Those diagnosed with any type of cancer are faced with many questions and looking for hope. That’s why AL Gold, named his best race horse Cyberknife, after the prostate cancer treatment he received. Diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 65, Al Gold asked himself the questions many people faced with a cancer diagnosis ask. What…
Philadelphia CyberKnife announced that board-certified radiation oncologist Anthony Ricco, M.D. has joined their cancer care treatment team. Dr. Ricco, a native of the greater Philadelphia area, graduated with a Bachelor of Science with Distinction from The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania, and received his medical doctorate from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas…
Philadelphia CyberKnife Receives Accreditation for SRS/SBRT Clinical Practice and Physics Quality Assurance The Radiosurgery Society (RSS), a non-profit medical society dedicated to advancing the science and clinical practice of radiosurgery, and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), the professional society for the practice of radiation oncology, today announced that the first center – Philadelphia CyberKnife…
In 2021, more than 1.9 million Americans were expected to be diagnosed with cancer – and early detection remains our best bet for treatment.1 In honor of Cancer Screen Week, view the Cancer Screening Factsheet to discover which common cancers can be potentially diagnosed early through preventive screening and learn when you should consider talking with your…
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. While the disease is prevalent across the country, the screening guidelines are not. Prostate cancer screenings have always been somewhat controversial because the tests often alert physicians to the presence of cancer, but there is no precise way to determine, definitively, whether the cancer…
Radiation therapy can be classified according to the types of radiation particles or waves that are used to deliver the treatment. The three major types of radiation therapy are photons, electrons, or protons. While all three types have similar effects on tumor tissue and damage cancer cells, photons and electrons are the most readily available,…
With February being recognized as National Cancer Prevention Month, now is a good time to discuss cancer, and most importantly, how to prevent it. According to the recent 2021 Facts and Figures released by the American Cancer Society (ACS), a substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented, including all cancers caused by tobacco use and…
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many cancer patients are having to make the difficult decision to continue with their current cancer regimen or delay treatments. Cancer patients and physicians must carefully weigh the potential benefit of routine cancer care versus the risk of COVID-19. To help ease these decisions, several peer-reviewed, non-profit cancer care organizations…
Vernon Traxler suffered from painful trigeminal neuralgia for over 16 years before he found relief with CyberKnife. Watch Vernon explain what those years felt like and how he feels now after being treated at Philadelphia CyberKnife.
May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Driven by advancement in research, surgical techniques, genetic discoveries, and much more, it has never been a better time to take action on brain tumors. The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), an organization whose mission is to unrelentingly invest in, mobilize, and unite our community to discover a…
As the classic holiday song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But do you know what else the happiest season of all brings? Stress. This year is no exception, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic helping to complicate the season.This year, many families feel comfortable getting together to celebrate time-honored traditions. However,…
When deciding which treatment option is best for their prostate cancer, men take numerous factors into consideration. While their physician’s recommendation does play an important role in the treatment decision, in the end, most men make the choice that is best for them. That choice is often based on treatment outcomes and side effects, and…
Check out this infographic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding African-American men and lung cancer.
Accuray Incorporated, developer and manufacturer of the CyberKnife® System, announced that published data from two multicenter studies using differing protocols provide consistent results and reinforce the use of the CyberKnife system for the effective management of low-and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The studies are the largest conducted to date evaluating stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in…
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, check out this infographic from the American Cancer Society to learn seven things to know about getting a mammogram.
Watch Olusola Obayomi-Davies, M.D., radiation oncologist at Philadelphia CyberKnife, explain why women should consider CyberKnife treatment for breast cancer.
Watch Olusola Obayomi-Davies, M.D., radiation oncologist at Philadelphia CyberKnife, explain how CyberKnife breast radiation is different from traditional breast radiation therapy treatments.
Watch Olusola Obayomi-Davies, M.D., radiation oncologist at Philadelphia CyberKnife, explain what partial breast radiation is.
