Updates from The Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute
May 7, 2026
Leadership at the Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center at GBMC’s Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute had a unified goal to take the amazing care they give their patients to a new level.
The inspiration began with a new linear accelerator capable of delivering all advanced radiation treatments. When they saw dramatic improvements to the experiences of patients in their care, the team began to envision a completely updated center for radiation oncology. With some of the strongest community support in the Baltimore area, GBMC was able to fund a comprehensive overhaul of the Center.
In addition to the new linear accelerator installation that was completed in January 2025, the Center now has a new dedicated CT Simulation suite, where treatment is mapped. This is one of the most important parts of the treatment process, because accuracy and patient comfort are perfected here, ensuring the best treatment possible. The leaders at the Center had the foresight to include a dedicated exam room and bathroom in the suite’s design to optimize patient privacy, convenience, and comfort.
As part of treatment planning, a patient-specific immobilization device is created. These are used to help minimize motion while still allowing the patient to see and breathe freely. Coupled with the immobilization process, the Center has installed surface-tracking devices on the treatment machines that have obviated the need for tattoos, which are no longer applied in simulation. The patients can therefore be treated without fear of missing tumors.
Technological advancements were only the beginning. The Radiation Oncology team also considered how they would improve the rest of their space. The completion of the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion created an opportunity to link the Radiation Oncology Center to the new building. To better integrate the two, the entrance to the Center was moved from one end of the clinic to the other, and the entire department is now being reoriented according to a more patient friendly design.
Construction is taking place and is scheduled for the least possible impact on the operations of the Center. When work is finished a year from now, patients will find that the changing and waiting areas and restrooms are situated near one another close to treatment rooms, so they will have fewer steps to take while wearing hospital gowns.
The renovation will include new exam and consultation rooms, too. Rather than discuss test results and further treatment in the exam rooms, patients can talk with clinicians seated across from them at a table, after changing back into their own clothes. A wall-mounted screen will bring images to light and support these important conversations.
The elements that work well now will remain. For example, the heart of the department, the nurse’s station, will remain at its center, so that informed, compassionate help is always close at hand. Although the nurse’s station will stay in the same location, enhancements have been made. Inpatients will now rest comfortably and enjoy privacy as they receive care.
Since the Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center opened, clinicians have kept pace with advancements in their field. A priority placed on treatment has ensured that patients already benefit from updates to the technology with which they deliver care. Soon, the Center itself will reflect the ideal for care the team has provided for more than 40 years.
Photo: The new entrance to the Sheila K. Riggs Radiation Oncology Center of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute will be more welcoming and ensure privacy.
