AUBMC Radiation Oncology combines advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and a commitment to compassionate care. We are home to Lebanon’s only ACGME-I–accredited Radiation Oncology residency program, dedicated brachytherapy program, medical physics residency, and radiation biology program.

Yes — for many cancers, radiation can cure disease, control tumor growth, or relieve symptoms.

Modern techniques use advanced imaging, motion management, and adaptive planning to target tumors while protecting healthy tissue.

Your first visit is a consultation with a radiation oncologist. We will review your diagnosis, imaging, pathology, prior treatments, and discuss whether radiation therapy is recommended. We encourage you to bring questions — this visit is also an opportunity for us to understand your goals, concerns, and priorities.

Not every patient needs radiation therapy. Your doctor will review your case carefully and discuss all appropriate treatment options with you, including when radiation may or may not be recommended.

Treatment timing depends on your diagnosis, urgency, and the complexity of planning required. When treatment is indicated, our team works to minimize delays and coordinate your care efficiently.

Before treatment begins, most patients undergo a planning session called a simulation. This may involve a CT scan, positioning devices, or special preparation depending on your cancer type. The goal is to design a treatment plan that is accurate, safe, and personalized to you.

Radiation treatment itself is painless. Most patients do not feel the radiation during treatment. Some side effects can develop gradually during or after treatment, and these vary by treatment site. Your team will review expected side effects with you and help manage them throughout treatment.

Treatment schedules vary widely. Some treatments last a single session or a few days, while others occur daily over several weeks. Your doctor will discuss your treatment schedule during consultation.

Yes. Your radiation oncology team follows you closely throughout treatment. In most cases, you will meet regularly with your physician and care team to review progress, monitor side effects, and answer questions.

Side effects depend on the area being treated, the radiation dose, and your overall health. Many modern radiation treatments are designed to minimize exposure to healthy tissues. Your physician will discuss expected side effects and strategies to reduce or manage them.

Radiation only affects the area being treated. Most radiation treatments do not cause hair loss. For example, treatment to the brain may cause hair loss on the scalp, while treatment to the breast, prostate, or abdomen does not usually cause scalp hair loss. Your doctor will discuss what to expect for your specific treatment.

Not everyone experiences nausea or vomiting during radiation therapy. Whether these symptoms occur depends largely on the area being treated. Some treatments — particularly involving the brain or abdomen — may carry a higher risk. When needed, medications and supportive measures can help prevent or control symptoms.

Many patients experience fatigue during radiation therapy but most will continue many of their normal daily activities. Fatigue is usually mild and varies depending on the treatment area, treatment intensity, other medical treatments, and overall health. Your team will work with you to manage symptoms and help maintain your quality of life.

For all external beam radiation treatments offered at AUBMC, the answer is no — you will not become radioactive and it is safe to be around family members, children, and pregnant individuals. Some specialized treatments, such as certain forms of brachytherapy, may involve inserting radioactive elements near the cancer target and you will be given specific precautions, which your team will explain if relevant.

Adaptive radiotherapy uses advanced daily imaging to refine treatment plans when appropriate as the body changes during treatment. AUBMC is proud to offer adaptive radiotherapy with Varian Ethos, allowing highly personalized treatment designed to improve precision and better protect healthy organs.

Brachytherapy is a specialized form of radiation therapy in which radiation is delivered directly inside or very close to the tumor. It allows highly targeted treatment while limiting dose to surrounding healthy tissues. AUBMC is home to Lebanon’s only dedicated brachytherapy program.

Radiation oncology is team-based care. Your treatment involves radiation oncologists, medical physicists / dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, coordinators, and collaborating specialists across medical oncology, surgery, radiology, pathology, and supportive care.

Medical physicists play a critical role in ensuring that radiation treatments are safe, accurate, and precisely delivered. They help design, verify, and quality-check every treatment plan.

Yes. Previous imaging studies, pathology reports, operative reports, medication lists, and prior treatment records can help us understand your case and avoid unnecessary delays.

Some patients may be eligible for research studies or clinical trials. This will be discussed with your physician when appropriate.

Yes. We welcome patients seeking second opinions about radiation therapy, treatment options, or complex cancer care decisions.

Our team is here to help. Please contact us for scheduling, directions, phone numbers, and patient support resources through the following:

Phone: +961 1 350000 ext 5800 

Email: rt-aubmc@aub.edu.lb