Quick. Easy. Not painful at all. Those are the words that breast cancer survivor Kathy DeVaughn used to describe her CyberKnife treatments. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that a woman born in the United States today has about a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her…
June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate and recognize cancer survivors, inspire those recently diagnosed, and, most importantly, to celebrate life. During the month, cancer survivors and supporters in communities around the world unite to celebrate life and raise awareness of the challenges faced by cancer survivors. It is a time for…
Philadelphia CyberKnife was recently selected as a reference site for a team of radiation oncologists visiting from Wenjiang District People’s Hospital in Chengdu, China. Philadelphia CyberKnife was chosen for the visit because it is a center known for its dedication to research and training. The entire team at Philadelphia CyberKnife is committed to conducting research that…
March is National Nutrition Month. A nutrition education and information campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. We all know that good nutrition is important for good health. This statement is even truer for cancer…
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. If your New Year’s resolution to get healthy is already losing steam, now is a perfect time to give yourself a second chance. Renew your efforts to make healthier choices by learning what you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. Research has shown that more than half…
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless…
The American Cancer Society reports that there will be almost a quarter of a million women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States this year and over 11,000 of those cases will be in Pennsylvania. Even though breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. women, survivorship rates continue to steadily increase.…
According to study results published in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal, breast cancer patients who have radiotherapy targeted at the original tumor site experience fewer side effects five years after treatment than those who have whole breast radiotherapy, and their cancer is just as unlikely to return. The researchers at 30 radiotherapy…
The Radiosurgery Society (RSS), a non-profit medical society dedicated to advancing the science and clinical practice of radiosurgery, recently published a study using data from its RSSearch Patient Registry, a multi-institutional, observational registry established to standardize data collection from patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The study, titled “Lung…
Crozer-Keystone Health System recently issued a press release about a new study that has found that the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is able to offer prostate cancer patients success rates equal to intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with shorter treatment duration and lower total cost. A team of Crozer-Keystone oncology specialists based out of Delaware…
A recent article from CancerConnect.com, a patient-focused cancer website, suggests that if you have been diagnosed with cancer, seeking a second opinion will allow you to learn more about your cancer type and make truly informed decisions about treatment. The article recommends that all cancer patients should consider seeing at least one additional expert after…
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the premier radiation oncology society in the world, recently updated their guidelines for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in the treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer. APBI is a breast radiation therapy in which focused radiation is delivered specifically to the part of the breast where the…
On Thursday, September 8, the physicians and staff from Philadelphia CyberKnife hosted a survivorship celebration to recognize and honor the cancer survivors treated at the center. The event, held from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Philadelphia CyberKnife center, welcomed cancer survivors, their caregivers, and friends and family members. The event was timely because according…
Olusola Obayomi-Davies, M.D. is a radiation oncologist. Dr. Davies received his medical doctorate from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. and his Bachelor of Science in biology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He completed his residency in radiation medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. where he…
According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. There is good news though as the ACS also reports that survival rates from breast cancer have been increasing since about 1989, with larger increases in women younger than 50. These increases are believed…
Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIQ), a leading national provider of outsourced healthcare services, announced today that Luther W. Brady, M.D. is being made an Extraordinary International Academic Member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Medicine. Dr. Brady is the founder of The CyberKnife Center of Philadelphia and the current Director…
Greg Spurlock, President of Alliance Oncology, announced today that Luther W. Brady M.D., Director of Medical Research at The CyberKnife Center of Philadelphia, is being awarded his seventh honorary degree from Complutense University in Madrid, Spain. Complutense University, the largest university in Spain, will make this award of an honorary Doctorate of Science degree to…
According to research from a phase III randomized international study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients with operable stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) achieved comparable overall survival rates with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), rather than the current standard of care, surgery. …
