LANGHORNE, Pa., July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the most comprehensive and progressive cancer care providers in the southeastern Pennsylvania region, St. Mary Medical Center today announced the addition of five new high- technology advances in early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This investment of resources is indicative of St. Mary’s continuing commitment to provide the highest quality cancer care in our community, since its Regional Cancer Center opened in 1988 and its Breast Center opened in 2006.
Cancer is the second leading cause of illness in the area, which closely mirrors national statistics. The demand for cancer services is expected to increase as the population ages. With an increasing patient need for oncology services, the national trend is moving toward comprehensive community-based cancer care. In keeping pace with the needs of the community, St. Mary is investing more than $13.2 million in cancer-fighting technology.
“St. Mary is placing a great deal of emphasis on creating the best cancer program in the region. It is important for everyone in our community to be aware that if they or someone they love are confronted with cancer, there is solace in knowing that the highest standards of care are available right here in their community,” said Greg Wozniak, St. Mary President and CEO.
According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 80 percent of all cancer care now is provided at the community level, as is 60 percent of all clinical cancer research. This significant demand for community-based cancer- care services continues to grow, and to meet these evolving needs centers now are offering advanced, comprehensive cancer-care that historically was offered only in the largest metropolitan areas.
In its ongoing effort to make available the most advanced capabilities and technologies to patients in both the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center and the St. Mary Breast Center, St. Mary Medical Center is introducing the addition of five new significant services. Four of these are currently available and include:
-- Wide Bore Computed Tomography (CT) Wide-bore CT provides doctors with the flexibility to optimally position patients to obtain highly detailed images that serve as a roadmap for precise treatment planning. The CT simulator system utilizes advanced imaging techniques to aid oncologists in identifying tumor size, location, and motion for improved treatment planning. Doctors can see exactly where a tumor is located and readily account for any tumor motion related to breathing or organ movement as they prepare radiation treatment plans exactly focused on eradicating cancerous tissue and optimizing patient outcomes during radiation treatment. -- High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy HDR Brachytherapy (pronounced “break-ee-therapy”) offers select patients a fast and effective innovative form of internal radiation. In this treatment option, a dose of radiation in placed inside a tumor, tightly focused within the site of the cancer. This technique ensures that the maximum radiation dose is delivered where a patient needs it most in the shortest amount of time while sparing nearby healthy tissue. The placement catheters and radioactive materials are removed immediately after treatment, typically three to five minutes, and HDR treatments are usually scheduled within a five-day treatment period. This therapy limits radiation exposure, shortens the treatment period and ultimately serves to improve a patient’s quality of life. -- PET/ CTA Next-generation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanner system that integrates these two advanced imaging technologies to help doctors detect disease in its early stages and monitor the progress of patients’ treatment. The PET/CT scanner combines two kinds of advanced imaging to give doctors complete information about the patient’s condition in a single exam that typically takes less than 30 minutes. This is the most advanced system of its kind and provides the most complete information for medical professionals. The integrated anatomical and metabolic images assist doctors in determining whether a suspicious growth is cancerous or benign. In addition, the scanner can be used for follow-up care, allowing doctors to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and adjust the plan during rather than at the end of the treatment. Clinical studies have shown information gained through PET/CT have changed the treatment course in nearly 45 percent of patients. “Using the combined images acquired in PET/CT, our doctors can answer critical questions,” says Robert Cardinale, MD, medical director, radiation oncology. “Where is the tumor? How large is it? Is it spreading? Is the current treatment working? In some cases, a definitive diagnosis can help the patient avoid more invasive procedures, such as biopsies or surgeries.” -- Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) RapidScreen (TM) CAD x-ray system is a new high-tech detection tool now being used in the battle against lung cancer. CAD is a powerful tool that assists radiologists in finding hard-to-detect, early-stage lung cancer. St. Mary is currently the only facility in the region to offer this computer-aided detection (CAD) product that is unlike any other on the market. CAD is a process in which a computer acquires and displays information that aids a radiologist in detecting abnormalities to improve disease detection. With lung cancer, which has been diagnosed in more that 170,000 patients nationally this year alone, early discovery can more than triple a patient’s survival rate. Unfortunately, more than 50 percent of new lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a very late stage, which significantly shortens the survival rate of these individuals. This FDA-approved CAD system is now used with all chest x-rays performed at St. Mary on patients age 30 and older. -- TomoTherapy Highly Integrated Adaptive Radiotherapy (HI-ART) In addition, in late 2007, St. Mary will introduce another major cancer treatment modality, a HI-ART TomoTherapy unit. HI-ART TomoTherapy is image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), which uniquely couples the most advanced form of IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy - see description below) with the accuracy of integrated real-time CT scanning technology and advanced tools for planning and delivering radiation therapy. The capabilities of this extremely high-tech device will allow new treatment advances to be performed, including stereotactic radio surgical treatments for brain, spine and body lesions, and support the growing neurosurgical program at St. Mary.
According to Dr. Cardinale, St. Mary is breaking new ground in cancer care by offering patients the advantage of innovative technologies. “The best results begin with the most accurate treatment planning,” said Cardinale. “The advanced CT simulator, PET/CT, and CAD all enhance early detection and effective treatment planning. Further, our IMRT capabilities - and soon our HI-ART TomoTheraphy - are state-of-the-art cancer treatments. HDR also will prove useful for treating select patients affected by cancer in gynecologic and genitourinary systems.”
In addition to the outstanding five new technologies, St. Mary also is focusing on significant amenities for patient comfort and privacy. The inpatient oncology unit will be relocated later this year to a completely redesigned area with specially equipped homelike suites to meet the medical and comfort needs of cancer patients. The patient-friendly suites will include plasma televisions and sofa recliners to accommodate overnight visits from loved ones. A family room and private consultation areas are additional features planned for the attractive new unit.
Patient privacy and comfort also are primary components of redesign plans for reception and exam areas in the Regional Cancer Center scheduled in conjunction with the installation of the HI-ART TomoTherapy unit later this year, similar to design elements in the spacious new suite to house the PET/CT technology.
With the regional need for cancer services demonstrated by incidence rates of breast and prostate cancer well above the state and national average, St. Mary has made a multi-million dollar investment in cancer care services over the past five years to expand the continuum of care provided. Other recent enhancements to the St. Mary Cancer Center include the following:
-- Expansion of the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center with added examination rooms, special reading room for physicians/technicians to review studies, conference room, and a new patient reception area to enhance comfort, convenience and privacy during outpatient visits. -- Addition of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) capability. This advanced form of cancer radiation therapy is used to administer a computer-controlled beam of radiation where intensity and targeting are modulated, or adjusted, to focus the maximum amount of radiation specifically on cancerous tissue while sparing exposure to healthy surrounding tissue. -- Opening of the St. Mary Breast Center. The Breast Center provides expert, compassionate care in a comfortable, warm environment; timely responses to health issues that may arise; and a full array of services and state-of-the-art technology for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Services include digital mammography, ultrasound, bone density scan and stereotactic biopsies, as well as a Women’s Resource Center. -- Addition of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system to provide specialized studies for breast and prostate imaging. The new system utilizes highly specialized coils designed for fast and accurate non- invasive imaging of the prostate and bilateral breast. -- A continuing effort in the St. Mary Research Center in the form of clinical trials to find new and alternative ways of fighting cancer. -- Expert physicians with a broad range of oncology subspecialties who not only treat patients, but also provide Continuing Medical Education to primary care physicians throughout the region. -- Specially trained and highly skilled oncology nurses who provide excellent inpatient treatment. -- Professionals who offer nutritional guidance, exercise, stress management, and other holistic supports that are consistent with the healing of mind, body, and spirit philosophy at St. Mary. -- A Family Risk Evaluation Program to educate individuals and families about the role of heredity in cancer risk, provide current information on cancer screenings and prevention methods, and support them throughout the genetic counseling and testing process.
“St. Mary recognizes that effective, seamless cancer care is focused on satisfying the complete needs of patients and their families throughout integrated services that encompass diagnosis, treatment and recovery process. This involves physical treatment, as well as emotional, spiritual, nutritional and psychological care. St. Mary is committed to fighting cancer by emphasizing cancer prevention and early detection in the community. The medical professionals at St. Mary Medical Center bring special talents and professional insights to this total cancer care equation,” said Sue Monte, Radiation/Oncology Service Line Administrator.
A diagnosis of cancer is always a frightening experience. For newly diagnosed patients and their families, one of the most important questions is, “Where do I turn to get the best care possible?”
To that point, the community can be reassured in knowing that the St. Mary Cancer Center has been accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) - a distinction bestowed upon only 25 percent of the best cancer programs in the United States. Approval is given only to facilities that have committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and voluntarily submitted to a rigorous evaluation process and performance review.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1,399,790 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 564,830 deaths were confirmed nationally in 2006. Statistics from American Cancer Society suggest that approximately one out of every two American men and one out of every three American women will have some type of cancer during their lifetime. Pennsylvania ranked fifth in new cases and deaths by state with 29,710 new cases and 73,630 deaths reported. Community-based access to the latest technology is an important factor for people making the decision on where to seek treatment for cancer. With the area’s population growing by more than 15 percent over the past 15 years and much of that growth in the 45+ age demographic, the need for quality care in our community is in high demand.
“We will continue to grow with our community, offering the most comprehensive services and leading- edge technology, paired with the highly skilled and compassionate professionals working at St. Mary in our mission to continue bringing the highest quality care to our patients,” Wozniak said in emphasizing the ongoing commitment.
Support for the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center is evidenced in a more than 40 percent growth in the number of patients using the center over the past two years. It also is evidenced in the successful completion of a capital campaign that helped finance the cancer center expansion and acquisition of the wide-bore CT simulator.
According to James J. McCaffrey, Chairman of the Board at St. Mary Medical Center, recent advancements at the St. Mary Cancer Center can be credited in large part to financial support from the community. “The generosity of our donors demonstrates that the community understands the difference that St. Mary is making in providing first-rate cancer care,” said McCaffrey. “With the introduction of these five new significant advances in early detection and treatment of cancer, St. Mary Medical Center has greatly enhanced its ability to meet patient needs today and in the future. We also set the foundation for continued growth in cancer services at St. Mary.”
About St. Mary Medical Center
Licensed for 366 beds, St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne is the most comprehensive medical center in Bucks County. With a staff of more than 500 physicians, 2,400 colleagues, and 700 volunteers committed to providing excellence in patient care, St. Mary offers up-to-date technology, including a comprehensive cardiovascular program; the only state-accredited Trauma Center in Bucks County; the only Emergency Department in Bucks County with a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Care Center; a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center; specialized diagnostic capabilities; obstetrics; a Joint Commission-certified joint replacement program; exceptional orthopedic surgical capabilities and rehabilitation therapy; sleep disorders, pain management, and wound healing centers; the St. Mary Breast Center; and the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center.
St. Mary Medical Center
CONTACT: Kathleen Smith, +1-215-710-2090, or Patrick Donohue,+1-215-710-6908, both for St. Mary Medical Center
