Taking Cancer Care to the Next Level
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
RC Cancer Centers is revolutionizing the approach to cancer management and treatment. Through an emphasis on wellness as well as quality clinical care, patients benefit from state-of-the-art technology in a warm and caring environment that focuses on preserving quality of life for all patients receiving cancer treatments.
With seven locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area, RC Cancer Centers makes the latest radiation technology available to patients in rural settings who would otherwise have to travel to receive care. By providing radiological services for gynecological cancers and cancers of the prostate, head and neck, breast and lung, patients benefit from cutting-edge treatment delivered by an experienced and dedicated staff.
Advanced Approach for Prostate Cancer
Physicians at RC Cancer Centers utilize an innovative approach called ProstRcision to treat and manage prostate cancer. Currently, more than 13,000 men have received ProstRcision therapy at RC Cancer Centers with exceptional clinical results.
ProstRcision involves a combination of brachytherapy and external beam radiation. Rather than using external beam radiation first and brachytherapy second, which is the more common technique, physicians using ProstRcision place the radioactive seeds first. By initially delivering a high internal dose of radiation directly to the cancerous lesion, the dose to critical structures, such as bladder and rectum, can be decreased.
ProstRcision is used for treatment of early, intermediate and advanced cancers. It is best suited for patients who have prostate cancers that have not metastasized.
Cure rates using ProstRcision are very high. Recently, Frederick J. Schnell, Jr., M.D., radiation oncologist at RC Cancer Centers, submitted an abstract that outlines 10-year results of ProstRcision in patients who have advanced prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 4 + 4 = 8. The results of the study will be presented at the American Society of Radiation Oncology’s annual conference in November.
“In my analysis, I found that early stage patients who had a Gleason score of 8 achieved a 75% cure rate when using ProstRcision,” says Dr. Schnell. “Patients with lower-volume disease on their initial biopsies had even better results, achieving cure rates of 80% to 85%.”
“ProstRcision is a very advantageous method for prostate cancer treatment because it boasts a very high cure rate while allowing the majority of men to retain sexual and urinary function,” adds Philip D. Shrake, M.D., radiation oncologist at RC Cancer Centers. “While there are a variety of treatment modalities available in addition to radiation therapy, including active surveillance, hormone therapy and surgery, radiation therapy has a much lower risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. More men are also candidates for radiation therapy, as men who are older than 70 are generally not surgical candidates.”
Alternative Radiation Techniques
In addition to traditional radiation therapy services, RC Cancer Centers also offers advanced alternative procedures. High-dose brachytherapy is utilized for treatment of breast cancer and gynecological malignancies, and partial breast irradiation is achieved using MammoSite 5-Day Targeted Radiation Therapy.
The MammoSite approach involves placing a balloon device into the lumpectomy cavity at the time of surgery. Following placement of the device, a CT scan is taken to ensure correct placement and symmetry of the device within the breast. Radiation therapy is then administered directly to the lumpectomy bed through the use of catheters. Because radiation is delivered directly to the lumpectomy cavity, the amount of radiation exposure to the lungs and heart is significantly reduced.
Unlike traditional, whole-breast irradiation that requires patients to receive treatment over a six-week period, patients receiving MammoSite therapy present for two treatments each day for five days. The MammoSite procedure is most indicated for patients with early-stage, low-risk breast cancer.
For patients with early-stage, localized lung cancer that does not present with lymph node involvement, stereotactic body radiosurgery is available. Forms of image-guided radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy are used for cancers of the head and neck.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Cancer Treatment
Preserving quality of life for patients receiving cancer treatment is of the utmost importance at RC Cancer Centers. In addition to excellent clinical care, patients are also provided with concierge services that include massage, acupuncture, nutritional services, complimentary parking with front door access and comfortable, inviting wait areas.
“We have a very warm and caring staff that treats all patients as individuals,” says Sandra L. Gregory, M.D., radiation oncologist at RC Cancer Centers. “We try to provide patients with services to help them feel as comfortable as possible while they are receiving treatment and will coordinate home health care or nutritional aid if that will help make their cancer treatments easier.”
Support groups and weekly physician seminars focused on education are also provided. For prostate cancer patients, lecture series are held every Tuesday and cover a variety of different topics. These gatherings also serve as a forum for prostate cancer patients and their families to interact and provide support for one another. Newly diagnosed patients are also invited to attend and are encouraged to speak with alumni patients who have finished treatment, as this additional support can often make the process of choosing a cancer treatment easier for patients.
RC Cancer Centers’ Canton office is also partnering with Northside Hospital – Cherokee to hold a breast symposium for community women on October 2, 2010. A panel of breast specialists, including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists; primary care physicians; and a diagnostic radiologist will speak about different aspects of care, including preventive health and screenings. Mammograms also will be offered at no charge to patients who do not have insurance.
For more information about RC Cancer Centers and the services provided, please visit www.rccancercenters.com.
MD News September/October 2010