If your New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy is already losing steam, February, which is National Cancer Prevention Month, is a great time to give yourself a second chance. Renew your efforts to make healthier choices by learning what you can do to help reduce your cancer risk. The Centers for Disease Control…
Stephen Arrigo M.D., John Lamond M.D. and Rachelle Lanciano M.D., radiation oncologists at Philadelphia CyberKnife, have been named 2015 Top Doctors by Main Line Today magazine. The annual list of Philadelphia’s top doctors was announced in the December issue of the publication. To determine the list of winners, doctors voted for their peers in…
Philadelphia magazine continued their healthcare series about the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System with a question and answer segment with a prostate cancer survivor. In the article, Roddie Williams, a prostate cancer survivor, explains what it is like receiving CyberKnife treatment for his prostate cancer at Philadelphia CyberKnife. Questions answered included what brought Mr. Williams to…
Philadelphia CyberKnife recently had two posters presented at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology’s annual meeting from October 18 – 21 in San Antonio, TX. The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy. Radiation oncologists, medical physicists,…
Two student authors from Philadelphia CyberKnife presented at the Philadelphia Society of Oncology and Hematology’s annual scientific meeting from October 2 – 3 in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology (PSOH) is a non-profit corporation devoted to the improvement of hematologic and oncologic care of patients. Membership in the organization includes…
Philadelphia magazine continued their healthcare series about the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System with a second online blog post about the new medical treatment that’s changing the way local doctors approach cancer. The blog listed several types of cancers that CyberKnife treats (brain, lung, pancreas, spine, kidney and liver), but mainly focused on prostate cancer, one…
September is traditionally observed by health experts and advocates as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of the month, Philadelphia CyberKnife recently hosted a community event for the 250 plus prostate cancer patients they have treated since 2006. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, with about one in seven…
When discussing, or writing, about the field of radiation oncology, it is impossible to do so without mentioning John (Jack) F. Fowler, D.Sc., Ph.D., FASTRO. Dr. Fowler is a very influential and multi-award winning physicist that has made, and continues to make, lasting contributions to the fields of radiation biology and oncology. He has dedicated…
The online version of Philadelphia magazine wrote a blog post about the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System and how it is the latest cutting-edge treatment option for those fighting cancer. The magazine covered how CyberKnife works, what it treats, and the benefits for patients receiving CyberKnife treatments. They also mentioned Philadelphia CyberKnife’s recent presentations at the…
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently updated their patient guide to support stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of 26 of the world’s leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of care for patients with cancer. NCCN aims…
Philadelphia CyberKnife presented three clinical outcomes research projects at the American College of Radiation Oncology’s 25th annual meeting from May 14 – 16 in Washington, D.C. American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) is the essential professional society for success in the day-to-day practice of radiation oncology. ACRO strives to ensure the highest quality care for…
Greg Spurlock, President of Alliance Oncology, announced that Luther W. Brady M.D., Director of Medical Research at The CyberKnife Center of Philadelphia, was awarded George Washington University President’s Medal. “Everyone at Alliance Oncology would like to congratulate Dr. Brady on winning this prestigious award,” said Spurlock. “Dr. Brady has dedicated his life to the field…
Philadelphia CyberKnife recently participated with NRG Oncology in the NRG-BR001 protocol, a Phase I Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Multiple Metastases, and successfully completed their first patient treatment in May 2015. NRG Oncology is a non-profit research organization formed to conduct oncologic clinical research and to broadly disseminate study results for informing…
Noninvasive treatment of tumors that regrow in lung cancer patients is now more possible than ever using CyberKnife® technology. Havertown-based Philadelphia CyberKnife together with Drexel University College of Medicine recently completed a study demonstrating the efficacy of this approach for patients experiencing a recurrence or spread of a lung tumor. In the last decade, treatment…
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently released a recommendation in favor of CT lung cancer screening for long-term smokers. Though still pending finalization, the recommendation applies to current and heavy smokers between 55 and 79 and could be a huge step in diagnosing high-risk patients sooner. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is…
Each October, the breast cancer community gathers to raise awareness and garner support for the fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates 232,340 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2013 and one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 13 is dedicated…
The American Cancer Society estimates lung cancer will be detected in nearly 220,000 people this year. The disease, ranked as the most common cancer diagnosis worldwide, kills more people annually than breast, colon and pancreatic cancers combined. While surgery or external-beam radiation therapy is considered a standard treatment for lung cancer, patients who are in…
Though primarily used to treat benign and malignant tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery can also treat additional medical conditions, including a rare nerve disorder, trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Excruciating facial pain triggered by everyday activities such as chewing, talking or swallowing characterizes the debilitating condition. TN can often be mistaken for a dental problem, since the disorder usually…
When someone is diagnosed with cancer, determining the stage of the cancer is an important next step. Staging describes the extent or severity of a person’s cancer, which helps doctors determine the best course of treatment and a prognosis. Common Staging Procedures and Types: The most common staging is TNM, which designates three aspects of…
This month, Philadelphia CyberKnife celebrates its seventh year of operations as a service of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, part of the Crozer-Keystone Health System. Our center was the first provider of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment in the Philadelphia region, and we’ve treated nearly 2,000 patients with the advanced procedure using CyberKnife® technology. Through research spearheaded…
From the initial consultation with our treatment team to follow-up appointments with your CyberKnife® physician, the CyberKnife nurse works to address the needs and concerns of the patient. The CyberKnife nurse provides clinical support and care coordination for patients. This includes assisting the CyberKnife radiation oncologist during patient consultation, educating patients and families in preparation for…
Delaware County Memorial Hospital is recognized for its wide spectrum of acute and specialty services. Established in 1927, the not-for-profit hospital features a Level II-A Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, a Center for Breast Health honored by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, along with many other services. It is certified by The Joint Commission…
Dr. John Lamond, associate medical director of Philadelphia CyberKnife, has more than 20 years of experience treating tumors throughout the body. As an active clinical researcher, Dr. Lamond has special interests in brain and lung cancers and has served as the principal investigator on several studies. Read about results from a recent study he co-authored…
June is Men’s Health Month! This time is dedicated to raising awareness of preventable health problems men may encounter through health education, fundraising and advocacy efforts promoting early detection and treatment of disease. Here’s how you can get involved: Wear blue. The Men’s Health Network created the initiative to support men’s health efforts. Learn more…
Philadelphia CyberKnife is committed to helping patients understand their diagnosis and the treatment process. The video below provides an overview of how CyberKnife® treats prostate cancer and the benefits of using this advanced technology. This post is part of a series dedicated to addressing one of the most important health issues facing men today. Check…
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has announced the classification of stereotactic body radiation therapy as a first-line treatment option for prostate cancer. As a first-line treatment, SBRT can be considered a primary form of treatment for prostate cancer. The results of long-term clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiation in…
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a dynamic organization committed to funding cutting-edge prostate cancer research. Since 1993, the PCF has funded more than 1,600 programs at nearly 200 research facilities around the world. In 2012, the organization raised a record $47 million and expanded their research programs to China. Each year, the PCF partners…
Newly published research from Philadelphia CyberKnife provides some of the most convincing evidence yet that stereotactic body radiation therapy is among the most effective types of treatment for prostate cancer. Authors say that, while more follow-up is needed, the study shows SBRT’s success rate is comparable to other treatments, including conventional surgery, which is often…
Find out how stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with CyberKnife® can benefit prostate cancer patients. Below are some advantages from Philadelphia CyberKnife radiation oncologist Dr. Rachelle Lanciano. What sets CyberKnife apart from other treatment options? CyberKnife offers patients a noninvasive treatment option that doesn’t impede on their lifestyle. CyberKnife can treat prostate cancer patients in…
Have you seen the latest prostate cancer facts and figures released by the American Cancer Society? We’ve included some noteworthy stats below. To learn more, visit the prostate cancer section of the American Cancer Society website. This post is part of a series dedicated to addressing one of the most important health issues facing men…
Once prostate cancer has been diagnosed, the right treatment option can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Not only is the stage and grade of the tumor important, but also the age, health and lifestyle of the patient. Below is a basic overview of prostate cancer treatment options. Consult your doctor and physicians…
Prostate cancer is a disease specific to men and develops in the prostate – a walnut-shaped organ in a man’s lower abdomen that controls the flow of urine and semen through the reproductive system. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is typically a slow-growing tumor, often causing no symptoms until it reaches a…
