Cancer Treatments

Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Conemaugh Cancer Center, we combine the expertise of specialists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and additional support services to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of these. Your involvement in the decision-making process is essential, and we prioritize open communication throughout your care.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses large doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is directed to the affected area, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.

Electrons are used to treat skin cancers and other superficial lesions, as they are absorbed by the first few centimeters of skin, leaving very little dose to pass into the body. Radiation therapy is used to both destroy cancer cells and alleviate the symptoms of cancer. There are several non-malignant conditions treated using radiation therapy.

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

Thanks to advances in radiation therapy technology, treatment is more precise than ever. Advantages of our radiation technology include:

• Quicker and more precise treatments allow us to target the tumor with a high level of accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
• Imaging techniques allow the radiation oncologist to closely track tumors before and during radiation, allowing for personalized treatment plan adjustments as needed.

Radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy. Because each cancer type requires a different approach, each patient’s treatment plan is customized to their unique needs and treatment goals.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells. The treatment may be used alone or combined with surgery, radiation therapy or hormonal therapy. While chemotherapy can cure some cancers, it also effectively manages the disease in others.

The duration and type of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and the patient's response to therapy. Regular evaluations, including blood work and possible CT or PET/CT scan, will help determine the effectiveness of the treatment and if it needs to be adjusted for improved outcomes. Chemotherapy is provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Interventional Radiology

Conemaugh physicians use image guidance and small catheters to perform procedures that can support chemotherapy and radiation treatments, typically with very few side effects.

Interventional Radiology Procedures

• Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty, which provide long-term pain relief from compression fractures due to bone cancer or osteoporosis
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for liver, kidney, lung and breast tumors. RFA is used for primary and metastatic tumors and is designed to kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue
• Chemoembolization for liver cancer delivers high-dose chemotherapy agents directly to the diseased liver while blocking the blood supply to the tumor, allowing for a quicker recovery

Advantages of Interventional Radiology

• Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or require only a short hospital stay.
• General anesthesia is usually not required.
• Risk, pain and recovery time are often reduced.
• Procedures are sometimes less expensive than surgery.

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Hematology

Our Hematology Services

• Hematologic consultations
• Diagnosis and management of blood disorders
• Diagnosis and management of clotting disorders
• Diagnosis and management of bone marrow disorders

A physician referral is needed.

Conemaugh Cancer Care Center 
1450 Scalp Ave Suite 2100
Johnstown Pa. 15904
Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm

Conemaugh Cancer Care Center - Somerset
1291 North Center Ave.
Somerset, PA 15501
Phone: 814.534.9132
Wednesday & Thursday 8 am - 4 pm

Surgery

Using a unique team-based approach, the medical oncology team collaborates with Conemaugh Cancer Center's radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists to design a specific treatment plan for each patient. Under the medical oncologist's supervision, our oncology certified nurses administer chemotherapy and other supportive infusion services. Each patient is closely monitored to assess progress and treatment effectiveness.

Length of recovery depends on the type of procedure. If necessary, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery.