Cancer therapy raises questions about FDA's reviews Oct 27, 2008
"There is a natural bias for radiation oncologists to do what they have been doing," said David Harding, an executive at Hologic ... Even a radiation oncologist who is a leading proponent of MammoSite, Dr. Frank A. Vicini, wants to know how it compares with traditional radiation. (Boston Globe)
Candidates for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District spar over economy, agriculture Oct 27, 2008
Professional experience: Radiation oncologist. Government experience: Served on scientific review panels for the National Institute of Health. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Quickly Vetted, Treatment Is Offered to Patients Oct 27, 2008
Dr. Valery Uhl, the radiation oncologist who provided Ms. Medlock s second opinion, outlined the evidence behind the available treatments ... There is a natural bias for radiation oncologists to do what they have been doing, said David Harding, an executive at Hologic Inc., the company in Bedford, Mass ... Even a radiation oncologist who is a leading proponent of the MammoSite treatment, Dr. Frank A. Vicini, wants to know how it compares with traditional radiation. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Wayne Parker defends attacks on rival's career Oct 26, 2008
During an editorial board meeting with The Times, Parker said the way that Democrat Parker Griffith - now a state senator who retired as a radiation oncologist 16 years ago - cared for his patients is pertinent in the race for Congress because "it is a matter of integrity." Last month, Parker released a previously confidential 1987 review of Griffith's cancer practice at Huntsville Hospital ... Someone else released this week a similar patient chart review from 1988 in which the two radiation... (AL.com)
15-kg mass removed from womans abdomen Oct 25, 2008
"After the surgery they referred her to an oncologist. She made various rounds in different hospitals but no one could offer her anything. In March this year, I was told about the case and decided to do something," said Dr S Krishnan, a radiation oncologist, who removed the mass in her abdomen. Renuka was put on Avastin, a new drug that prevents the tumour from making its own blood vessels along with two other drugs. (Express Buzz)
New Cancer Patients Retain Little Medical Information Oct 24, 2008
The new study included 260 people who were diagnosed with cancer and were seeing a medical or radiation oncologist for the first time. The average appointment lasted about 30 minutes, and each appointment was tape-recorded. (MEDLINEplus)
Boy crosses ocean for proton therapy Oct 22, 2008
Traditional radiation destroys everything in its path and beyond, including healthy tissue, while cancer-zapping particles used in proton therapy stop at the desired site, said Alex's radiation oncologist, Sameer Keole. Doctors fear that X-ray radiation would damage the boy's hippocampus, the brain's learning center, and his hypothalamus, which controls body function. (Florida Times-Union)
Breast cancer survivor to share story on 'Early Show' Oct 15, 2008
Dr. Irene Gordon, a radiation oncologist and medical director for Faith, Hope and Love Cancer Center in Lafayette, said a woman getting breast cancer at Harlow's age is quite rare but does occur. She said the youngest patient she has treated for the potentially fatal disease was 17. (Journal and Courier)
Whole Brain Radiation Not Best for Cancer That Has Spread Sep 25, 2008
Since there are an estimated 12 million American adults who have survived cancer, the finding should "encourage routine psychological screening of these survivors," said a statement by Dr. Karen Hoffman, the Harvard radiation oncologist who was expected to deliver the report. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
Severe Stress More Common Among Long-term Cancer Survivors Sep 25, 2008
"We hope these findings will raise awareness of the psychosocial needs of long-term cancer survivors and encourage routine psychological screening of these survivors," Karen Hoffman, M.D., lead author of the study and a radiation oncologist at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program at Harvard Medical School in Boston, said. "Quick, low-cost psychological screening tests are available that can and should be performed during clinic visits.". (Science Daily)
Patients face difficult treatment choices Sep 24, 2008
Other treatment options -- according to Dr. Linda Grossheim, a radiation oncologist with the West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo -- include hormone therapy, an injection that decreases the amount of testosterone in the patient's body; chemotherapy, either in pill or intravenous form; and cryosurgery, or freezing of the gland. Boston-based researchers found that 89 percent of the 438 men who participated in the cancer journal study reported existing urinary, bowel or sexual problems. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Local support group helps men cope with prostate cancer Sep 24, 2008
Those symptoms can include increased frequency of urination, trouble urinating, or starting and stopping when urinating, said Dr. Linda Grossheim, a radiation oncologist with the West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo. CONTINUED 1. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Shorter-Course Radiation for Breast Cancer Safe, Effective Sep 24, 2008
The new findings reflect a longer term follow-up than those presented five years ago, noted Dr. Timothy Whelan, lead author and a radiation oncologist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario. His team was expected to present the findings Monday at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) meeting in Boston. (MEDLINEplus)
Acupuncture Reduces Side Effects Of Breast Cancer Treatment As Much As Conventional Drug Therapy, Study Suggests Sep 24, 2008
