Services and Programs
Our doctors specialize in
treating specific types of cancer, such as:
Brain Tumors
Specialists in the treatment of brain tumors use the most current technology.
The Department has also participated in national studies assessing the impact
of altered fractionation regimens and chemotherapy in the treatment of Grades
3 and 4 astrocytoma.
Breast Cancer
The department has an international reputation for developing alternatives to
mastectomy in the treatment of early breast cancer. Department specialists, along
with surgical and medical colleagues who are also part of the Abramson
Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, have conducted pilot studies of locally
advanced breast cancer.
Patients who have been diagnosed with an early-stage
breast cancer (Stage 0, 1 or 2), with limited
or no lymph node involvement, and a tumor size
smaller than 3 cm (about the size of a walnut),
may be eligible to receive a newer treatment
option called Mammosite®.
Central Nervous System Malignancies
In addition to standard current technology, the department is participating in
national studies to assess the impact of altered fractionation regimens and chemotherapy
in the treatment of Grades 3 and 4 astrocytoma. Protocols are also available
for the treatment of CNS lymphoma and low-grade glioma. In cooperation with the
Division of Neurosurgery, brachytherapy implants are performed to treat previously
irradiated patients who have failed locally.
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Specialists provide the appropriate type of radiation therapy for each type of
GI cancer. Locally advanced tumors of the esophagus and colon have been treated
with combined regimens employing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with or without
surgery.
Genitourinary Cancer
The department provides treatment for prostate cancer, employing radioactive
iodine implants. The department has also pioneered methods for bladder preservation
in bladder cancer using radioactive implants, chemotherapy and/or surgery.
Gynecologic Malignancies
Innovative trial treatments are available for carcinomas of the cervix, endometrium
and vulva. Attempts are made to integrate radiotherapy with treatments such as
chemotherapy and hormones.
Head and Neck Cancer
The department has developed a multidisciplinary treatment approach - employing
surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy - for the treatment of locally advanced
head and neck cancer.
Hematologic Malignancies
The department is an acknowledged leader in the combined chemo-radiation therapy
of lymphomas and leukemias, including the use of total body radiation in bone
marrow transplantation protocols.
Lung Cancer
The department has pioneered the treatment of oat cell or small cell cancer of
the lung, employing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Pediatric Tumors
The department is acknowledged worldwide as a leader in the field. It has developed
methods for altered radiation therapy schedules for brain tumors and for total
body radiation for bone marrow transplantation for children with acute leukemia
and stage IV neuroblastoma.
Skin Cancers
The department has a wide array of machines and radionuclides suitable for the
therapy of melanoma, non-melanoma, cutaneous and malignant neoplasms.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Together, the department and the Division of Neurosurgery established the first
program in the Philadelphia region for stereotactic irradiation. Physicians from
several disciplines meet weekly to review referrals for solitary brain metastases,
arteriovenous malformations, acoustic neuromas, and a variety of other small
intracranial lesions.
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