RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Radiation oncology provider services provided by Ali`i Health Center in collaboration with Kona Community Hospital
Radiation Therapy provided close to home by an expert team of compassionate, dedicated professionals using the most advanced technology.
Radiation Therapy Planning and Treatment
Radiation therapy is an essential part of many cancer treatment plans. One of the most important components of radiation therapy involves the complex process of treatment planning. Our Radiation Oncology team strives for rapid consult to treatment time. Our board certified radiation oncologists, medical physicist and dosimetrist use computed tomography scans and sophisticated computer programs to create three-dimensional images of the tumor, including the size, shape and location. Equipped with this information, the radiation therapy team determines the amount of radiation (dose) and the best way to focus the radiation at the cancer cells. Once treatment planning is complete, our certified radiation technologists accurately deliver the treatments.
Your treatment team includes radiation oncologists, radiation therapist, medical physicist and medical dosimetrist and our receptionist/secretarial staff.
Superior Technology
In conjuction with Alii Health Center, Kona Community Hospital’s radiation therapy department has an Elekta-Infinity® linear accelerator, a comprehensive, state-of-the-art radiation treatment system that integrates imaging and treatment. The Elekta-Infinity® allows radiation therapists to fine tune and personalize treatments, reducing treatment time and delivering targeted radiation treatments to patients. The Elekta-Infinity’s additional capatilities include:
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CT scans during treatment sessions to ensure the highest degree of precision through more accurate patient positioning.
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Next-generation, high-resolution beam shaping, called “Agility” that allows the beam to conform to the size, shape and volume of a tumor, increasing accuracy.
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Option of three photon beams, four electron beams and two fast dose-rate “FFF” beams to deliver treatment tailored to each patient’s unique requirements.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
Conformal Radiation Therapy
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Conformal (3D) treatment planning uses three-dimensional imaging information to visualize the target and critical structures so that an optimal treatment plan can be designed.
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Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Combining the highest level of patient comfort with fewer side effects than standard radiation therapy, IMRT is a highly accurate radiation instrument that spares normal tissue, allows for superior dose distributions, and is able to treat tumors near critical structures. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers patients the most effective treatment for each type and stage of cancer. IMRT uses small beams to treat a tumor from different directions and with varying intensity, while limiting the radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissue.
Information for Radiation Therapy Patients
The Radiation Oncology clinic is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. To contact the Radiation Oncology clinic or schedule an appointment, please call (808) 322-6910, option 3 or fax (808) 322-5849.
Diane Tsai, MD
The Kona Hospital Radiation Oncology clinic is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. To contact the Radiation Oncology clinic or schedule an appointment, please call (808) 322-6910, option 3 or fax (808) 322-5849.
Kailua-Kona, HI – Ali'i Health Center, a beacon of medical excellence in West Hawaii, is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Tsai, a highly accomplished Radiation Oncologist, to their team. This marks a significant stride in Ali'i Health Center's ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality in the region.
A Journey of Excellence in Medicine
Dr. Tsai's illustrious academic journey commenced at Johns Hopkins University, where she completed her undergraduate studies. Embracing her roots, she returned to New Jersey for her medical degree at the prestigious University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Her dedication to internal medicine was further honed during her internship in Primary Care Internal Medicine at Yale. Dr. Tsai then circled back to Johns Hopkins Hospital, solidifying her expertise in Radiation Oncology.
Board Certification and Professional Prowess
The American Board of Radiology recognizes Dr. Tsai as a board-certified specialist, a testament to her profound knowledge and skills. Her career is marked by influential roles, including serving on the faculty at Georgetown University Medical Center. With decades of experience in the field, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to patient care.
Specialized Focus for Comprehensive Care
Dr. Tsai's proficiency encompasses all facets of radiation oncology, with a keen interest in treating cancers of the breast, prostate, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Her approach is holistic, combining clinical acumen, advanced technical skills, and a compassionate, patient-centered ethos.
A Passion for Life and Community
Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Tsai is an avid enthusiast of cooking, food, design, music, film, and outdoor activities. Her multifaceted interests reflect her holistic approach to life and healthcare, underscoring her belief in the importance of balance and wellness in both personal and professional realms.
A Milestone for West Hawaii's Healthcare
Dr. Tsai's arrival at Ali'i Health and Kona Community Hospital is more than an addition of a medical professional; it represents Ali'i Health Center's unwavering commitment to bringing world-class healthcare to the Big Island. Her expertise will significantly enhance the quality of cancer care available to the residents of West Hawaii, aligning with the center's mission of comprehensive, compassionate care.
