CHI Franciscan Health and Virginia Mason Medical Center have begun offering radiation oncology services at Highline Cancer Center in Burien.

The new unit, part of Highline Medical Center, brings expert oncology providers together for cancer care patients who live between Seattle and Tacoma, officials said. The unit features radiation therapy technology that allows for complex cancer treatments to be initiated sooner. To reduce negative effects of radiation, patients will receive highly targeted radiation therapy that uses the lowest dose possible to reduce side effects, such as skin irritation and fatigue.

The program, which launched in February, is similar to the St. Francis Hospital and Virginia Mason radiation oncology partnership established at the CHI Franciscan hospital in Federal Way in 2003. Like St. Francis, Highline Medical Center is part of CHI Franciscan.

Two Virginia Mason radiation oncologists – Drs. Kas Ray Badiozamani and Michelle Yao – are part of the cancer center team.

“Patients and families throughout the Seattle and Tacoma metro area now have greater access to premier oncology care and services,” said Ketul Patel, chief executive officer of CHI Franciscan Health.