Advanced Radiation Treatment Available Throughout the Region

Specialists at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute understand that an essential aspect of cancer treatment is accessibility. They know how difficult everyday life can be for a patient diagnosed with cancer. For that reason, they’ve taken an integrated approach to services such as radiation treatment so that patients have the flexibility they need.

For example, when Harrison Wilson, 65, started radiation treatment for prostate cancer, he was first seen at Allentown’s Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest. He moved to LVH–Hecktown Oaks for his treatments because he works in Easton and that location is more convenient.

“We can see a patient at one site and treat them at another because everything in radiation oncology is standardized across our network,” says radiation oncologist Jaideep Neboori, MD. “We’ve made a huge investment in equipment and specialty care so that there can be a seamless transition from one site to the next. This provides resilience and ensures we can deliver complex care with minimal disruption.” 

While access is essential, once the patient arrives, the ability to deliver highest quality care is the No. 1 priority. And that goes hand-in-hand with technological developments. “Our investment in new technology and software enables us to more accurately plan and administer radiation to tumor sites, providing unparalleled benefits to those we treat,” says radiation oncologist April Metzger, MD.

One tool utilized by LVHN’s radiation oncology department is the Edge® radiosurgery system from Varian. Linear accelerators (linac) are the primary workhorse for radiation oncology, and the Edge is the most advanced among the fleet. It uses incredibly detailed imaging, beam planning, motion management and precise dose delivery to provide highly accurate radiation treatment. This next generation linac shapes the radiation beam to the exact dimensions of the tumor, effectively targeting the cancer while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

“The Edge is often used to treat very small tumors of the lung, prostate, brain and spine,” Dr. Metzger says. “Due to its exceptional precision, we are able to provide noninvasive treatment of earlier stage cancers.”

Some forms of radiation oncology, such as high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, have been successfully used for years. However, Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is employing the technology in new ways, which can improve treatment for people with cervical, breast, prostate and endometrial cancer.

“HDR allows us to provide a higher dose of radiation over a short period of time by implanting a radioactive source directly inside or close to the tumor,” Dr. Metzger says. “New applications of this internal radiation therapy include a hybrid tandem and ring applicator that enables us to administer radiation in more than one direction, better targeting the tumor and limiting radiation to nearby tissues.”  

Whenever possible, the team at the Cancer Institute tries to make therapy as convenient as possible and offer therapies that allow shorter treatment regimens. However, cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease. They look at each person as an individual and determine the best course of treatment for their unique needs. The breadth and depth of expertise, latest technology and accessibility all come together to provide truly personalized care.