“We always begin treatment with an initial consultation where we thoroughly assess the patient, and then we take a multi-disciplinary approach to developing an individualized treatment plan for them,” says Joseph Pepek, MD, Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology and a radiation oncologist on the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “It is a personalized approach, so the patient knows they are in good hands and does not have to worry about this aspect of the process when they already have so much on their plates dealing with this life-changing diagnosis.”
Precision and Versatility
Radiation treatment at Penn Medicine Princeton Cancer Center is delivered using the TrueBeam™ linear accelerator, which focuses on precision and speed, reducing treatment times and improving targeted accuracy, which means a reduced potential that radiation will harm surrounding cells.
“Over the years, we have also made other advances in radiation treatment that improve outcomes and reduce risks,” says Dr. Pepek. “These advances focus on breast, prostate, lung, gynecologic, esophageal, and several other cancers.”
Surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) helps protect the heart during left breast radiation therapy treatment.
High-dose rate (HDR) radiation therapy allows for the placement of radioactive sources directly in or next to the cancer, so radiation is delivered exactly to the source of the cancer, with minimal impact on the surrounding tissue.
A biodegradable gel, pioneered by our radiation oncologists, minimizes gastrointestinal and rectal radiation exposure and side effects during prostate treatment by pushing the rectum away from the prostate.
“We continue to make state-of-the-art advances in radiation oncology treatment with our patients’ comfort and wellbeing in mind,” says Dr. Pepek.