Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy tailored to your needs, your goals, your life

Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Appointment

(270) 762-1480 (Office)

(270) 767-3617 (Fax)

Location

Regional Cancer Center
803 Poplar Street
Murray, KY 42071

Text Size:

A

A

Message from the Staff

Welcome to the Radiation Oncology Department in the Regional Cancer Center at Murray-Calloway County Hospital. We understand that your journey with cancer can be challenging, and our dedicated team is here to provide the support and care you need, right in your own community. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis or seeking relief during your treatment journey, we recognize that each patient’s story is unique. From your first visit to ongoing treatment and survivorship, we are here to stand beside you as partners and advocates, offering guidance and compassion every step of the way.

Radiation Treatment Types

At the Regional Cancer Center, we provide a comprehensive range of radiation therapy options, including:

3DCRT (3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy):

  • Utilizes CT scans to create a 3D representation of the tumor and surrounding tissues.
  • Shapes radiation beams to match tumor contours, delivering targeted doses while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy):

  • Integrates advanced imaging technologies (e.g., CT, X-rays) to guide radiation treatment.
  • Offers real-time visualization for precise tumor targeting while reducing impact on healthy tissues.

SGRT (Surface Guided Radiation Therapy):

  • Utilizes surface imaging for accurate patient positioning during radiation therapy.
  • Monitors patient movement to ensure precise treatment delivery.

IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy):

  • IMRT delivers highly targeted radiation beams that conform to the specific shape of the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
  • Allows for varying intensities of radiation to be delivered to different parts of the tumor, maximizing effectiveness while reducing side effects.

VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy):

  • Advances IMRT by delivering radiation therapy in a continuous arc.
  • Adjusts beam characteristics dynamically, allowing for highly precise dose distributions and shorter treatment times.

SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy):

  • Administers high-dose radiation to small, localized tumors over a few treatment sessions.
  • Utilizes advanced imaging (e.g., CT, MRI) for precise tumor localization, particularly effective for challenging locations such as the lung, liver, or spine.

SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery):

  • Targets brain or CNS tumors with high-dose, precisely targeted radiation.
  • Offers single-session or fractionated treatment options with sub-millimeter accuracy, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Effective for small tumors and metastases.

Our Specialists

Alexander K. Diaz, MD, PhD, CSCS

Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Alexander K. Diaz is a radiation oncologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association who joined Murray-Calloway County Hospital in August 2023. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and both his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. While in graduate school, his research focused on pediatric brain tumors under the mentorship of Dr. Suzanne J. Baker at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In June 2023, he completed radiation oncology residency training at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. When asked about his reasons for joining the Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Diaz explained, "I am a firm believer that getting care locally, in familiar surroundings by friends and family, is just as therapeutic as the treatments we offer. I came to Murray so folks in this community could stay close to home and get the care they deserve."

Alison Sasseen, APRN

Oncology

Alison Sasseen comes to MCCH after serving at various healthcare facilities in the region, including Baptist Health Medical Group Hematology Oncology as a nurse practitioner, Jackson Purchase Medical Center as a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department and Marshall County Hospital as a registered nurse in the emergency room and intensive care unit. A graduate of Murray State University with a Masters of Science in Nursing, Sasseen also holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Murray State University and has 17 years of experience in hematology and oncology.