Eric M Horwitz, MD

Philadelphia Magazine
Top Doctors 2011
Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy
and patient safety

This test saved my life:
Rethinking the value & risks of cancer screening
Dr. Horwitz on WHYY's Radio Times, discussing screening guidelines. November 3, 2011.
Listen at WHYY FM

Confronting Cancer Today
See Dr. Eric Horwitz discuss cancer treatment on NBC's Today Show, June 12, 2009.
Watch at NBC.com

I joined Fox Chase's department of radiation oncology in 1997. In my practice, I specialize in treating patients with prostate cancer.

At Fox Chase, I have had the opportunity to develop advanced programs that include intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), real-time intra-operative treatment planning for permanent prostate seed implants and temporary high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer. As a result, Fox Chase was the first in the Northeast United States to offer HDR implants to men with prostate cancer. As a radiation oncologist at Fox Chase, I have been privileged to be able to use these technologies to improve and expand the treatment of men with prostate cancer.  Over the past decade, we have developed one of the largest, most sophisticated, brachytherapy programs in the region.  

In addition, I have been involved in the development and first use of many image guidance techniques to improve the radiation treatment for men with prostate cancer including the BAT ultrasound, Calypso beacons and MRI treatment simulator for prostate cancer treatment planning. We have successfully integrated the routine use MRI into treatment planning for patients treated with IMRT, permanent, seed prostate implants, and temporary high dose rate prostate implants. Fox Chase was the first North America to use the MRI simulator in radiation treatment planning.

Fox Chase was also one of the first hospitals to use Calypso^® - brand new 4-dimensional monitoring technology, which allows us to more precisely and accurately guide radiation therapy. Miniature electromagnetic sensors (similar to seeds), called Beacon^® transponders, are implanted into the prostate during treatment planning to continuously monitor position and motion of the organ in real-time. This technology helps us determine a tumor's location with great accuracy and continuously monitor its position throughout treatment.

In addition to my focus on treating and caring for men with prostate cancer, it is my responsibility as Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Fox Chase; an NCI designated National Comprehensive Cancer Center to promote the mission of the Center to prevail over cancer, marshaling heart and mind in bold scientific discovery, pioneering prevention, and compassionate care. Our department's expertise has always focused on developing and integrating sophisticated technology into successful treatment for our cancer patients and I remain committed to continuing and expanding this legacy. However, the successful treatment of a patient is not just based on the technology that is available. Being diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment is one of the most difficult things that many people will ever face, and it is crucial that we as caregivers do not forget this. Caring for patients as one important part of a multidisciplinary team allows us in the Department of Radiation Oncology to provide the best possible care for our patients.

Video

Introductory Video of Dr. Horwitz

Radiation Oncology
Chairman
Gerald E. Hanks Chair in Radiation Oncology

Meet other members of the
genitourinary cancer treatment team.

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

To make an appointment, call:
215-728-3815.

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE.
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Clinical Expertise:

Prostate Cancer; Brachytherapy; Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT); Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)

Medical Education:

Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y., 1992

Residency:

Radiation Oncology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich.

Certification:

American Board of Radiology, Radiation Oncology

Professional Societies:

American Brachytherapy Society, President 2009;
American Society for Radiation Oncology;
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group;
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
American Medical Association;

Scientific Report:

The Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Program;
Radiation Oncology
(These links require Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view.)

Research Interests:

Determining outcomes in treatment for prostate cancer patients treated with radiation;
Developing image guidance techniques for prostate cancer radiation treatments;
Developing realtime treatment planning techniques for prostate brachytherapy