"Our study shows that physicians and patients have an additional therapy for something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors and actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects. The effect is more durable than a drug commonly used to treat these vasomotor symptoms and, ultimately, is more cost-effective for insurance companies," Eleanor Walker, M.D., lead author of the study and a radiation oncologist at the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology in Detroit,... (Science Daily)
Severe Stress Common in Cancer Survivors Sep 24, 2008
Dr. Karen Hoffman, a radiation oncologist at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program in Boston, presented her group's survey findings Tuesday at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 50th Annual Meeting. "We hope that our study will raise awareness of the fact that long-term cancer survivors are at increased risk for experiencing psychosocial distress and we hope that this will encourage physicians to evaluate their (cancer) patients for psychological distress either... (Newsmax)
Acupuncture Eases Breast Cancer Side Effects Sep 23, 2008
"The effect is more durable than a drug commonly used to treat these (excessive sweating) and, ultimately, is more cost-effective for insurance companies," said lead author Dr. Eleanor Walker, a radiation oncologist at the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Radiation Oncology in Detroit. The reduction in hot flashes lasted longer for those breast cancer patients after completing their acupuncture treatment, compared to patients after stopping their drug therapy plan. (Click2Houston, TX)
Shorter Radiation Course Works in Breast Cancer Sep 23, 2008
We ve really got to give it serious consideration in the United States, said Dr. Anthony L. Zietman, a radiation oncologist at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and president-elect of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology ... Some radiation oncologists may resist change, fearful of giving up the tried and true formulas they were taught, Dr. Zietman said ... She had one cautionary note: radiation oncologists give some patients a... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Whole brain radiation increases risk of learning and memory problems in cancer patients Sep 23, 2008
"Determining how to optimize outcomes with the smallest cost to the quality of life is a treatment decision every radiation oncologist faces," said Chang ... "Unlike past studies comparing the two treatment strategies which did not use sensitive cognitive tests or closely follow patients after being treated with SRS, radiation oncologists in this trial were able to identify new lesions early and treat them with either radiosurgery, surgery, whole brain radiation or less commonly, chemotherapy,"... (EurekAlert!)
Quality assurance programs improve clinical trials Sep 22, 2008
"Clinical trials are one the most important tools that the cancer research community has to evaluate treatments and protocols in an effort to cure cancer" T.J. FitzGerald, M.D., a study author and a radiation oncologist at QARC, said. "This study shows that a quality assurance program, like ours at QARC, can help cancer researchers conduct better clinical trials. This in turn helps patients get the best treatments possible, while recording the data in a way to help other cancer patients and... (EurekAlert!)
Attitude is everything Sep 21, 2008
"Attitude makes such a difference," San Juan Cancer Center radiation oncologist Dr. Kyle Oldroyd said. "Somebody who is optimistic but realistic, they're the patients that tend to sail through treatment.". (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
New procedure offers convenience to some breast cancer patients Sep 18, 2008
Radiation oncologist Dr. John Purviance prepares patient Jean Mullins for partial breast radiation therapy last week at Rocky Mountain Oncology in Casper ... A lumpectomy must be followed by six to seven weeks of radiation five times a week, according to Dr. John Purviance, a radiation oncologist at Rocky Mountain Oncology in Casper ... He sees breast cancer patients from Lander, Lusk and other areas around the state without radiation oncologists. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
New Research to Help Prostate Cancer Patients Sep 13, 2008
Dr. Kevin Redmond, a radiation oncologist, said that now that men are living longer after prostate cancer, it's important to look at other factors that often follow this disease. So now, researchers are focusing on quality of life and as part of that they are trying to find out how to limit the side effects of treatment that can include sexual dysfunction and urinary problems. (WOKR13 Rochester)
New therapy brings precision treatment to prostate cancer Sep 11, 2008
Dr. Cassandra Foens, a radiation oncologist with Clinical Radiologists PC, said new image-guided radiation technology has proven just as successful in treating some cancers while reducing the amount of radiation entering healthy tissue and organs. In July the Covenant Cancer Treatment Center began offering select patients the option of using new-image guided radiation therapy. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
1st District candidates talk about area issues Sep 7, 2008
Profession: Radiation oncologist. Government or political experience: Served on scientific review panels for the National Institute of Health. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Be alert for symptoms of ovarian cancer Sep 2, 2008
Dr. Mary Austin-Seymour, a radiation oncologist and radiologist at Good Samaritan, said no known effective screening for ovarian cancer exists at this time. Currently the best way to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages is to look for symptom constellations, that is, a cluster of symptoms that are similar in most ovarian cancer cases. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Cancer Control Experts Meet Aug 29, 2008
