Radiation Oncology Services

An Outreach clinic of the University of Iowa hospitals and Clinics

New Technology, Same Caring Staff.

Mercy Medical Center is fighting cancer here in Clinton, Iowa. At Mercy Medical Center, our Radiation Oncology Department combines a caring, compassionate staff with the latest technology for fighting cancer. We work in cooperation with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to help keep your treatments close to home.

The Radiation Oncology Center is located at the Mercy North Campus. The first patients were given treatment here in February 2005.

Check out the Radiation Oncology Center!

Mark Dion, M.D., a member of the University of Iowa radiation oncology faculty, provides full-time outreach services in Clinton. Mercy Medical Center-Clinton has provided Radiation Oncology Services in affiliation with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics since 1995.

Multidisciplinary cancer care is provided for all patients seen in the Radiation Oncology Center. Our Registered Nurses provide in depth teaching to each patient about his or her disease and any special care needed while receiving radiation therapy. Dr. Dion works closely with the Radiation Therapists on staff to maintain a precise quality course of treatment. Social services, pastoral care, and dietary needs are assessed and met as needed. Cancer care is often coordinated with the hematologist/medical oncologist to provide combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Varian 2100ex-d Linear Accelerator

New technology at Mercy Radiation Oncology Center allows treatment of many types of cancer. Conventional radiation therapy treatments are given using a Varian 2100ex-d linear accelerator. This is a 6/15 MV photon machine with 6, 9,12, 15 and 18MeV electron capabilities.

The Varian 2100ex-d features multileaf collimation (MLC), which is used to shape the radiation beam uniquely to each patient treatment area. It uses the latest technology in digital imaging known as Portal Vision. In addition, the patient’s treatment record and doses of radiation are electronically recorded using the Varis software provided by Varian Medical Systems. This electronic medical record system helps to assure that quality, precise treatment is delivered as efficiently as possible.

These top quality systems together will enable us to perform a more advanced technique called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Mercy Radiation Oncology Center utilizes a Phillips Radiation Oncology Systems 3-D treatment planning system known as Pinnacle3. Image guided treatment planning is provided by the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics physics and dosimetry staff.