Drexel University College of Medicine radiation oncologists collaborate with medical oncologists and surgeons to provide safe and effective treatment for patients with cancerous and non-cancerous lesions. In addition to caring for adults, our department provides state-of-the-art care for children and is accredited by the Children’s Oncology Group. This specialty board consists of more than 2,000 physicians who promote the highest standard of care for children with cancer.
Our program combines standard external beam radiation therapy with the very latest advances in the field. These new technologies allow physicians to target abnormal areas with greater accuracy and intensity while sparing healthy tissues nearby. The result: improved treatment outcomes and fewer patient side effects.
To make an appointment, call 866-884-4HUH (4484)
Radiation Oncology Services
Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
The newest technology in radiation oncology is the development of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), which involves daily imaging to identify the precise location of tumors that tend to shift, such as those affected by breathing movements or the normal filling of the rectum and bladder. Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) is primarily used when tumors are directly adjacent to critical structures, or when the conventaionl means of targeting are deemed to be inadequate.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Thearpy (IMRT) is the latest advance in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, this technology enables radiation oncologists to adjust the shape and intensity of radiation delivered to different parts of the treatment area. It combines the use of advanced, high-speed computers and treatment planning software with imaging modalities such as CT, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Intensity-Modulated Radiation Thearpy (IMRT) is currently used to treat para-spinal lesions, and cancers of the prostate, brain, breast, head and neck.
Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy
Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy uses CT imaging and advanced software tools to create three-dimensional images of the anatomy under treatment and structures nearby. This technique allows radiation oncologists to precisely target diseased tissue and avoid normal areas.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is the use of radioactive seeds or needles, which are implanted in the body to deliver radiation directly to a tumor. This concentrated dose of radiation can be permanent or temporary.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy is a special machine and a series of catheters where high intensity radiation is delivered directly to the tumor, sparing adjacent tissues. High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy may be used to treat cervical / endometrial cancer, prostate, lung, esophagus, skin or breast cancer. This includes SAVI or Mammosite®, promising new five-day treatments for early stage breast cancer that offers selected patients an alternative to six-week, whole-breast radiation therapy.
Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy: radioactive sources are placed within the tissues to treat prostate, gynecologic, breast, bile duct, and head and neck cancers.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic Radiosurgery is used in the treatment of brain tumors or lesions. Using 3-D planning and computer software, high-intensity radiation is delivered in converging beams to the precise treatment area.
Total Body Iradiation
Total Body Iradiation is most often used to prepare patients who will undergo bone marrow transplantation.
Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET)
Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET) is useful for skin cancers, superficial lesions and shallow tumor volumes. This type of treatment spares the deeper-lying tissues. Total Skin Electron Therapy (TSET) is utilized in the management of patients with cutaneous lymphoma (myscosis fundoides) as well as several other disorders.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy uses pure oxygen delivered in a high pressure chamber to encourage healing of injured tissues. This treatment is used to prevent bone injury in patients receiving radiation to the head and neck; to heal skin affected by radiation therapy; and to promote healing of diabetic ulcers.
Learn more about Drexel Radiation Oncology
The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or healthcare professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your healthcare professional.
To make an appointment, call 866-884-4HUH (4484)
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