Introduction to Radiation Oncology

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is one of the most technologically advanced treatment methods available in external beam radiation therapy. Our physicians are among the most experienced radiation oncologists in the region with using IMRT.

Cancer.

Its a battle that we've been fighting for decades. Every year, we conduct more research, develop more treatments and define more preventive measures.

Finally we are saving more lives.

Incidence rates and death rates for cancer declined throughout the 1990s and most experts point to one essential reason - multidisciplinary care. That's because it takes several perfectly fitted pieces to complete the complex puzzle of effective cancer treatment: Combinations of early detection, prevention strategies, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapies, imaging capabilities, and laboratory and pathologic analysis.

As an essential piece of that puzzle, the Department of Radiation Oncology at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) has proven itself as one of the most comprehensive and progressive radiation oncology centers in the country. Along with the Allegheny Cancer Center, we have a long, reputable history as a premier oncology facility led by highly regarded clinicians in medical and radiation oncology, hematology and surgery And the center consistently ranks among the nation's best as designated by U.S. News and World Report.

The Department of Radiation Oncology collaborates closely with the Allegheny Cancer Center to present a complete array of advanced clinical options for patients with any type of solid or liquid tumor. By fitting all of the cancer center's intricate pieces together, we have progressed toward exceptional capabilities that allow us to advance and optimize patient care to the fullest extent. We introduce our patients to some of the most sophisticated technologies and advanced treatment options, such as:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to improve cure rates and functionality for lung, head and neck, prostate, colorectal, breast and brain cancers
  
  
• Image-guided radiotherapy to target tumors of virtually any size or shape
  
  
• Enhanced stereotactic radiosurgery to refine the treatment of brain tumors beyond Gamma Knife technology
  
  
• Surgical placement of radioactive seeds to fight any cancer while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and organs
  
  

• greater cure rates
• increased organ preservation
• preferred cosmetic and functional outcomes
• better quality of life and
• improved pain relief

And we consistently surpass the current boundaries of radiation oncology care by practicing evidence-based medicine through collecting data, analyzing outcomes, and participating in and developing clinical trials so that with each new day, a patient receives an even better chance of survival than he had the day before.

But its not all about innovative technology and medical findings; its also about human involvement, personal attention and individual treatment. We work every day to ensure that each patients care is as much about compassion as it is about a cure.

So it is with each of these very vital and unique pieces that we are able to provide patients with a complete approach to cancer treatment - transcending the fight against cancer at the cellular, molecular and nuclear levels to encompass a patient's every need.

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