UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s New Radiation Option Expands Prostate Cancer Care for Central Pa. Patients

? UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in central Pennsylvania, is now offering high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center located at 4300 Londonderry Rd, Harrisburg, Pa. and is the only health facility in central Pennsylvania to currently offer this service.

High-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy is a well-established form of radiation oncology therapy that delivers a high dose of radiation directly to the prostate while limiting exposure to nearby healthy tissue. It can be used on its own for patients with low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer or combined with external beam radiation therapy for patients with higher-risk disease.

"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa. continues to invest in advanced radiation technologies that improve treatment precision and patient experience," said Joella Wilson, M.D., regional vice chair, Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. "As a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center in central Pennsylvania, this milestone underscores our commitment to providing top-tier cancer care and innovative treatment options to our community."

The procedure involves the placement of thin catheters in the prostate using ultrasound guidance. This allows the radiation oncologists to precisely target the cancer while protecting surrounding organs such as the bladder and rectum. The patient is under general anesthesia and the procedure is typically performed as an outpatient treatment.

Liverpool, Pennsylvania resident Martin Roland, 71, was among the patients who received HDR prostate brachytherapy treatment and says he is pleased with the outcome.

"When my prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, numbers started rising more quickly, I knew it was time to act," Roland said. "After learning about my options and doing my own research, HDR brachytherapy felt like the right choice for me. The treatment fit my life and aside from taking a short break, I was able to get right back out on the golf course, which meant a lot to me."

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa. has approximately 40,000 patient visits for radiation oncology annually, delivering nearly 135 radiation treatments daily. It is one of just 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country, which provides cutting-edge treatment and access to hundreds of clinical trials.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa., visit UPMCHillman.com/CentralPA

Photo Cutline

Members of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center radiation oncology care team are pictured in the radiation treatment room at 300 Londonderry Road, Harrisburg, Pa. From left are Nolan Clark, radiation therapist; Kristina Smith, lead radiation therapist; Najeeb Crossley, M.D., radiation oncologist; Amy Wiley, registered nurse, radiation oncology; and Joie Maney, manager, radiation oncology.