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Radiation Oncology

The goal of radiation therapy is to shrink or eliminate tumor cells without damaging healthy tissues. At UCSF Benioff Children's Pediatric Radiation Oncology Clinic, we use radiation or high-dose X-ray beams to remove the cancer, keep it from spreading or help improve quality of life by relieving pain and other symptoms. Our radiation oncologists work closely with the other specialists treating your child to develop an individualized treatment plan.

We use state-of-the-art technology and planning to deliver the newest forms of radiation treatment, including proton therapy, image-guided intensity modulated radiation, stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy, and total body irradiation for stem cell transplant preparation. We strive to keep your child as comfortable as possible throughout treatment, and if sedation is needed, we will provide pediatric anesthesia.

Our clinic is world-renowned for its quality of care and for continually exploring treatment advances that will improve outcomes for children with cancer.

Our locations (2)

    Special programs

    Pediatric Blood Cancer Program

    The Pediatric Blood Cancer Program provides care for all childhood blood cancers and gives patients access to cutting-edge treatments available only at select hospitals.

    Awards & recognition

    • Best in Northern California for cancer care

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

    Learn more
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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

    Learn more
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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (5)

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    Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

    Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT) Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland

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    Hematology Clinic

    Hematology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Santa Rosa / Walnut Creek

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    Oncology Clinic

    Oncology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

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    Retinoblastoma Program

    Retinoblastoma Program

    1975 Fourth St.
    San Francisco, CA 94158

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    Solid Tumor Program

    Solid Tumor Program

    1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

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    Beads of Courage

    We help children cope with cancer testing and treatment challenges by awarding colorful beads for each milestone they achieve. Find out about our program.

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    Camp Okizu

    This overnight summer camp for children with cancer, siblings and families offers fun activities, education sessions and support in a beautiful setting.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

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      UCSF Children's Cancer Program Clinical Trials

    Saving future lives

    500+ UCSF investigators are researching cures for hundreds of childhood and adult diseases.

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