Philadelphia CyberKnife physicians are set this week to present innovative research findings demonstrating the effectiveness of stereotactic body radiation therapy for treating primary and recurrent lung cancer. Two studies will be presented Feb. 22 at the Radiosurgery Society’s 2013 SRS/SBRT Scientific Meeting in California. These are the latest studies from Philadelphia CyberKnife, which has carved…
Our chief medical physicist, Dr. Jun Yang, is one of the most experienced CyberKnife® physicists in the country and has spearheaded numerous studies on radiation dosage safety for patients receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy. Dr. Yang serves as chairman of the physics committee and on the board of directors of the Radiosurgery Society. He was…
According to the American Cancer Society, brain tumors account for one in every 100 cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. CyberKnife® stereotactic radiosurgery is an advanced treatment option for brain tumors, providing an important nonsurgical alternative for patients. Below is a brief overview of brain tumors, incidence rates and treatment options. The information provided…
At Philadelphia CyberKnife, medical physicists play a key role in the patient treatment process, working closely with other members of the treatment team to support imaging, treatment planning and quality assurance testing of our CyberKnife® technology and its components. Our physics team develops a customized treatment plan that will deliver the radiation dose prescribed by…
As the second-most common cancer in both men and women, lung cancer is responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 160,000 people will lose their battle with lung cancer this year, accounting for more victims than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers combined. In recognition of National Lung…
Philadelphia CyberKnife’s associate medical director Dr. John Lamond and radiation oncologist Dr. Rachelle Lanciano appeared in the October issue of Suburban Life. Dr. Lamond shared his knowledge on the advancements made in breast cancer treatment and the benefits of CyberKnife® in the article “More Than Surviving,” which focused on improved quality of life for women…
As the second-most diagnosed cancer in women in the U.S., it’s tough to find someone who hasn’t been impacted by breast cancer in some way. The American Cancer Society estimates 230,480 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. When breast cancer is discovered after it starts causing symptoms, the cancer is likely…
Radiation oncologist Dr. William Ding appeared on “Talk Philly” on CBS3 to explain the advantages of CyberKnife treatment for cancer patients, including those with prostate cancer or recurrent tumors.
One in nine men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime, totaling to 174,650 new cases this year as estimated by the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, advancements in cancer treatment have allowed almost 3 million men to count themselves as survivors of the pervasive disease. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and…
Philadelphia CyberKnife neurosurgeon, Dr. Richard Buonocore appeared on the NBC 10! Show to explain how CyberKnife is a unique and noninvasive form of cancer treatment.
Congratulations to Dr. Albert DeNittis and Dr. Ned Carp who were named in Philadelphia Magazine’s annual “Top Doctors” list for their work in radiation oncology and surgery, respectively. We are so proud to have them on our team! Click here to learn more about the “Top Doctors” list.
June is dedicated to raising awareness and prevention of the preventable health problems men face while encouraging men to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease or injury. One of the common health threats to men is prostate cancer. In 2012, the American Cancer Society estimates about 241,740 new diagnoses of prostate cancer.…
May marks the recognition of National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Since its establishment in 2008, community organizations and support groups celebrate this month with increased efforts to raise awareness of brain tumors, increase funding for research and educate the public on symptoms and treatment options. The Central Brain Tumor Registry estimates 66,290 new cases of…
Philadelphia CyberKnife has been credentialed by the Radiological Physics Center (RPC), an organization funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide quality assurance auditing of dosimetry practices at institutions participating in NCI cooperative clinical trials. The RPC assures the NCI and cooperative clinical trial groups that all participating institutions have the equipment, personnel and…
A research paper presented and authored by Philadelphia CyberKnife chief medical physicist Jun Yang, Ph.D. was awarded “Best Presentation” in the physics category at The Radiosurgery Society’s 2012 SRS/SBRT Meeting in California. The annual meeting brings together physicians, physicists, residents and researchers from around the world who are involved in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic…
The research of the CyberKnife physician team was recently published in Frontiers in Oncology. Dr. Rachelle Lanciano, Dr. John Lamond, Dr. Steve Arrigo, Dr. Luther Brady, CyberKnife nurse Michael Good, and medical physicists Jing Feng and Jun Yang studied the effects of CyberKnife treatment on patients with liver metastases and liver tumors. The study, titled…
In recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, Philadelphia CyberKnife joins a nation-wide effort to encourage engagement of patients, families and the community by promoting the importance of being an active participant in the health care delivery process.