" The opening ceremony was also addressed by Dr Tabare Vazquez, President of Uruguay and Mr Pascal Couchepin, President of the Swiss Confederation. Side attractions include photo exhibitions of cancer care and medical advances in cancer research, management and treatment. The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the National Health Research Unit (HRU) of the Ghana Health Service are participating in the exhibition. Dr Baffour Awuah, a specialist Radiation Oncologist at the KATH and Mrs... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Obese Prostate Cancer Patients May Benefit More From Brachytherapy Aug 21, 2008
Brachytherapy may be the preferable treatment for obese men with early-stage prostate cancer, Anthony Zietman, M.D., one of the authors of the study and a radiation oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said. Being overweight does not present any unique technical challenges for brachytherapy as it does for surgery and external beam. (Science Daily)
New prostate cancer radiation treatment increases accuracy Aug 21, 2008
The primary goal of all radiation therapy is to target tumors and spare surrounding healthy tissue and organs, Mercy radiation oncologist Dr. Tim McKone said in a news release. The Calypso System expands our treatment options for prostate cancer patients. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Sicel Technologies going after $20M in fundraiser Aug 18, 2008
Dr. Charles Scarantino, a radiation oncologist at , helped develop some of the company s technology with Troy Nagle, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at. Reached by phone, Scarantino referred questions about the fundraising effort to CEO Mike Riddle. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Doctors expand cancer centers Aug 15, 2008
Over the last two years, the group of five oncologists has grown its ranks adding three medical oncologists and two radiation oncologists to administer treatments. Dr. Kenneth Chao, one of the radiation oncologists and the 10th physician to join the practice, will start work in September ... May Lin Tao, radiation oncologist. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
Presbyterian builds state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Center Aug 15, 2008
Dr. Neeraja Dasari, radiation oncologist, said IMRT is a state-of-the art machine that will allow patients to receive radiation care without traveling to an outside facility. The IMRT approach allows higher and more effective radiation doses to be safely delivered to tumors, with typically fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy techniques. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Disparities in prostate cancer treatment suggest ways to improve care Aug 2, 2008
Compliance with structural measures, such as having more than one board-certified urologist and board-certified radiation oncologist on staff, was high at near or greater than 90 percent ... Compliance rates varied greatly throughout the country on several measures, including board-certified urologists and radiation oncologists, communication with primary care physician and conformal total radiation dose. (EurekAlert!)
Counting down the opening of Sletten Hi-Line Cancer Center Aug 2, 2008
The Benefis Healthcare physicians from Great Falls who will care for patients at the Hi-Line center are Brian Abbot t , oncologist ; Grant Harrer, oncologist; Donald Berdeaux, oncologist; Kelly Underhill, radiation oncologist; and Barbara Gutschenritter, radiation oncologist. The center will also house a staff of radiation therapists to run the linear accelerator and a physicist who will monitor the performance of the machine. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Sammons Cancer Center gets new radiation knife Aug 1, 2008
It allows us to deliver higher doses of radiation over a shorter period of time, said Dr. B. Scott Cheek, an attending radiation oncologist at the Texas Oncology-Baylor. The machine, which has been in operation since mid-May, uses image-guided radiation therapy and stereo-tactic radio-surgery to help localize treatment of the tumor with the accuracy of a neurosurgeon, Cheek said. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
New therapy 'better for prostate cancer' Jul 29, 2008
Professor Jim Denham, a radiation oncologist at Newcastle Mater Hospital, cautioned against getting too excited about experimental models. But Professor Ian Olver, chief executive of Cancer Council Australia, said the find was "significant value" in basic science research that improves the understanding of hormone changes and their impact on prostate cancer. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Ten students added to National Merit Scholar list Jul 19, 2008
He plans to go on to medical school to become a radiation oncologist after watching his mom win her battle with stage VI breast cancer. Reid, 18, may join Loucks in medical school after he studies biomedical science at A&M through his scholarship. (Conroe Courier, TX)
Earthly delights explored in Mercy gardens tour Jul 17, 2008
Gardens provide little private spots of beauty places where a person can feel safe, less stressed, more comfortable and even invigorated, said Dr. Timothy McKone, radiation oncologist. Research has found that viewing natural elements encourages positive feelings. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Localized prostate cancer rarely helped by hormone therapy Jul 13, 2008
"This study suggests that physicians who recommend hormonal therapy for localized tumors are not doing their patients any favors," said Dr. Howard M. Sandler, a radiation oncologist at the University of Michigan Medical School who spoke as a representative of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. "I hope that it does change clinical practice and that fewer men do receive primary hormonal therapy," he said. (Los Angeles Times)
Treating rare breast cancer with radiation therapy may lower recurrence rate Jul 13, 2008
"Typically these tumors are treated well by surgery alone. However, local recurrences are not uncommon," Richard Pezner, M.D., lead author of the study and a radiation oncologist at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, Calif. said. (EurekAlert!)
Cancer's forgotten generation Jul 8, 2008
Clinical trials rarely include older teenagers and young adults, adds Thierry Muanza, a radiation oncologist and medical co-director of McGill's young adult cancer program. Roughly 80 per cent of child cancer patients participate in clinical trials or are treated according to a registered protocol established by a clinical trial, whereas for adolescents and young adults, the number is about 1 to 2 per cent, he said. (Globe and Mail)
Targeted Treatment Gives New Hope to Cancer Patients Jul 8, 2008
"Now we can deliver high doses to areas we want and avoid the toxicity that's usually associated with radiation," explained Radiation Oncologist Greg Gagnon. To make sure patients are perfectly still during the cyberknife treatments, they wear a custom-made mas 00004000 k. Kaylee, always the artist, turned hers into the likeness of a peacock. (W-USA News, DC)
WITNESS: Virtual friends in a cancer world Jul 6, 2008
"This is almost preventative medicine," my radiation oncologist said of the 16-session course of treatment I start in July. My family doctor, who has been supportive every step of the way, was even more encouraging. (Scientific American)
Cancer center celebrates an anniversary Jun 25, 2008
Dr. Cassandra Foens, a radiation oncologist with Clinical Radiologists PC, which is affiliated with the cancer treatment center, said the center is even more important today as a growing number of patients are recommended for both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat their cancer. "We have a whole generation of head and neck cancer patients who will never get surgery now because we have proved that combination therapy can be just as effective without the need for surgery," Foens said. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
SRMC taking over radiation service Jun 20, 2008
In turn, SRMC spokesman Doug Duffield said hospital officials are in the process of hiring a radiation oncologist and physicist and buying more than $1 million worth of radiation equipment for the cancer center ... Duffield said the hospital has already tapped a skilled radiation oncologist who will be on board in two months or so. (The Union Democrat)
Targeting prostate cancer Jun 20, 2008
Radiation oncologist Dr. Bert Duncan said he's had patients who went more than a decade without invasive treatments before the cancer began moving out of the prostate ... Already in Tupelo, radiation oncologists have been using for about nine months image-guided radiation therapy to more precisely target prostate cancer, Duncan said. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Local man gives back to Cancer Center Jun 19, 2008
Shortly after receiving his diagnosis, Steen began an intensive course of radiation and chemotherapy at the NSMC Cancer Center in Peabody, where he was treated by radiation oncologist Walter S. Sall, M.D. and medical oncologist Lauren E. Dias, M.D. He has high praise for both doctors, but is quick to point out that everyone at the Cancer Center is unbelievable. Less than two months after finishing chemotherapy and radiation, Steen underwent lengthy thoracic surgery, performed by Dr. James S.... (Danvers Herald, MA)
Triple negative breast cancer strikes without warning Jun 18, 2008
Vitale, who sees her medical oncologist every four months and checks in with her surgeon and radiation oncologist once a year, recently got the results back from her annual mammogram. "Everything is fine," said an upbeat Vitale. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Therapy sans travel Jun 17, 2008
But the center s staff including a radiation oncologist and radiation therapist who had worked with Brown at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden made her feel comfortable, she said ... Cancer physician specialists at the center include two radiation oncologists from McKay-Dee Hospital, Gary Whipple and Leslye Ingersoll. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Ukrainian orphans helped with basic needs Jun 13, 2008
Stillwagon, a radiation oncologist with Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia, talked to the mayor and a school director, asking if there were people who could install the water lines and equipment if he were able to get them. "You are looking at one of them," the director replied. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Cancer Teen Turning 18 Jun 7, 2008
Cherrix since has been under the care of radiation oncologist Dr. Arnold Smith in Greenwood, Miss. Smith has been treating Cherrix with concentrated doses of radiation, plus immunotherapy - medicines and supplements, including a form of Vitamin C, that he says bolster the immune system. (WTVR.com, VA)
‘Gap' in SRMC cancer service likely Jun 6, 2008
