BluePearl Veterinary CyberKnife Cancer Center
Malvern, PA
Oncology

Center of Focus

Pet oncology by BluePearl.

Advanced cancer care to help your pet live a longer and better life.

We understand that seeing your pet experience unusual symptoms or act out of the ordinary can be stressful – especially if you don’t know what’s wrong. Fortunately, our multidisciplinary veterinary oncology team is made up of experts in diagnosing and treating cancer, and we’re here to help.

Our commitment is not just to treat illnesses; it’s to enhance the well-being of your pet and be with you every step of the way.

Services we offer.

Two BluePearl veterinary radiation technologists prepare a dalmatian for a procedure.

Your pet will receive unparalleled medical care during their time at the hospital (and they’ll be spoiled with love and attention, too).

Advanced diagnostics

Your pet can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we use sophisticated diagnostics and imaging tools to reveal more about their cancer – from the smallest of details to the biggest of revelations. Then, we assess the results with great care and attention to develop the most successful treatment plan possible.

  • Radiography (x-rays)
  • Ultrasound
  • Blood testing
  • Biopsy & cytology
  • MRI & CT scan

Treatment plans.

Just as no two patients are the same, neither are their treatment plans.

Our oncology team has experience with a range of advanced procedures and minimally invasive options to get your pet on the path to wellness, including:

  • Chemotherapy
  • CyberKnife and conventional radiation therapy
  • Surgery
  • Immunotherapy
  • Clinical studies

Chemotherapy

Targeted cancer treatment for pets.

Chemotherapy uses specialized medications to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells in pets. As opposed to the typical experience among people, pets tolerate chemotherapy well with minimal side effects.

We tailor your pet’s treatment to maximize both cancer-killing effectiveness and quality of life.

CyberKnife and conventional radiation therapy

Precision cancer therapy for pets where less is more.

CyberKnife radiation therapy is noninvasive and uses a robotic arm to deliver the entire therapeutic dose of radiation in one to three treatments, compared to conventional radiation therapy, which may take up to 20 treatments. This means less anesthesia, fewer trips to the hospital, less stress for your pet, and fewer side effects.

Conventional radiation options, which are ideal for different types of tumors, include Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and superficial electron therapy. Ultimately, your oncologist will be able to determine which treatment is best for your pet.

Surgery

Cutting-edge procedures for better outcomes.

Sometimes, the best option for treating cancer is going in and removing a tumor surgically. We use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to treat your pet’s cancer, which minimizes tissue damage, speeds recovery and prioritizes their comfort.

Altogether, this leads to faster rehabilitation, fewer post-operative complications and more time spent bonding with your companion.

Immunotherapy

Harnessing your pet’s immune system to fight cancer.

Immunotherapy leverages the power of your pet’s own immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. This advanced treatment is usually administered via injection or infusion and is often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness and improve your pet’s chances of recovery.

Clinical studies

Creating the cures of tomorrow for pets who need them today.

Cutting-edge clinical trials offer innovative treatments and potential breakthroughs in veterinary medicine. Participating in clinical trials provides pets with access to novel therapies, personalized approaches, and close monitoring by our team of experts.

This leads to accelerated discoveries, improved outcomes, and hope for pets and their families facing challenging health conditions.

Our board certified specialists and oncology team.

Experience makes all the difference. 

Our oncology team is made up of veterinarians, vet technicians and assistants, and support staff with rigorous training and experience in specialty medicine. The team works hand in hand to provide the comprehensive, compassionate care your pet needs and deserves. Because we’re a multidisciplinary hospital, the team can consult the expertise of other specialty departments, too.

Craig Clifford

MS, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology

Oncology
On the job

Dr. Craig Clifford has been a medical oncologist since 2003 and currently runs all oncology-based clinical trials at BluePearl Malvern. He is active in clinical research and serves as an advisory board member with industry and non-profit foundations. He has authored/co-authored over 70 papers and book chapters and frequently lectures at major veterinary meetings in the USA and abroad. Dr. Clifford is a member of the Mars Veterinary Oncology Advisory Board and the Oncology Pathology Working Group, has served on many VCS and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) committees and was an Examiner for the Australian Scientist’s Oncology Specialty Exam.

Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Medical Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville
  • Master of Science, Avian Virology, University of Delaware, Newark

Publications & Articles

Evan Ducker

DVM, DACVR-RO
Board Certified in Veterinary Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology
On the job

Dr. Evan Ducker’s clinical practice emphasizes treatments that align with the client’s goals and maintain a good quality of life for their pet by integrating surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy into their care plan. He offers multiple radiation modalities, including:

  • CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (CyberKnife SRT)
  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
  • Electron and manual planning
  • Palliative care and pain management
Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology-Radiation Oncology
  • Resident, Radiation Oncology, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Bachelor of Science, Agriculture – Biological Science, University of Georgia, Athens
Off duty

Dr. Ducker is a huge soccer fan and enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, Nala and Isaac. He and his wife enjoy learning about new restaurants and unique foods all over the Northeast.

Publications and articles

Siobhan Haney

MS, VMD, DACVR-RO, MBA
Board Certified in Veterinary Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology
On the job

Dr. Siobhan Haney has lectured both nationally and internationally. In addition, she has authored and co-authored several studies on conventional and stereotactic radiation treatments in companion animals. Her clinical practice treats tumors in pets with advanced radiation oncology services, including:

  • CyberKnife stereotactic radiation therapy
  • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
  • Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
  • Palliative care
Education
  • Master of Business Administration, Penn State University, State College, PA
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology-Radiation Oncology
  • Residency, Radiation Oncology, Tufts University, Grafton, MA
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, NJ
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
  • Master of Science, Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Off duty

Outside of work, Dr. Haney enjoys organizing and decluttering, fine art, old homes, late night Netflix marathons, riding her Peloton and spending time with her two energetic children and her husband, who is also a veterinarian.

Publications and articles

Kristin Kicenuik

DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology

Oncology
On the job

Dr. Kristin Kicenuik actively participates in clinical trials, has authored and coauthored multiple articles, case reports and blogs for both veterinarians and the public, as well as presented regional education lectures for veterinarians and support staff. She takes pleasure in fostering the human-animal bond and helping animals live longer and more comfortable lives despite their cancer diagnosis. She has a special interest in translational medicine and believes that having knowledge of the behavior and treatment of cancer in dogs and in people can ultimately benefit both species.

She works closely with surgeons and radiation oncologists to provide a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. Her special interests lie in palliative care, multimodal pain management and promotion of quality of life.

Dr. Kicenuik uses chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy to treat a variety of pet cancer, including:

  • Lymphoma
  • Mast cell
  • Melanoma
  • Bladder
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Hemangiosarcoma
Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Medical Oncology, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Internship, Medical Oncology, University of Georgia, Athens
  • Internship, Medical and Radiation Oncology, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus, NJ
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
  • Bachelor of Arts, Biologic Basis of Behavior, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Off duty

Outside of work, Dr. Kicenuik enjoys spending time with her fiancé and poodle mix, Winnie, outdoors hiking, kayaking and traveling.

Christine Mullin

VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology

Oncology
On the job

Dr. Christine Mullin has been board certified in medical oncology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine since 2015. She joined BluePearl immediately after completing her residency. She has authored and co-authored several journal articles and book chapters, provided webinars on topics in veterinary oncology for VIN.com and presents continuing education programs for veterinarians and support staff both regionally and nationally. Dr. Mullin also has a strong interest in clinical research and has served as co-investigator for several clinical trials. She has served as a volunteer on the Northeast Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group committee, ACVIM General Examination rating committee and ACVIM Continuing Education course planning committee.

In addition to chemotherapy services, Dr. Mullin provides consultations, diagnostics, immunotherapy and palliative care for pets with cancer. Her services aid in the treatment of:

  • Immune system and blood cancers
  • Bone cancer
  • Soft tissue tumors
  • Skin cancer
  • Oral tumors
  • Lung cancer
  • Spleen and liver cancer
  • Intestinal cancer
  • Urinary tract cancer
  • Mammary cancer
  • Endocrine & neuroendocrine cancers
Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Medical Oncology, Oncology Service LLC, Washington DC
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls, NJ
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology, College of New Jersey, Ewing
Off duty

Dr. Mullin is a native of New Jersey where she and her husband share their home with two dogs and two cats.

Publications & Articles

Rebecca Risbon

VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)
Board Certified in Veterinary Oncology

Oncology
On the job

Dr. Rebecca Risbon has been a medical oncologist since 2007 and is one of the founding oncologists at BluePearl Malvern, where she is active in clinical trials. She is also responsible for founding the medical oncology service at BluePearl Levittown. Dr. Risbon is an active member of the Veterinary Cancer Society and regularly attends meetings to stay current on continuing education.

Dr. Risbon’s clinical interests include:

  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Canine histiocytic sarcoma
Education
  • Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
  • Residency, Medical Oncology, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls NJ
  • Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls NJ
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Off duty

Dr. Risbon and her husband have one son, and the family has two black labs, Franklin and Willowbee. She enjoys traveling, reading, running, and hiking with her dogs.

Publications and articles

What to expect.

We want you to be prepared for your pet’s visit to the oncologist, so you have one less thing to worry about. Our entire BluePearl team will be with you every step of the way.

Before your visit

  • Make an initial appointment by calling us directly or via referral from your pet’s primary vet. 
  • We’ll request records from your primary or emergency vet before your first visit and collaborate with them to discuss your pet’s history and current condition.

During your visit

  • When possible, we’ll examine your pet with you by their side to make them more comfortable. If additional tests are needed for a diagnosis, we’ll discuss those options with you.
  • You’ll have plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions as we go over your pet’s diagnosis together.
  • Before you leave, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan, discharge instructions and any recommended medications. We’ll schedule a recheck appointment and make sure you’re aware of any symptoms you should watch out for at home.

After your visit

  • Our team will continue to partner with your primary veterinarian as part of the ongoing management of your pet’s care.
  • You know your pet better than anyone, and you play a crucial role in their treatment plan. If you have any concerns about providing care at home (such as giving medication, maintaining a specific diet or monitoring your pet’s symptoms), let us know – we’re here for you.