The multidisciplinary Orthopedic Oncology Program at Lankenau Hospital

A Leader in Orthopedic Oncology
The Orthopedic Oncology Program at the Lankenau Hopsital Cancer Center in the Philadelphia suburbs provides highly specialized care for adults and children with cancer of the bones and soft-tissue structures of the body. Surgery is one of the most widely used treatments for bone cancer. Some patients also may receive radiation therapy and chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of their cancer.

The Lankenau Hospital Cancer Center is one of a few centers in the Philadelphia area to have a board-certified orthopedic oncologist, Richard G. Schmidt, MD, on staff. Dr. Schmidt is Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and has developed a highly specialized expertise in the surgical management of primary bone and soft tissue sarcomas, as well as metastatic bone cancers. He is renowned for his expertise in bone reconstruction and limb-preserving surgical techniques. In patients with metastatic disease to bone, the benefits of early orthopedic surgical treatment are significant. Patients can walk soon after surgery, maintaining their independence, and are less likely to develop secondary complications from prolonged bed rest.

Expert Treatment Team
In addition to an orthopedic oncologist, our program brings together some of the Philadelphia region's most distinguished specialists in medical and radiation oncology, pathology and radiology, as well as specially trained oncology nurses, pharmacists, registered dieticians, rehabilitation specialists, and a full-time oncology social worker.

Our experienced staff of board-certified medical oncologists works closely with the referring physician, the family, and other members of the treatment team to provide each patient with individualized care. Lankenau medical oncologists are actively involved in clinical and translational research, bringing patients the latest treatments available. Medical oncology services, which may include chemotherapy, are provided in a supportive and caring environment with specially trained oncology nurses.

Today, more than half of all patients with cancer are treated with radiation therapy. At Lankenau, new advances in radiation oncology enable us to more precisely target tumors, while minimizing treatment side effects. The result is a more aggressive approach to cancer treatments, with improved quality of life. Patients have access to clinical trials through Lankenau's participation in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). The department is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

As one treatment team, these experts work together to individualize the care we provide. Your treatment plan will be based on the type and location of the cancer; your general health, medical history, and personal preferences; and other treatments you may be receiving. Before, during and after treatment, we help you understand what to expect and provide regular updates about test results and treatment progress.

Radiology: Laying the Groundwork for Success
Patients with musculoskeletal tumors, which include tumors of the bone and soft tissue, benefit from a full range of radiological services available at Lankenau Hospital. From routine CT scans and plain X-ray film, to more advanced techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3 Tesla MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), your medical team has access to the tools needed to thoroughly examine subtle areas of tumor involvement within the body.

In addition to staging tumors before surgery and examining the tumor site following surgery, Lankenau radiologists may provide therapeutic assistance through the process of embolization, also known as angiographic or interventional radiology. Embolization involves decreasing vascularity, or blood flow, to the tumor. This process can greatly reduce blood loss during surgery and support the overall success of the procedure and post-operative recovery.

Nuclear medicine is another tool used by Lankenau physicians. With nuclear medicine, patients are administered an intravenous isotope and receive a PET scan. The PET scan is used to explore the physiologic activity of certain tumors in a study designed to investigate whether a tumor is likely to spread to other areas of the body. Radiologist and surgeon work closely to select the appropriate combination of diagnostic tests for each patient. Throughout the course of care and treatment, each patient's diagnostic studies and reports are available within the Lankenau PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) so that the medical team can assess progress on an ongoing basis and reduce the possibility of costly, duplicative studies.

Clinical Research: Testing Treatment Advances
Along with our commitment to provide the Main Line community with the latest medical advances, Lankenau Cancer Center participates in clinical trials of new cancer treatments through the Main Line Health Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research. If diagnosed with cancer, you may want to consider participating in a clinical trial, which might be more effective for your cancer than some other options. We will help you understand the risks and benefits of participating in a particular clinical trial.

Meet Our Physician Specialists...

• Richard Schmidt, M.D.; Chief,Orthopedic Surgery

Other Team Members:

• Albert DeNittis, MD; Chief, Radiation Oncology
• Erik L. Zeger, MD 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Department of Orthopedic Oncology, please call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

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