He said he's received a letter from SRMC President Lary Davis proposing that the hospital purchase OnCURE's radiation equipment and hire its staff, including radiation oncologist Dr. Gary Young. Witzlsteiner confirmed the hospital's interest in buying the equipment and hiring Young. (The Union Democrat)
New surgery options less painful Jun 4, 2008
" Guthikonda utilizes the minimally invasive technique, called an endoscopic procedure, to remove some brain tumors. The procedure requires him to insert a 6-millimeter tube with a light and camera -- that is connected to a monitor -- inside the nose. A drill is used to go through the bone at the base of the skull so that they can reach the tumor for removal. Those patients remain in the hospital for one to two days with only "a mild discomfort," as opposed to open surgery that requires stitches... (DetNews.com)
Doctor Says Kennedys Brain Surgery Is Successful Jun 3, 2008
It s a very favorable development, said Dr. Brian Collins, a radiation oncologist at Georgetown Hospital. Removing the bulk of a tumor improves prognosis in part, Dr. Collins said, because it tends to allow the patient to better tolerate and radiation. (New York Times)
Business people May 25, 2008
Dr. Joann Leahy, a radiation oncologist at the Bismarck Cancer Center, recently attended the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Practicum. IMRT allows the intensity of radiation to be changed during treatment, sparing more surrounding normal tissue than conventional radiation therapy. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Groundbreaking held for Newton-Wellesley Hospital's new cancer center May 24, 2008
The simulator produces an image of both the tumor and the healthy tissue surrounding it, which the patient s radiation oncologist uses to create an individualized treatment plan unique to the patient s anatomy. Using these images, radiation specialists are able to map the resulting treatment coordinates with a high degree of accuracy. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Lawsuit against hospital dismissed (73) May 15, 2008
The investigation started in 1997 after Hughes, who was working as a radiation oncologist for the hospital at the time, drew a smiley face on the breast of a female patient whom he was preparing for radiation treatment. The patient complained, and medical staff at the hospital formed an ad hoc committee to investigate. (Montana Standard, MT)
Black Rectal Cancer Patients Less Likely to Get Chemo, Radiation May 15, 2008
In addition, rates of referral to a radiation oncologist were similar, but only 74 percent of blacks received radiation therapy, compared with 83 percent of whites. The findings were published in the May 13 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. (MEDLINEplus)
Who's checking up on X-ray machines? May 14, 2008
These machines can save so many lives, radiation oncologist Dr. Pam Otto said. But as powerful as they are, as all-seeing as X-rays seem to be, they didn t see Barbara Rice s cancer. (KHOU.com, TX)
Especially for seniors May 13, 2008
Other presenters included Dr. Gloria Frelix, a radiation oncologist, and Community Health Nurse Stephanie Swaby. The duo discussed the dangers, causes and prevention of cancer and diabetes, respectively. (The Daily Reflector)
Women’s Walk at Y Saturday May 6, 2008
has new radiation oncologist. Radiation Oncologist. (Montana Standard, MT)
Cancer experts to convene at FLC May 6, 2008
He also organized the symposium with Dr. Steven Bush, a radiation oncologist at the Durango Cancer Center. "I'd say the symposium will be reasonably comprehensive," Elias said. (Durango Herald)
Religion briefs May 2, 2008
Dr. Roushin Hart, a radiation oncologist, will be the guest speaker. For more information, call (281) 367-1900. (Conroe Courier, TX)
Breast cancer survivors take up flyfishing Apr 22, 2008
Using fly-fishing as physical therapy for strengthening is part of the goal of the outings that were started by Dr. Sandra Vermeulen, a radiation oncologist at Northwest Hospital. The physical work of casting a fly with rod in hand exercises the arm and shoulder in such a way that it steers the women away from a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Dr. Robert Bob T. Guthrie (15) Apr 21, 2008
Dr. Guthrie s professional life as a radiation oncologist is marked by the determination and compassion he and his staff exhibited while treating patients with cancer. He is remembered by staff and patients as an old school physician; a doctor who made the care of, and respect for, his patients his highest priority. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Delicate Radiation Technique Helps Doctors Treat Cancer Patients Mar 22, 2008
Radiation Oncologist Dr. Joan Keit with Alegent Immanuel Hospital said tomotherapy is a groundbreaking radiation treatment. "It's unique in both the way the radiation therapy is delivered and also in its image guidance -- in other words, how we target the tumor," Keit said. (7 KETV Omaha)
