RALEIGH, N.C., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Triangle’s leading oncology practice announced plans today to change its name to Cancer Centers of North Carolina, and establish a new comprehensive, outpatient center for cancer care in Raleigh. The 12-physician practice, formerly known as Raleigh Hematology Oncology Associates, has been the primary cancer-care provider in the Triangle since 1979, including for the past 16 years at Rex Hospital.
The first Cancer Centers of North Carolina facility, due to open in early 2005, will provide patients access to advanced treatments and technologies, delivered in a convenient, community-based setting. The focus on providing integrated oncology care in an outpatient facility reflects a growing national trend.
“More than 80 percent of all cancer care in the United States is delivered in the community-based setting, providing patients with treatment close to their homes, as they confront this devastating disease,” said Dr. William Berry, medical oncologist at Cancer Centers of North Carolina. “Our center will provide the level of convenience that patients are seeking, and allow us to build on our commitment to the Triangle community.”
The center will be located near the intersection of Blue Ridge and Macon Pond roads, directly across from the entrance to Rex Hospital.
Cancer Centers of North Carolina will deliver the following services: -- Medical oncology and hematology -- Chemotherapy -- Radiation therapy, including linear accelerator technology -- Computed tomography (CT) simulator to provide physicians with 3-D treatment planning systems for advanced radiation delivery -- Access to the latest clinical trials -- Laboratory services -- Stem cell transplantation program -- Patient support services, including cancer support groups and financial counselors
“Our physicians have been the primary providers of cancer-care services in the Triangle for nearly a quarter century,” said Elizabeth Campbell, medical oncologist with Cancer Centers of North Carolina. “Our new facility will allow us to bring all cancer treatment resources to one convenient location for patients. We will also enhance and extend our full range of treatment capabilities by providing patient access to advanced therapies and technologies in an all-inclusive, state-of-the art cancer center.”
Cancer Centers of North Carolina will also expand clinical research programs that have traditionally provided patients with access to some of the newest, most-advanced therapies available in cancer care today. The cancer center will offer clinical trials designed to target a wide range of cancers, including breast, lung and prostate.
“Our physicians have been at the forefront of developing and providing cancer-care services at Rex Hospital for the past 16 years,” said Dr. Alan Kritz, medical oncologist and medical director of the Stem Cell Transplant Program at Cancer Centers of North Carolina. “We look forward to branching out on our own and continuing our commitment to the community to provide outstanding, personalized patient care. We also look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with the medical staffs at Rex and other hospitals in the community, and utilizing their expertise to ensure our patients have access to the full continuum of health-care services.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the center will take place later this year, followed by the grand opening and community tours of the facility in 2005.
About Cancer Centers of North Carolina
Established as Raleigh Hematology Oncology Associates in 1979, Cancer Centers of North Carolina is a full-service oncology practice consisting of 12 board-certified physicians, along with nurse practitioners, oncology- certified nurses, a laboratory and administrative staff. The practice currently serves five sites of care in the greater Triangle, with services in Raleigh, Cary and Dunn. Cancer Centers of North Carolina’s physicians are specially trained in hematology, medical oncology, bone-marrow transplantation and clinical research. Comprehensive practice services include laboratory services; administration of chemotherapy; stem-cell transplantation; pharmacy services; clinical-research trials; and financial and insurance counseling.
Cancer Centers of North Carolina
CONTACT: Melissa Wajnert, +1-919-882-1978, or LeeAnn Donnelly,+1-919-882-1954, both of Cancer Centers of North Carolina
