The Department of Radiation Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University is part of an NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and consists of four sites: Fox Chase Cancer Center Main, Temple University Hospital Main, FCCC Buckingham and FCCC East Norriton. The department, which is currently undergoing a major expansion, currently houses 12 linear accelerators including a 45 MV racetrack microtron, and multiple radiosurgical and SbRT platforms. In the first phase of our expansion, we are in the process of installing 6 new Elekta® and Varian® linacs with novel capabilities including adaptive radiation therapy and frameless cobalt-60 radiosurgery. The Buckingham satellite facility has a CT simulator with 4D capability, a Varian®linac, and the CyberKnife® linear accelerator.
The Buckingham satellite facility has a CT simulator with 4D capability, Varian Trilogy® linear accelerator, and a CyberKnife®. Patients are treated with 3D-CRT and IMRT, as well as the latest in image guided radiation therapy, SRS and SBRT.
Brachytherapy
We currently have two HDR brachytherapy suites, one each at FCCC Main Campus and at TUH Main Campus. The suite at FCCC Main, equipped with the Varian Bravos®, is general anesthesia capable and the location for all the prostate implants within the system. Two additional HDR suites will be added in the next year, a secondary HDR suite at FCCC main campus, equipped with a Varian VariSource iX® primarily dedicated to Gyn Brachytherapy and a community site HDR suite at FCCC East Norriton. The TUH Main brachytherapy suite is equipped with a brand now Flexitron® remote afterloader.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound
In addition to its simulation capabilities, the MRI unit is equipped with a high intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) unit used for the treatment of certain disease sites. There is ongoing research in the department utilizing focused ultrasound as well.
Radioembolization
The department collaborates with clinicians and physicists in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine in order to treat patients with primary and metastatic disease in the liver.
Unsealed Sources
Residents rotate in nuclear medicine in order to obtain the necessary experience required in unsealed source prescription and administration.
Resident Caseload
Fox Chase residents are among the best-trained in external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. For example, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) required case minimums, typical brachytherapy case numbers in the US, and typical resident case numbers are provided below:
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Ex Beam Irr
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BT, Interstitial
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BT, Intracavitary
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Pediatric Solid Tumor
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Pediatric Total
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SRS/Brain
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SBRT
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Unsealed Sources
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| ACGME Minimum | 450 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 12 | 20 | 10 | 6 |
| FCCC Residents' Average | 579 | 47 | 45 | 16.3 | 17.3 | 36.3 | 62.3 | 9.3 |
| % Above Minimum | 29% | 840% | 200% | 81% | 44% | 82% | 523% | 55% |
| Abbreviations: ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; BT: brachytherapy; EBRT: external beam radiation therapy; FCCC: Fox Chase Cancer Center; SBRT: stereotactic body radiation therapy; SRS: stereotactic radiosurgery. ACGME reported numbers through June 30, 2020. | ||||||||