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Geisinger Cancer Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania

100 N. Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822
570-271-6211
800-275-6401

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The Henry Cancer Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Geisinger Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing effective screening, prevention, timely detection, thorough diagnosis and state-of-the-art treatment for people with cancer in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Our multi-disciplinary team of cancer experts provides a coordinated and innovative approach to cancer care. The team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons, certified nurses, nurse practitioners, technicians and therapists, who work with referring physicians to design unique treatment plans for every patient.

Recognizing that cancer patients and their families prefer to receive care close to home, the Geisinger Cancer Institute established three hubs of care:

• Geisinger Medical Center, Danville
• Geisinger Fox Chase, The Henry Cancer Center, Wilkes-Barre
• Geisinger Medical Group-Scenery Park, State College

Featured services include:

• Outpatient cancer care
• Inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Low-dose and high-dose brachytherapy, seed plants
• CT and MRI imaging
• Bone marrow transplantation
• Zevalin (for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - NHL)
• Familial Cancer Genetics Program
• Specialized clinical cancer pharmacy
• Social services for patients and their families
• Home care services
• Post-mastectomy fitting clinic
• Palliative medicine program
• Summer camp for children with cancer
• Pain management clinic
• Support programs
• Ronald McDonald House
• Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Geisigner cancer patients have the opportunity to participate in more than 100 clinical trials. These state-of-the-art research studies using new pharmaceuticals, radiation, surgery and other therapies range from identifying better ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancer, to determining the psychological impact of having cancer.

Current trials involve new treatment protocols for breast, gastrointestinal, head and neck, gynecologic, bladder, kidney, lung cancers, leukemia and lymphoma as well as early detection and prevention trials for colon, breast and prostate cancers are offered at all three hubs of care:

• Geisigner Medical Center - 570-271-5251
• The Henry Cancer Center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center - 570-819-5387
• Geisinger Medical Group-Scenery Park, State College - 814-231-6241

Sperm Storage Program for the Cancer Patient

The Fertility Center at Geisinger Medical Center is designed to help recently diagnosed cancer patients with storing sperm prior to beginning chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Geisinger Medical Center and the Fairfax Cryobank have arranged for cancer patients to have their sperm specimen collected and frozen locally in Danville and stored long-term in Fairfax, Virginia.

The rapid advancements of assisted reproductive technology have greatly enhanced the chances for men undergoing cancer treatment or other therapies that result in sterility, to father their own biological children. Cryopreserved specimens, when properly stored, will remain viable for almost an indefinite period of time. Pregnancies have been reported for cases in which the sperm has been stored for 20 years prior to thawing and insemination.

Please contact The Fertility Center at Geisinger Medical Center at 570-271-5620 to schedule an appointment or for more information. Patient appointments will be scheduled within 1 to 3 days of the initial call.

Bone Marrow Program

The Bone Marrow Program offers the best hope for survival for patients with cancer and blood disorders with the specialized talents of a highly trained stem cell transplant team. A bone marrow transplant is a sophisticated procedure that allows patients to receive the highest possible dose of chemotherapy. This technique can increase a patient's opportunity for a cancer cure. Patients with leukemia, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma have been shown to benefit from this procedure which is available at Geisinger Medical Center.

For more information on bone marrow transplant call 1-800-275-6401

Familial Cancer Genetics Program

Geisinger's Familial Genetic Cancer Program offers cutting-edge genetic counseling, testing and intervention by a genetic counselor and medical oncologist including:

• Detailed evaluation of an individual's family history and other risk factors
• Assessment of an individual's personal cancer risk
• Physical exam
• Discussion of (DNA) genetic testing (depending on family history) including risk, benefits, and limitations
• Thorough review of prevention and screening options

Services are provided at all three cancer care facilities:

• Geisigner Medical Center
• The Henry Cancer Center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
• Geisinger Medical Group-Scenery Park, State College

To speak to a genetic counselor call 570-271-7472. To schedule an appointment, please call CareLink at 1-800-275-6401.

Palliative Medicine

Palliative medical health professionals are specifically trained to evaluate and treat pain and related symptoms. The Geisinger team sees inpatients and outpatients and works closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to maximize the care of its patients through symptom management and communication issues.

Medical symptoms associated with terminal diagnosis or incurable disease include:

• Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bowel blockage
• Delirium and confusion
• Constipation
• Nutritional issues

Patients, families and caregivers need information and support as they make decisions about:

• Treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, ventilators and CPR
• Treatment goals such as comfort and quality of life
• Preparation of advance directives and living wills
• Care options such as home care, hospice or nursing home placement

These and other similar issues are often difficult for the patient and his or her family to discuss. The palliative medicine team and the intervention of a caring health professional can frequently bring resolution and comfort to the patient and his or her loved ones by providing information and support.

The Palliative Medicine team provides this with an overall goal of assuring the patient's dignity, autonomy, and comfort. The program's staff is composed of:

• Neil M Ellison, MD, Director
• Dawn Snyder, RN, MSN, CHPN, Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Dawn Bastian, Coordinator of Volunteer Activities

For more information or patient referrals, call the program office at 570-271-7383.