The term "cancer" actually refers to over 100 different diseases with seperate, definable characteristics. Obviously, such a complex disease requires a variety of treatment methods. To meet this need, all members of our cancer care team work together to treat this challenging illness. Several forms of treatment - such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy - are available for our patients, and many may be provided on either an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the type of cancer as well as the individual's condition.
Treatment Options
- Traditional and Laser Surgery
- Chemotherapy
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- Stereotactic Radiosurgery / Gamma Knife Center
- Immunotherapy
- Access to Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials are carried out in multiple phases - each designed to gather certain information. Patients of the Lancaster General Cancer Center have the opportunity to participate in Phase II and Phase III national clinical trials. Phase II trials help determine appropriate dosages of new treatments. The new treatments that progress to phase III trials are thought to be at least as beneficial as the standard treatment, if not better. Understandably, those patients who opt to participate in clinical trials have the first access to what may prove to be a more effective treatment than the current, standard treatment. Patients should consult their physician when deciding whether clinical trial participation is right for them.
Technology
At the Lancaster General Cancer Center, we have invested in sophisticated equipment to provide our patients with the versatile and accurate treatments they need. For example, if Radiation Therapy is needed, our Treatment Simulator and 3D Treatment Planning Computer System help physicians accurately design the dosage for the area to be treated, while state-of-the-art Linear Accelerators, Orthovoltage Units, and HDR then precisely deliver that therapy to meet each patient's individual needs. The recent addition of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is also helping to upgrade the level of radiation we are able to administer to patients. Of course, we're continuously changing and expanding to stay apprised of the latest technological developments in order to deliver the best cancer care possible.