Radiation Oncology at Penn
Penn's Department of Radiation Oncology
is a national leader in clinical care, research,
and education. Radiation Oncology at Penn has
one of the largest and most respected clinical
services in the region.
At Penn, our patient care is backed by a nationally
recognized research and teaching program. The
department conducts basic research to better
understand tumor response to radiation and to
increase that response, enabling us to develop
new treatment approaches.
The Department offers a wide range of radiation
therapy services, including many that combine
radiation therapy with chemotherapy and/or surgery.
We provide complete evaluation, treatment and
follow-up care for patients whose cancer can
be effectively treated with radiation. We also
see patients with benign (non-cancerous) diseases
that can be treated with radiation.
Imaging procedures for treatment planning include
X-ray filming and fluoroscopy, and CT linkage
with computerized dosimetry. Treatment options
include Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
(IMRT), Positron Emission Therapy (PET) and Conformal
Radiation Therapy. The department has also installed
a method for monitoring treatment beam accuracy
through TV displays of tumor sites as they are
being irradiated.
The Department has developed a data entry and retrieval
method that permits TV monitor displays of the
clinical course and treatments given to patients.
This facilitates patient care by providing immediate
information without recourse to printed records.
It also enhances the ability of the Department
to conduct clinical trials, review past experience,
and thus contribute to the understanding of modern
cancer management.
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