Barbara Burtness, MD

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888-FOX-CHASE

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19111

Dr. Burtness's
Patient Stories

Frances Hatalovsky - Carcinoid Cancer Patient Stories, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Patient Stories
Richard Johnson - Esophageal Cancer Patient Stories
Michael Kostic - Head and Neck Cancer Patient Stories, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Patient Stories, Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer Patient Stories
Kevin Logan - Head and Neck Cancer Patient Stories, Squamous Cell Cancer Patient Stories
Gilberto Rolón - Metastatic Lung Cancer Patient Stories, Colon Cancer Patient Stories
Ronald Schnell - Pancreatic Cancer Patient Stories

Medical Oncology

Chief, Head and Neck Medical Oncology
Associate Director, Clinical Research
Professor, Medical Oncology
Chief, Head and Neck Medical Oncology
Co-Leader, Developmental Therapeutics

Meet other members of the gastrointestinal cancer treatment team or the head and neck cancer treatment team

Clinical Expertise:

Head and Neck Cancers; Pancreatic Cancer Cancer; Esophageal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer

Certifications:

American Board of Internal Medicine;
Medical Oncology

I chose to enter the field of oncology because I believed I understood the kind of complicated internal medicine you need to take good care of cancer patients. I was fascinated by the biology, and there were tantalizing hints of progress in things like the first positive trial of adjuvant therapy for colon cancer. I wanted to work in a field where I could make a difference by discovering new treatments.

I never dreamed we'd see the kind of progress that has taken place just in the 20 years I've been doing this, or that I'd have the privilege of participating so intimately in the work that has led to these changes. I don't know another person who feels as lucky to do the work she does as I do.

In my practice, I focus on treating patients with head and neck cancers and gastrointestinal cancers. In the past, these types of cancers have not responded well to treatment, but recently, we've seen genuine advances due to the introduction of biologic agents.