Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Treatment

Working Toward Better Radiation Responses Through Novel, Targeted Drugs

Radiation oncologist Dr. Kevin Camphausen is helping people with brain and spine tumors by developing drugs that can enhance the radiation impact with the goal to improve patient outcomes.

Here are some questions to ask to help you decide on the best treatment for you.

What treatment options are available?
What is the standard treatment for my tumor type?
What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?
Are there clinical trials available for my tumor type? If so, where can I find clinical trials information?
When do I need to make a treatment decision? And when would I start treatment?
How long will I be on the treatment?
How will the treatment be administered (oral, IV)?
Where will I receive treatment?
How will you know if the treatment is working?
How often do you recommend I have imaging tests?
What are common treatment side effects?
How do you manage treatment side effects?
Are there long-term effects of the treatment?
Can I work and carry on with my normal activities during treatment?
What symptoms do I need to report? And what is the best way to report symptoms?
How do I contact your team if I have treatment-related questions during the day, night, and weekends?
Will insurance cover the treatment?
If I want a second opinion, who do you recommend that I see?

We encourage you to print these questions and bring them with you to your appointment.