UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Launches Advanced Radiation Therapy That Provides Pinpoint Accuracy

September 2, 2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. – UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in central Pennsylvania is now offering the Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT), a cutting-edge technique that can be used to treat a wide variety of cancers, including breast, lung, head and neck, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers.

During radiation delivery, SGRT uses high-tech cameras and sensors to track the contours of a patient’s skin and produce a unique map of the surface of their body to deliver radiation. These systems detect any movement and provide immediate feedback, allowing for precise realignment before and during radiation delivery.

“This mapping is essential because even slight changes in a patient’s position such as breathing, posture shifts, or movement can affect the accuracy of radiation delivery,” said Alexandra Chahwala, MHA, R.T.(R)(T), regional operations manager, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Central Pa. “This technology allows us to treat patients with greater precision and safety, while enhancing their comfort. It’s a meaningful step forward in how we care for our community, and it reflects our commitment to delivering the most advanced, patient-centered cancer care close to home.”

Combining SGRT with X-ray or CT imaging for monitoring during radiation treatment allows more precise targeting of the tumor, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The use of this non-invasive surface guidance helps improve the accuracy, effectiveness, and efficiency of the entire radiation therapy workflow while providing safety and patient comfort across simulation.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Central Pa. has approximately 33,000 patient visits for radiation oncology annually, averaging close to 125 radiation treatments 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.