Welcome to the Department of Radiation Oncology
Message from James M. Metz, MD — Chairman
Penn Radiation Oncology is dedicated to a three-part mission of excellence in patient care, basic and translational research, and the education of residents and students. We are committed to delivering excellence in every area and as such we steadfastly believe that "Excellence is Standard."
Penn Radiation Oncology is one of the most comprehensive radiation oncology programs in the world. The outstanding faculty and staff, combined with Penn’s extensive collection of advanced technology, gives patients access to nearly every treatment option available for their cancer. The broad range of radiation treatments available include proton therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), high-dose rate (HDR) and low-dose rate brachytherapy, partial breast irradiation, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and Gamma Knife radiation. With the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Radiation Oncology provides patient care at the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and seven community-based sites.
News
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Prostate Cancer Treatment a ‘High-Value Option’
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Neha Vapiwala, MD, a professor of Radiation Oncology, commented on the results of an international clinical trial of ultrafractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. Vapiwala, who was not involved in the study, noted that the findings may catalyze changes in the field by offering safe and effective treatment on a more convenient schedule.
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Proton Therapy on an Upward Trajectory While FLASH Treatment Gets Ready to Shine
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
At the ASTRO Annual Meeting, James Metz, MD, the Henry K. Pancoast Professor and chair of Radiation Oncology, discussed the current state of proton therapy and a new experimental treatment modality called FLASH radiotherapy, which involves a quick, ultra-high dose radiation.
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Medicare Limits Cancer Patients’ Access to Home Infusions. A New Bill Could Change That.
Monday, August 21, 2023
The Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act could make home infusions more accessible, particularly for patients with cancer. Penn Medicine, which launched its Cancer Care at Home program in 2019, administers about 5 to 10 percent of all cancer infusions or injections in patients’ homes. However, that number could go as high as 20 percent while maintaining safety and effectiveness, according to Justin Bekelman, MD, a professor of Radiation Oncology and director of the Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation.