Penny R. Anderson, MD

Penny R. Anderson, MD
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Clinical Locations

Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology

Chief, Division of Breast Radiation Oncology

Vice Chair for Quality Assurance and Process Improvement

Specialties

Treatment Focus

Brachytherapy

Key Awards

2023 top doctors
Radiation Oncology

Treatment Philosophy

After completing my training at Fox Chase, I joined the radiation oncology department attending staff in 1999. I chose to stay at Fox Chase because I wanted to remain in a research setting at a hospital with the highest excellence in cancer care. In my practice, I specialize in treating patients with gynecological cancers, breast cancer and sarcoma.

As a female oncologist, I address the many unique treatment issues specific to women. My patients discuss their personal issues surrounding their cancer, as well as the side effects of treatment. It is gratifying to offer comfort, not only through radiation treatment, but afterwards in their follow-up care.

As director of breast and gynecologic radiation oncology, I believe it is important to spend time educating my patients. These women have many personal issues related to quality-of-life. We provide education and support from diagnosis throughout treatment and follow-up care.

A particular accomplishment of mine was changing the practice of gynecological high-dose-rate brachytherapy in 2001 from an inpatient to an outpatient procedure for patients. This procedure is now much easier for patients to tolerate, while maximizing our highest quality of care.

At Fox Chase, we use the most sophisticated technology for both external beam (IMRT) radiation therapy and brachytherapy. We have a CT and an MRI simulator for gynecological cancer treatment planning. We use CT/MR-based brachytherapy treatment planning for patients with gynecological cancers.

As a breast cancer specialist, I am part of the Breast Evaluation Center's multispecialty team at Fox Chase. My role is integral in developing the best course of treatment for our newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. At Fox Chase, we use IMRT to treat women with breast cancer.

In treating patients with sarcoma, I collaborate with the surgeons and medical oncologists to determine the best course of treatment. Before surgery, radiation therapy helps to reduce the tumor's size, making it easier to remove. Following surgery, radiation therapy can improve local control and chance for cure. In treating sarcomas, we use an MR simulator in the planning process, which helps improve accuracy of treatment.

Research is another interest of mine. I am a member of multiple national committees aimed at constantly improving and advancing the treatment and outcome of gynecologic and breast cancers. I am the principal investigator for several national trials evaluating novel, innovative approaches for breast and gynecologic cancer treatment. Each year, I am invited to present at many professional meetings, including the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), ASTRO (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology), and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG).

 

Educational Background

  • Fellow, Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • Resident, Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
  • MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 1994

Certifications

  • American Board of Radiology, Therapeutic Radiology

Memberships

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
  • Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
  • Gynecologic Oncology Group
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
  • American Brachytherapy Society

Honors & Awards

  • Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2017-20
  • America's Top Doctors®, 2016-2023
Amy Wolf

Amy Wolf

  • Breast Cancer

My name is Amy Wolf and I am a breast cancer survivor who was treated at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Before my diagnosis, I worked with preschoolers, acting as an aid for children with autism. After going in for an annual physical, my doctor felt a lump in my left breast, but when she placed my hand on it, I couldn’t feel it.

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Miriam Lieberman

  • Breast Cancer
  • Uterine Sarcoma

For decades, my healthcare routine was the same: When I scheduled my annual mammogram to screen for breast cancer, I also booked an appointment for a preventative transvaginal ultrasound. That’s because my sister survived a bout with uterine cancer 40 years ago, and our family history could put me at risk of developing the same cancer.

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Gabrielle Korosec

  • Breast Cancer

There were a lot of things going on in my life when I first found a lump in my breast. My mother-in-law was in failing health, my two children were teenagers, and I was separating with my husband of 23 years. My life was in chaos; when I found the lump, it further added to that.

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Melanie Fowler

  • Breast Cancer

I’m 65 years old, and thanks to a 35-year career at the Department of Defense, I’ve been happily retired for just about a decade. I live in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, with my husband Bill, our dog Tess, short for Tess the Mess, and our cat Amoco, who is named for the gas station where we found her.

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Research Interests

Breast Cancer; Gynecologic Cancers; Brachytherapy

The following ratings and reviews are based on verified feedback collected from independently administered patient experience surveys. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Learn more about our Patient Experience Ratings.

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