MDNews - South Central Pennsylvania

1 8R A D I A T I O N O N C O L O G Y WITHIN ITS INTEGR ATED, REGIONAL NE T WORK OF COMMUNIT Y˜ BA SED CANCER CENTERS, WELLSPAN HE ALTH OFFERS THE COMPLE TE ARMAMENTARIUM OF STANDARD AND ADVANCED R ADIATION THER APY SERVICES, ENSURING PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM TRE ATMENTS TAILORED TO THEIR NEEDS. I M A G E† G U I D E D A N D I N T E N S I T Y† M O D U L A T E D r a d i a t i o n t h e r a p y (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), brachytherapy (partial breast irradiation g ynecologica l treatment a nd prostate treatment), radionuclide administration, and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are among the advanced modali- ties that Radiation Oncology specialists at WellSpan Cancer Centers oŠer to treat hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Thanks to a partnership with the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, WellSpan also oŠers access to proton therapy, an advanced therapy that may be used to treat certain pediatric and adult tumors. Unlike standard radiation treatments, wh ich ut i l i ze photon energ y, proton therapy relies on beams of electrica lly charged proton particles to treat tumors. Protons have unique dose-distribution characteristics that enable physicians to target lesions with accuracy, The National Association for Proton Therapy notes. Proton therapy reduces the potentia l damage to surrounding healthy tissues, so physicians can administer higher doses of radiation in a shorter treatment course and/or treat patients who otherwise may not be candidates for standard radiation due to tumor location. " With proton therapy, we ca n treat tumors situated among critical structures, such as near the base of the skull or in the eye area, with decreased toxicity to surround- ing structures," says Lesley Hughes, MD, radiation oncologist with WellSpan Ephrata Cancer Center. "Proton therapy can also limit certain side eŠects associated with standard radiation therapy." The potentially reduced side eŠects can include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, according to The National Association for Proton Therapy. A REGIONAL REACH Advanced radiation oncolog y services are among the comprehensive services provided at WellSpan's network of cancer centers, which include WellSpan Adams Cancer Center in Gettysburg, WellSpan Ephrata Cancer Center, WellSpan Sechler Fa m i ly Ca nc er C ent er i n L eba non , We l l S pa n York Ca nc er C ent er a nd Cherry Tree Cancer Center in Hanover. If patients would benefit from additional treatments beyond those provided at the center closest to their home or if they are candidates for proton therapy, WellSpan radiation oncologists coordi- nate seamless referrals to the appropriate WellSpan-a—liated center. Close col la borat ion ex i s t s a mon g radiation oncologists and other physi- cians and clinicians throughout WellSpan. This multidisciplinary approach to care ensures patients receive persona lized treatment recommendations and ben- efit from the most up-to-date techniques and technologies. "If a patient has a primary malignant brain tumor, for example, treatment may consist of radiation therapy and chemo- therapy," says Greg Fortier, MD, FACRO, radiation oncologist with WellSpan York Cancer Center. "However, in the case of early-stage prostate cancers, patients may be well-ser ved by brachy therapy, proton treatment, surgery or observation. Our job is to identify the team best suited to collaborate on treatment plans and make recommendations based on patients' persona l goa ls, age, overa ll hea lth and cancer stage." ■ Keeping Access Top of Mind W ELL SPA N TA K E S A coordinated approach to meeting the physical, emotional, financial and social needs of individuals living with cancer across South Central Pennsylvania. Our cancer centers include: + WellSpan York Cancer Center 25 Monument Road, Suite 194, York 717-741-8180 + Cherry Tree Cancer Center, a joint venture of WellSpan and Hanover Hospital 773 Cherry Tree Court, Hanover 717-633-9573 + WellSpan Adams Cancer Center 40 V-Twin Drive, Gettysburg 717-339-2640 + WellSpan Sechler Family Cancer Center 844 Tuck St., Lebanon 717-270-2238 + WellSpan Ephrata Cancer Center 460 N. Reading Road, Ephrata 717-721-4840 Michael Watson, MD, radiation oncologist at Cherry Tree Cancer Center, prepares a patient to receive treatment. WELLSPAN CANCER CENTERS Bring Cutting-edge Radiation Therapies to South Central Pennsylvania BY TIFFANY PARNELL

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