The Regional Cancer Center brings major treatment disciplines - medical oncology, hematology and radiation oncology - to a single location in a unique, collaborative approach to patient care. • Radiation Therapy • Chemotherapy • Hematology • PET/CT Imaging • Specialized Therapies Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy is proof that science and technology, guided by medical expertise, can save lives. Each year, The Regional Cancer Center administers over 20,000 radiation therapy treatments. Our radiation therapy equipment utilizes some of the highest technology available in the country. Systems are designed to ensure the accuracy of radiation treatments, providing better control of patients' cancers with fewer side effects. Treatment planning is the critical first step to having radiation therapy. Here, our physicists and dosimetrists work closely with a patient's radiation oncologist to determine the precise amount and scope of radiation needed for effective treatment. The Center's CT simulator helps physicians design individualized 3-D treatment plans that prevent or minimize the side effects of radiation and ultimately provide greater cure rates. Radiation is delivered by very high-energy, precisely focused treatment machines known as linear accelerators. All radiation equipment is monitored daily by our physics group to ensure technical accuracy and safety. Generally, radiation therapy is given five days a week over a period of four to eight weeks. Most treatments can be completed in about 15 minutes. The ability to have radiation therapy close to home allows patients to receive treatment while maintaining a lifestyle and work schedule that is as near to normal as possible. For certain cancers, brachytherapy (internal radiation) may be prescribed. Brachytherapy involves the use of radiation-producing materials placed inside the body to attack cancer. The radiation oncologist leads a team of professionals that administers the treatment in both low and high dose rates, depending on the cancer diagnosis. The Trilogy Radiation Therapy System Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Ultrasound-Targeting Technology Radiation Therapy Treatment Information. Introduction to Radiation Therapy Video   Dial-Up Internet Connection (56K)   High-Speed Internet Connection (100K) Measures of Quality in Radiation Care (Back to top of page) Chemotherapy Today, chemotherapy offers more hope to cancer patients than ever before, with the continuing evolution of new drugs and growing insight into the effectiveness of certain drug combinations. At The Regional Cancer Center, we provide more than 20,000 chemotherapy treatments each year. The nature of chemotherapy requires frequent bloodwork from patients so that physicians can monitor the effects of medication. For patient convenience and rapid test turnaround, the Center has a level 3 laboratory just a few short steps from the treatment area. All chemotherapy drugs are prepared on-site in a state-licensed pharmacy, staffed by registered pharmacists who have specialized knowledge of cancer drugs. Many other non-chemotherapy drugs are also dispensed through the pharmacy to support treatment or to minimize the side effects of treatment. Chemotherapy Treatment Information. Introduction to Chemotherapy Video   Dial-Up Internet Connection (56K)   High-Speed Internet Connection (100K) (Back to top of page) Hematology Physician expertise in hematology enables the Center to treat a number of blood-related medical problems such as anemias and coagulation-type disorders. These may not be cancer-related illnesses. Hematology practices are also critical to the treatment of malignant systemic (or blood-related) diseases such as leukemia, multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas. (Back to top of page) PET/CT Imaging PET/CT scanning is the latest and most advanced technology for diagnostic and cancer imaging. PET and CT are two of the most advanced imaging tools available. Individually each modality provides critical information for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning; combined extraordinary benefits are possible such as earlier detection and more precise delineation of the extent of cancer present. This technology is also being used to better monitor the effect of therapy during the course of treatment. The Regional Cancer Center is one of the first cancer centers nationally to use this tool to perform cutting edge radiation treatment planning. There are fewer that 80 PET/CT scanners in use nationally, with none available in northwest PA. The Regional Cancer Center is also among the first in the country to bring PET/CT technology to a community setting. How PET/CT Works (Back to top of page) Specialized Therapies When treatment of a patient's cancer calls for a less common, more highly specialized therapy, our physicians put their experience to work, sorting through the options and employing their contacts to ensure patients optimal treatment wherever it can be found. Such therapies can include bone marrow transplantation, photodynamic therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for eradication of brain tumors. (Back to top of page)

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