treat and prevent cancer by developing new therapies, enhancing existing treatments and providing personalized, precision care that is the most advanced available.

    Our Location

    USC Norris Radiation Oncology

    1441 Eastlake Ave.

    Los Angeles, CA 90033

    Monday – Friday

    8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    View providers

    Parking Information

    Valet services are available outside USC Norris Cancer Hospital’s front door. First 2 hours are free then $12 for patients. $20 for visitors (no grace period). Free to patients with recurring long-term treatment plans. Valet services operate 5 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    Self-parking is also available for patients in the Biggy Parking Structure, located at 1334 Biggy St., for a flat fee of $10.

  • The physicians and staff of Keck Medicine of USC offer residents in the Santa Clarita Valley comprehensive, innovative care and surgical services for colorectal conditions and diseases, urology, breast cancer and breast health, as well as radiation oncology services. Our clinics are located adjacent to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital campus.

    This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support technologically advanced and patient-centered radiation oncology treatment, serving those who live or work in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas. Our approach integrates the latest scientific innovations in the detection and treatment of cancer, offering the most advanced radiation treatment modalities on-site.

    Our Location

    USC Santa Clarita Radiation Oncology

    25751 McBean Parkway,  Suite 110

    Santa Clarita CA, 91355

    Monday – Friday

    8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

    (661) 839-1810

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    Parking information

    Patient parking is available directly in front of the building.

    Licensed under USC Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital.

  • Our Arcadia location makes it easy to get expert specialty and comprehensive cancer care for you and your loved ones in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley.

    Our multidisciplinary team of physicians provides comprehensive care to meet your needs. We offer tailored treatment plans for complex conditions, the latest groundbreaking procedures and state-of-the-art technology tools, including screening mammograms with 3D tomosynthesis. Our mission is to provide compassionate and personalized care.

    Our Location

    USC Arcadia Clinic

    125 W. Huntington Drive, Building A & B

    Arcadia, CA 91007

    Monday – Friday

    8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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    Parking Information

    Free parking is available inside a covered, multilevel structure. Access the main parking entrance via Huntington Drive.

  • Our Buena Park location offers comprehensive medical oncology and radiation oncology care for a wide variety of cancers and blood diseases, leveraging the most advanced technologies and state-of-the-art imaging capabilities.

    Our physicians offer a full range of customized services, including diagnostic screenings, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical consultations, in a convenient location for residents of Buena Park and the surrounding communities.

    Our Location

    USC Buena Park Radiation Oncology

    5832 Beach Blvd., Suite 101 Suite 101

    Buena Park, CA 90621

    Monday – Friday

    8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

    (714) 288-2650

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    Licensed under USC Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital

  • Our new clinic in Newport Beach, which opened in February of 2025, will be offering the latest advancements in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging. The treatment center will feature cutting-edge cancer technologies that are yet to be available in Orange County, providing new therapeutic options and optimizing patient outcomes.

    We look forward to the opportunity to serve the Newport Beach and surrounding area community very soon!

    Our Location

    USC Newport Beach Clinic

    4590 MacArthur Blvd.

    Newport Beach, CA 92660

    Monday – Friday

    8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

    Parking Information

    Free parking is available.

    Licensed under USC Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital

  • The Pasadena Radiation Oncology Clinic is proud to offer biology-guided radiation therapy (BGRT) and brachytherapy as a sister site to the USC Main Campus.

    Our Location 

    USC Pasadena Radiation Oncology Clinic

    625 S. Fair Oaks Ave.

    Pasadena, CA 91105

    Monday – Friday

    8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Parking Information

    A parking structure is located on the premises. Our multidisciplinary location and USC Roski Eye Institute offer a partial validation. Parking is $1.50 every 15 min, up to a $12 per day maximum. The daily maximum with validation is $9 per day.Licensed by Keck Hospital of USC and USC Kenneth Norris Jr. Cancer Hospital