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Penny R. Anderson, MD
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- About
- Education and Training
- Patient Stories
- Research Profile
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Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
About
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Chief, Division of Breast and Gynecologic Radiation Oncology
Vice Chair for Quality Assurance and Process Improvement
Specialties
Treatment Focus
Brachytherapy
Key Awards
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).
Education and Training
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®, 2016-17
Patient Stories
Gabrielle Korosec
Breast Cancer
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.
Melanie Fowler
Breast Cancer
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.
Kat Kramer
Breast Cancer
Kat Kramer
Breast Cancer
When I was growing up in Philadelphia’s Olney-Feltonville neighborhood, my grandmother made sure I knew how to run a household. She taught all of her grandchildren how to do essential household tasks, like sewing and cooking. I always looked forward to the day when I’d get to follow in her footsteps and pass these skills along to my son, Alex.
But when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 at age 43, I found myself worried about whether I would be able to carry on family traditions like this.
Toula Aris
Breast Cancer
Toula Aris
Breast Cancer
As a cancer survivor of over 20 years and as a mother who lost a daughter to cancer, I can say with certainty that cancer does not discriminate. Prior to my diagnosis, there was no family history of cancer and I always lived a healthy lifestyle, yet this disease affected me. A diagnosis can sneak up on anyone, regardless of how healthy they appear.
Judith Ingraham
Sarcoma
Judith Ingraham
Sarcoma
Judith Ingraham was diagnosed with synovial soft tissue sarcoma at the age of 58 when she sought a second opinion on a small lump she noticed on the lower part of her left leg. She was referred to Fox Chase Cancer Center for further treatment, where she underwent surgery to remove the cancer as well as reconstructive surgery, followed by radiation therapy. Today she is cancer free and feeling well. "I recommend Fox Chase to anyone who needs great care," Judith said. "I am so happy I was referred to Fox Chase where I have been blessed with my doctors and all of the Fox Chase employees I have met during this journey."
Pages
Research Profile
Research Interests
Breast Cancer; Gynecologic Cancers; Brachytherapy
Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Chief, Division of Breast and Gynecologic Radiation Oncology
Vice Chair for Quality Assurance and Process Improvement
Treatment Focus
Brachytherapy
Key Awards
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).
Education
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®, 2016-17
Research Profile
Research Interests
Breast Cancer; Gynecologic Cancers; Brachytherapy
Related Articles
14 PATIENT COMMENTS
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5.0
December 28, 2020
This was my first visit with Dr. Anderson. It went fine, and I anticipate that my future experiences being treated by her will go well [...].
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5.0
December 14, 2020
Dr. Penny Anderson is the ultimate caring doctor and someone I have seen for 18 years. Each visit has been filled with true concern for my well being.
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5.0
October 27, 2020
Wonderful experience.
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No Star Ratings Available
October 11, 2020
I feel I'm pretty much being told what will happen, not really given options. But doc was very compassionate communicator.
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No Star Ratings Available
September 02, 2020
Dr. Anderson was wonderful - she really helped me to be fully informed about radiation and what it all means. She was so patient and caring and is a wonderful doctor! I am about 45 minutes away from FCCC but because of doctors like Dr. Anderson, it is worth the drive to have a doctor like her and the FCCC team.
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5.0
August 04, 2020
Excellent experience. Received all pertinent information in a in a very informative way. Felt as if I received all the information I needed.
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5.0
March 09, 2020
Thank you Dr. Anderson for everything you do.
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5.0
February 23, 2020
Dr. Anderson is wonderful. She takes the time & listens & explains thoroughly.
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5.0
December 17, 2019
Dr. Anderson is a blessing to my life.
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5.0
December 06, 2019
Always a good experience seeing Dr. Anderson.
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5.0
November 26, 2019
Dr. Anderson is excellent.
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5.0
November 07, 2019
Dr. Anderson is wonderful.
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5.0
October 30, 2019
Great staff - & caring - Doctor - Dr. Anderson - Wonderful.
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5.0
October 17, 2019
Dr. Anderson is an excellent doctor. She is the one I look forward to seeing the most from my treatment team.
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