A Community Oncology Center Impacting Cancer Research on a Local, Regional, and National Level
By Karen Hendricks | Photography by Casey Martin
Dr. Satish Shah founded Gettysburg’s first oncology practice about 30 years ago, and today Gettysburg Cancer Center’s 30 employees are dedicated to a full range of cancer-related services. It’s the only independent practice in the region that offers comprehensive services similar to those offered by top hospitals—at a fraction of the cost.
“Dr. Shah has always fought to keep the practice independent,” says Terry Burke, clinical research coordinator. “Not only is he a great doctor, but he’s a good businessman, which translates directly to benefit the patients.”
State-of-the-art oncology, radiology, and imaging equipment provides CT and PET scans, nuclear medicine, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, infusions, and more.
Greg Delahanty, RT(N)(CT), BS
About 650 cancer patients receive treatment on a monthly basis—hailing from throughout Adams County plus the region—Chambersburg, Westminster, Mechanicsburg, and beyond—including northern Virginia and even Ireland.
“Each patient is called personally the day before appointments—there is no automation,” says Joan Chapman, administrative assistant. “New patients are sometimes seen the same day they call, and usually within 48 hours.”
Terry Burke, BSN, RN and Vanessa Warner, CCRC
Cancer research is a growing priority at Gettysburg Cancer Center.
“We have a dozen studies underway and about 14 coming up,” says Burke. More and more patients are traveling to Gettysburg from across the country and world to participate in potentially groundbreaking clinical trials.
Currently underway is a Triple Negative Breast Cancer trial.
“Triple Negative is a very aggressive and rare form of breast cancer,” says Vanessa Warner, certified clinical research coordinator. “The trial involves oral medication and seeing if it works better than potentially rigorous chemotherapy.”
The breadth and depth of Gettysburg Cancer Center’s clinical trials is rarely found at a community oncology center, says Chris Brunner, practice administrator.
“This is where every cancer drug starts—the clinical research we offer is a powerful thing,” Brunner says.
Gettysburg Cancer Center
20 Expedition Trail, Suite 101
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-334-4033
www.gettysburgcancercenter.com
To learn more about participating in the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Trial or other upcoming clinical trials, contact Terry Burke at 717-334-4033 x131 or terry@gettysburgoncology.com
