UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Expands Radiation Therapy Services in Williamsport

Our experts at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport now offer three additional radiation oncology services, including:

• Image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT) to treat skin cancer patients.
• Tongue-out-radiation therapy (TORT) to treat head and neck cancer patients.
• Radiation therapy for Dupuytren’s contracture.

Learn more about these new offerings below.

Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT)

Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) is a non-surgical treatment for skin cancer. It involves using low-dose radiation directed from outside the body to precisely target cancerous skin cells while sparing the surrounding healthy skin and underlying tissues.

“This multi-stage treatment boasts a very high success rate and carries fewer risks compared to traditional methods, making it one of the most preferred options for skin cancer treatment today,” says Whoon Jong Kil, MD, medical director, Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport.

IG-SRT vs. Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery has long been a traditional treatment for skin cancer. This specialized procedure involves removing skin layers one at a time and examining them under a microscope to detect any remaining cancerous cells. While effective, Mohs surgery is time consuming and poses a risk of visible scarring, especially on the patient’s face.

IG-SRT offers several advantages over Mohs surgery, including being pain free, eliminating the risk of scarring, or the need for incisions. This makes IG-SRT particularly suitable for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery or who have cancerous growths in highly visible areas. Additionally, IG-SRT can remove the need for surgery, anesthesia, as well as avoiding pain, bruising, and swelling, which is beneficial for many patients.

Tongue-Out-Radiation Therapy (TORT)

TORT is an innovative radiation therapy technique used for treating head and neck cancers. In TORT, the patient is instructed to stick their tongue out for customized radiation therapy. This tongue-out position is maintained using a customized medicine cup and a thermoplastic immobilization mask. Before each treatment, the patient is given the command “tongue out and hold” to ensure the tongue is positioned consistently during treatment.

The benefits of TORT include:

• A reduction in the volume of the oral tongue and throat that are irradiated.
• Improved accuracy in throat cancer radiation treatment.
• Reduced post-treatment difficulty swallowing.
• Potential acceleration of recovery from post-radiation therapy taste disorders.
• Decreased pain and inflammation in throat and tongue.

Radiation Therapy for Dupuytren’s Contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand. The affected fingers can't straighten completely. Knots of tissue form under the skin, eventually creating a thick cord that can pull the fingers into a bent position.

Radiation therapy can prevent the progression of Dupuytren’s contracture in patients with early stage of the condition and prevent the recurrence after surgical resection in patients with late stage of Dupuytren’s contracture. The radiation is aimed at the nodules and cord to soften and shrink the lumps and prevent the formation of contractures. It is an option that helps address the underlying cause by slowing the progression of the contracture.

To refer a patient for these services, call 570-326-8203. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center radiation oncology services are located on the UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus at 1100 Grampian Boulevard.