Radiation Oncology

Coming soon: Varian Sihouette 21iX with RapidArc

Please note that the radiation oncology service will be closed for the remainder of 2017 while we upgrade our facilities to include a linear accelerator with full IMRT and stereotactic capabilities, the most current treatment planning software, and a rigorous quality assurance program in collaboration with HUP’s medical physics department.

What is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)?

IMRT is a state-of-the-art treatment technique using a computer-controlled linear accelerator (LinAc) to sculpt the radiation beam to the specific tumor shape while avoiding adjacent normal tissues.

The LinAc gantry rotates around the patient, delivering radiation beams from many angles while always focusing on the tumor
A multileaf collimator (MLC) continuously changes the shape of the radiation beam to match the contours of the tumor at every angle
This technique allows us to deliver radiation more precisely than with conventional treatment, resulting in fewer side effects
We can now treat patients that previously could not be safely treated

Radiation therapy has been used to treat veterinary tumors since the early 1900s.

Significant technological advances have occurred over the past few decades, allowing steadily improved targeting of the cancer and sparing of adjacent normal tissues. This, in turn, has resulted in increased effectiveness and decreased side effects of radiation therapy.

A confirmed diagnosis of cancer is required to schedule an appointment with the radiation oncology service.

We may request copies of your pet’s medical record or a telephone consultation with your primary care veterinarian prior to your initial visit.

Services & Procedures
Clinical Team
Referring Veterinarians

Siemens 6 MV linear accelerator Radiation Oncology at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.

Equipment

Equipment includes a Siemens 6 MV linear accelerator producing both photon and electron beams. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) plans are developed using CT and MRI images in conjunction with Prowess Panther software designed specifically for the veterinary field. A custom block fabrication station allows for individual tailoring of treatment beam.

Our Process

Veterinary patients are anesthetized for each dose of radiation to insure they remain absolutely still during the treatment. The patient’s electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and respiration are monitored using sophisticated equipment. A wide selection of modern anesthesia drugs accommodates each patient’s individual requirements and provides a quick recovery from anesthesia. This allows radiation to be safely administered five days a week.

Treatment

Treatment is performed by a team of specialists, including a board-certified radiation oncologist and anesthesiologist in conjunction with certified veterinary technicians and nurse-anesthetists specifically trained in radiation oncology and anesthesia.

Radiation therapy can be used as a sole treatment modality, or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to achieve control and sometimes even cure of cancer. When this is cannot be achieved, radiation can still provide significant palliation, meaning alleviation of symptoms and improved quality of life.

A Team Approach

The radiation oncology team works closely with the medical oncologists and surgeons to evaluate every patient.

This team approach insures that all available treatment options are considered, allowing you to make an informed decision for your pet’s cancer care. We also work closely with the many other clinical specialists at Penn Vet including internists, cardiologists, neurologists, and others as needed to keep your pet as healthy and happy as possible during, and after, his or her cancer care.

Our clinicians and clinical staff are board-certified in radiation oncology, and are dedicated to treating each patient with compassion, care, and dignity.

Faculty/Clinician
	Lillian Duda, VMD, MBE, DACVR (radiation oncology)	Service Head Professor, Radiation Oncology

Clinical Staff
Stephanie Corsi, CVT	Service coordinator, radiation oncology technician

Consultations

The Radiation Oncology Service is available for consultations Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

You may leave a message for Dr. Lili Duda with the Appointment Desk at 215-898-4680. Please leave the following information:

Clinician's name
Name of veterinary hospital
Phone number
Best time for us to call back
Name of the patient
The patient’s diagnosis
Your questions

Messages are checked throughout the day and every attempt is made to return calls within 1 business day.

Referrals

The Radiation Oncology Service schedules new appointments Monday through Friday as staffing and scheduling allows.

We require that patients have a diagnosis of cancer (confirmed by cytology or histopathology) in order to make an appointment with our service.

If you have a patient without a confirmed diagnosis that you would like to refer to our service, please call us for a consultation regarding the case (see above).

Prior to the patient’s scheduled new appointment, someone from the radiation oncology service will contact your practice asking for pertinent information about the patient (including the original biopsy or cytology report, CBC/blood chemistries/urinalysis, imaging reports, and other relevant diagnostic tests) to be faxed to us at 215-746-5720.

In addition, it is helpful if owners bring with them to the appointment any imaging that has been performed on their pet.

It is not necessary for the referring veterinarian to contact the Appointment Desk. Clients should call the Appointment Desk directly at 215-7460-8387 to make appointments.