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Our physicians work closely with other medical specialists to develop the best course of treatment for each individual patient. Most patients are reviewed by a multispecialty tumor board, in which all the physicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer meet to make recommendations. Patients have access to a large number of national clinical trails through the Community Cancer Oncology Program (CCOP).
Terminology:
Biopsy - A tissue sample which determines whether cancer is present, as well as the type and characteristics of cancer cells.
Surgical Resection - Removal of known and potential sites of cancer.
Radiation Therapy - A series of treatments using focused, high energy radiation to destroy cancerous cells and/or shrink tumors. Generally given over a period of 2 - 8 weeks.
Brachytherapy (Implant) - Utilizing seeds or other sources which come in direct contact with cancerous tissues. Radiation is given over a very short distance as the particles decay. In a temporary implant, the sources are removed once the intended dosage is given. In a permanent implant (as used for prostate cancer), dosage is given off gradually, until the seeds become inert.
Radioisotope therapy - Treatment using radioactive particles in liquid or pill form to target specific types of cancer. Most commonly used for thyroid cancer and cancer in the bones.
Radioimmmunotherpy - a new treatment using a radioisotope combined with an antibody that targets a specific type of cell. Currently used in Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Chemotherapy - Systemic cancer treatment, given through the vein or (less commonly) by mouth, used to attack cancer cells anywhere in the body.
Hormonal Therapy - Pills or injections that block hormones in the body which may stimulate cancers to grow. Most commonly used for breast and prostate cancer.
Radiation Oncologist - A cancer specialist who utilizes radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer.
Medical Oncologist - A cancer specialist who utilizes systemic treatment with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy to fight cancer.
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