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Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Treatment

Kevin Camphausen

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 impact of radiation treatment.

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

  • What treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, etc.) are available for my tumor type? 
  • What is the standard treatment for my tumor type? If there are not standard guidelines, what treatment options would you recommend for my tumor type and why? 
  • What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option? 
  • If my treatment requires a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon or neuroradiologist, could you recommend one?  
  • Are there clinical trials available for my tumor type? If so, where can I find clinical trial 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 (orally, intravenously, or via another form)? 
  • Where will I receive treatment? 
  • How will you know if the treatment is working? If the treatment is not working, are there other options?  
  • How often do you recommend I have imaging tests? 
  • What are common treatment symptoms or side effects? 
  • How do you manage treatment symptoms or side effects? 
  • Are there long-term effects of the treatment? 
  • Can I work and carry on with my normal activities during treatment? 
  • What symptoms or side effects do I need to report? And what is the best way to report them? 
  • How do I contact your team if I have treatment-related questions during the day, night, or weekends? 
  • Will insurance cover the treatment? 
  • If I want a second opinion, whom do you recommend I see? 
  • Can you recommend online educational resources where I can read more information about treatments?  

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

  • Updated:

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