Page 2 - CAN-16-26153 - Cancer Institute 2015 Outcomes Report

treatments are equipped with specialized
Committed to
Continuously
Improving
Cancer Care
A message from leadership
The Summa Health Cancer Institute
continues the quest to provide advanced
quality care for our patients in northeast
Ohio. Our goal is to make the difficult
journey from cancer diagnosis through
cancer treatment and survivorship as
easy as possible. We focus on and treat
people— not conditions.
Part of this journey involves an immense
network of technology. This technology
has made great strides in the confidence
and safety of our patients. From the time
of diagnosis, to treatment and ultimately,
survivorship, we rely on technology.
Advances in radiology, such as breast
tomosynthesis, are diagnosing cancer
earlier. The use of radioactive seed
localized lumpectomy is leading to
a decrease in reoperation rate. The
increased use of the screening CTs
for lung cancer will hopefully aide our
population to an earlier diagnosis and a
chance for cure.
Radiation Oncology relies heavily on the
technological basis. The linear accelerators Sincerely,
that are used for the daily external
2 Cancer Institute
localizing devices to more precisely
setup to the target. This is utilized when
setting up for Stereotactic Body Radiation
Therapy (SBRT). For example, in early
stage lung cancer, if the patient cannot
undergo or declines surgery, this can be
used in certain instances to maximize local
control. A better long-term response can
be achieved with this method as opposed
to conventional long-course treatment.
Advances have been made with internal
radiation. Prior to the High Dose Rate
(HDR) Machine, patients would be required
to be hospitalized for up to several days
at bed rest with the device placed inside
the body with minimal visitors allowed.
It was uncomfortable, and there was risk
of infection or blood clots due to the
immobility. With the HDR, this is now done
on an outpatient basis over several visits.
In order to provide this special care, we
employ advanced computer programs for
setup, planning, recording the treatment
as well as for safety monitoring. The
electronic medical record within the
department has evolved since 2007 to
keep the staff aware of a patient’s progress
within that particular campus site as well
as across the system. All three centers are
fully integrated and staff is cross-trained to
give the best care for our patients.
This past year was an exciting time for
Radiation Oncology at Summa Health. We
went through the reaccreditation process
for the American College of Radiology
and successfully passed. The quality of our
physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, nurses,
support staff and board certified physicians
are second to none in northeast Ohio.
Excellent, quality care provided for our
patients locally — that is Summa Health.
Desiree E. Doncals, M.D., FACRO
Medical Director
Summa Health Medical Group —
Radiation Oncology