Geisinger Health Systems Cancer Institute

Contact Information

100 N. Academy Ave. Danville, PA 17822
(800) 275-6401

The Geisinger Cancer Institute

The Geisinger Cancer Institute (GCI) is part of Geisinger Health Systems, a physician-administered healthcare delivery plan that serves more than 2.5 million people in 40 counties within Pennsylvania. The GCI has three integral components: the Geisinger Medical Group at State College, the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, and the Henry Cancer Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This third component is a partnership between Geisinger and Fox Chase Cancer Center.

The GCI provides services in all disciplines of cancer treatment including head and neck cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, gynecologic cancers, bone and soft tissue cancers, and skin malignancies. The Geisinger Medical Group offers outpatient consultation for a wide array of cancers and blood diseases. The Medical Center provides screening, prevention strategies, diagnosis, and treatment for Pennsylvania cancer patients. Finally, The Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Wyoming Valley conducts clinical trials and cancer research. As gastrointestinal is an area of concentration, those with the rare peritoneal mesothelioma may benefit from a consultation.

The Geisinger Cancer Institute applies state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat a variety of cancers. Both the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations have accredited the institute. Geisinger has recruited physicians that have been trained at the nation’s most renowned cancer institutions so that Pennsylvanians may receive the most sophisticated care without the burden of extensive travel. The multi-disciplinary team assembled at Geisinger provides a range of cancer services, including mammography, sentinel node biopsy, endoscopy, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, palliative care programs, and laser. Cutting-edge innovations abound, including Gamma Knife surgery, stem cell transplantation, prostate seed implants, and 3-D computer planning. The most up-to-date biological treatments, such as anti-angiogenesis agents and anti-growth factors, are also available.

Geisinger patients may participate in more than 100 clinical trials, the same treatment protocols being offered at the foremost cancer centers of the U.S. Trials currently underway involve groundbreaking protocols for kidney, gynecologic, breast, and lung cancers, including mesothelioma. The center also conducts trials to elucidate new pharmacological targets in cancer therapy. Many patients join prevention trials to assess how they can modify certain factors to lower the risk of cancer.

Many professionals are readily available to assist patients through the physical and emotional difficulties associated with cancer. Family counselors, psychologists, palliative care specialists, physical therapists and nutritionists spend time with patients to address their unique needs. Social service advisors are available to take care of insurance, financial and emotional needs. Additionally, a variety of support groups deal with cancer-related issues.

Families of cancer patients are invited to stay in the House of Care, a not-for-profit hotel located on the medical center campus. Other support services include summer camp for children with cancer, home care services, a Ronald McDonald House, and a pain management clinic. In partnership with the American Cancer Society, Geisinger Cancer Institute offers the Look Good, Feel Better program, a two-hour, hands-on group session featuring make-up application tips, wigs, scarves, prosthetics, and other cosmetic services of local vendors.

The Henry Cancer Center, expanded in 2009, offers a wide array of advanced cancer services including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a new type of external beam radiation that delivers high-energy radiation to tumors while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. Blood transfusion, infusions, and a variety of hematological procedures are available. 3D conformal radiation therapies as well as high and low dose brachytherapy, with radiation seed implants in the body, are performed. The recent expansion included the addition of 14 additional chemotherapy chairs, 20 new exam rooms, and several social areas for patient support and camaraderie. The Healing Garden incorporates the health benefits of beauty, water, nature and sunlight in a soothing environmental setting to facilitate healing.