Radiation Oncology at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.
Equipment
Equipment includes a Varian Silhouette 21iX with RapidArc.
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
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.
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.