SAMC Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care

Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care

Learning you have cancer can be a scary and confusing time. Our multidisciplinary care teams at Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, work together and are by your side throughout your journey – from diagnosis through treatment to survivorship.

At the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care, our care teams ensure that our patients receive innovative, personalized care. We provide support and care in one location close to home. This helps you maintain the highest quality of life while receiving the best possible outcomes.

Treatment Options

Our care team provides support and care including clinical trials, chemotherapy, genetics, hematology and immunotherapy to radiation therapy, clinical trials and surgery.

Advanced treatment options include:

  • 4D CT simulation
  • External beam radiation therapy
  • Image-guided radiation therapy
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy
  • Stereotactic Radiation Therapy
  • Optical surface monitoring system

Diagnostics and Imaging

OSF Saint Anthony offers a complete range of medical imaging and diagnostic services for detecting and treating cancer. And with the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care located at the hospital, you have full access to those diagnostic capabilities, allowing for convenient access, faster exam times and results.

Cancer diagnostics provided:

  • 3D digital mammography
  • Biopsy and image-guided biopsy
  • Bronchoscopy
  • CAT scan – 64 slice, low-dosage
  • Colonoscopy
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Laryngoscopy
  • MRI
  • PET scan
  • Ultrasound
  • X-rays

Support Services

Experts from several specialties, such as patient and financial navigators, clergy, researchers, dietitians and counselors, work together to ensure you are cared for in body, mind and spirit. These support services include:

  • Financial navigator
  • Nurse navigator
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Pastoral care
  • Rehabilitation
  • Smoking cessation
  • Social work
  • Support groups

Preparing for Your First Visit

Your first cancer treatment can feel stressful, but we will be with you every step of the way.  

Parking is free and available in the lot located directly in front of the cancer center. 

When you arrive at the Patricia D. Pepe Center for Cancer Care, please check in at the front desk. You will need to bring your identification, insurance cards and a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking. 

The first visit can take a little longer. You will meet your doctor and nurses, who will educate you on your treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Depending on your type of cancer, you might watch an educational video. In addition, some treatments require pre-treatment medications. 

Chemotherapy treatments can take several hours to administer the medication, while radiation treatments take less time but are more frequent. For your first treatment visit, you will need to have labs drawn. Your chemotherapy treatments will also be administered slowly to allow your body time to adjust. We supply reading material, snacks, drinks, warm blankets and pillows but feel free to bring your own.

We make every effort to make your treatment as comfortable as possible. 

Accreditations and Certifications

We are proud to be the first radiation oncology department in the Rockford area to obtain American College of Radiology Certification in radiation oncology.

We are also the only cancer center in the region to be triple-accredited in oncology practice: overall cancer care, medical oncology and radiation oncology.

Over 75% of our nurses are nationally oncology nursing certified, and 100% of our chemotherapy nurses are chemotherapy-trained and certified.

Annual Report

We're Here for You

To make an appointment, call the Center for Cancer Care at (815) 227-CARE (815-227-2273).

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