UPMC Increases Access to Cancer Care in Response to Community Need
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa. enhanced access to cancer care with the addition of a second linear accelerator (LINAC) in the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Cancer Pavilion at 2035 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg. The state-of-the art LINAC is used for external beam radiation oncology treatments. It delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of the tumor. Operating a second LINAC to perform vital radiation oncology treatments will further increase access to lifesaving care for even more people in the central Pennsylvania community.
“Our patient volumes continue to increase and when demand for UPMC services rises, we prioritize and we respond to the needs of our community,” said Alexandra Chahwala, regional operations manager, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa. “Our growth and success depend on having a strong and capable team. It’s time to reflect on the commitment the team has made over the years to serving the needs of this growing community”.
The new, second LINAC is a state-of-the-art TrueBeam radiotherapy system. Its addition to existing radiotherapy modalities will allow UPMC Hillman Cancer Center to remain on the cutting edge with the most advanced cancer care available for at central Pennsylvania. This radiotherapy system is designed to treat a variety of cancer tumors wherever they are in the body, including lung, breast and prostate cancers. It provides more precision, so that surrounding tissues are less affected, and it gives us oncologists better imaging so we can clearly see the treatment while it’s happening and for the patient.
The UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill had approximately 36,000 patient visits for medical oncology and infusion in 2023, averaging close to 100 appointments per day on the West Shore alone. For more information or to schedule an appointment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa., visit UPMCHillman.com/CentralPA
About UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center connects patients to the integrated expertise of leading clinicians, academic researchers, specialty programs and treatment centers. By partnering with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, is accelerating the breakthroughs from the lab to clinical practice around the world. UPMC - nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in cancer care - has more than 70 cancer treatment locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Maryland as well as centers in Ireland and Italy. Backed by the collective strength of UPMC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides leading-edge treatments and the latest in clinical investigations to transform cancer research, care and prevention—one patient at a time.
