UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pennsylvania Expands Access to Gynecological Cancer Treatment

April 2, 2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in central Pennsylvania, is now offering an advanced internal radiation therapy for gynecological cancers which has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Cylinder High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy is now available at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center – Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Cancer Pavillion, 2035 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the only health facility in the West Shore of Harrisburg to offer this service.

This advanced form of internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive source to deliver a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor site over a short period. This non-invasive procedure also minimizes radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues while ensuring the maximum radiation dose is given to the area of the body at risk. The procedure is typically completed within minutes over 3-5 days, reducing the overall treatment time compared to other radiation therapies. It is commonly used for patients with endometrial cancer, as well as certain cervical and vaginal cancers.

“Previously, patients had to travel to other UPMC locations, such as Harrisburg or York, to receive this treatment,” said Joella Wilson, M.D. regional vice chair, Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “This milestone underscores our commitment to providing top-tier cancer care and innovative treatment options to our community.”

HDR Brachytherapy greatly reduces side effects, as radiation is delivered inside-out, rather outside-in. This means that the radiation does not travel through the skin and normal tissues to reach the tumor site, but instead the radiation source is placed next to the target where it can target the cancer cells more directly.

In addition to Dr. Wilson, the team of radiation oncologists who are providing this treatment include David C. Weksberg, M.D., Ph.D., Abimbola Orisamolu, M.D and Christopher Haskins, M.D.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa. has approximately 40,000 patient visits for medical oncology and infusion annually, averaging close to 100 appointments per day. 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.