Only One in Four Hospitals That Treat Cancer Receive Recognition by The American College of Surgeons.
www.cancer.org
Cancer was predicted to be the number one cause of death in America by the year 2000. In 1922, the American College of Surgeons created its Commission on Cancer, offering standards, clinical information, education and liaison programs to hospitals voluntarily participating in the approvals program. The Commission on Cancer also began its collaboration with the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospital Organizations and the American Cancer Society. The Commission created an agreement that affirms the quality and credibility of the Commission’s standards for cancer programs as well as their survey and review process.
The Methodist Hospital’s Oncology Services is proud to be accredited by this collaboration and through this accreditation, continues its commitment to enhance services to cancer patients and their families.
Annual Report 2007
The 2007 Annual Report for the Onocology center is available as
download in pdf format.
Download the 2007 Annual Report. (.PDF 740K)
Radiation Oncology Center
8701 Broadway
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
219.757.7212
Methodist Hospitals offers the most advanced state-of-the-art technology for the fight against cancer. Our team of specialized physicians and experienced clinical staff ensures that you will receive the best possible care for your cancer treatments.
Methodist Hospital's commitment to state of the art technology offered through our cutting edge Radiation Oncology Center includes Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery. Methodist Hospitals is the only facility in the Chicagoland area to offer this breakthrough procedure.
What is Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery?
Body Radiosurgery is pinpoint precision radiation using multiple, precisely contoured beams from many different angles -- all directed at the cancer - sparing normal and healthy tissue from exposure to harmful radiation.
Radiosurgery is the non-invasive delivery of precise, high-dose radiation which can be used in support of other cancer-treatment therapies or when surgery, standard radiation and chemotherapy are not active options or have not been previously effective. In other cases, patients may wish to avoid the undesired effects of chemotherapy or standard radiation. Because Body Radiosurgery is so precise, potent doses of radiation can be delivered over a shorter period of time. And, with higher radiation doses, fewer treatments are necessary.
The Staff
Physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses and other professionals are involved in the Radiosurgery treatment process. Radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and surgeons are also involved in the overall cancer treatment program at Methodist Hospitals.
Benefits of Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery
- Completely Non-Invasive
- Alternate to Conventional Surgery
- Spare Normal Tissue
- 3 day treatment
- Curative treatment
Methodist Hospitals Radiation Oncology Center Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery can treat the following:
Medically Inoperable Lung Cancer
Medically Inoperable Lung Cancer is lung cancer that could be taken out surgically but the patient is not able to tolerate surgery because of advanced age, poor lung function, poor heart function, or generally poor medical condition. Stereotactic body radiosurgery could be used as an alternative to conventional surgery if the patient does not want to undergo a resection.
Liver Metastasis
Liver Metastasis is tumor deposits that originated from a cancer somewhere else in the body. When a patient develops isolated liver metastasis from a colon or rectal cancer, stereotactic body radiosurgery is highly effective at eliminating these tumors. The main alternative is conventional surgery, which can be debilitating.
Lung Metastasis
Lung metastasis is tumor deposits that originate from a cancer somewhere else in the body. Occasionally, a patient will develop one or two lung metastasis when they have no other cancer in them. These lung metastasis can be treated with stereotactic body radiosurgery with minimal side effects to the patient.
Varian Linear accelerators and simulators for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
The Methodist Hospitals has the latest Varian Clinac 2100 E/X Platinum and 2100 C/D linear accelerators with millineum multileaf and micromultileaf collimation and IMRT capabilities, 80 cm large board AcqSim CT simulator and conventional simulator.
The capabilities of the linear accelerators, combined with the electronic portal imaging systems enable us to perform the most advanced computer-driven Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) treatments as well as conventional Radiation Therapy.
With IMRT, the Radiation Oncologist can now administer an “intense” dose precisely and directly to the tumor, customizing the shape of each beam to the target while sparing the normal tissue.
The treatment-planning phase is one of the major differences between IMRT and conventional radiation therapy. IMRT uses “inverse planning” which means that the clinicians begin with the solution and work backwards to determine the best treatment plan to achieve the solution. After the computer runs many possible intensity patterns utilizing multiple radiation beamlets, the physicist and physician review this data to select the best treatment plan for the patient.
Back to top Gamma Knife
High dose, intensive and precise radiation eliminates tumors and other malformations located deep within the brain… without surgery and as an outpatient procedure. The Gamma Knife is not a knife at all but intensive, precise cobalt radiation delivered through advanced technology. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery uses 201 beams of cobalt radiation that pass all at once through a helmet with pinpoint accuracy to the afflicted site deep in the brain while sparing exposure to the surrounding tissue.
Effective Treatment for:
- Brain Tumors
- Malformed blood vessels
- Facial pain relief for trigeminal nerve problems
- Pituitary Tumors
- Acoustic Neuromas
For more information or to begin the referral process, call 1-866-44GAMMA.
Read more on Gamma Knife.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
(HDR) Brachytherapy is cancer therapy that attacks malignant tumors by placing a radioactive source within or around cancerous tissue. HDR delivers a highly concentrated dose of radiation precisely to the tumor while minimizing the exposure to healthy tissue. HDR is usually done on an outpatient basis.
Back to top GliaSite and Mammosite Radiation
Therapy System (RTS) GliaSite Radiation Therapy System (RTS) is a new, state-of-the-art brachytherapy for the brain. It is used for recurrent or primary malignant glioma. Mammosite RTS is used in early stage breast cancer. Mammosite is often used in the treatment of older women and those with limited access to a hospital, such as those living in rural areas.
Back to top Meet The Radiation Oncology Medical Team
Robert Woodburn, M.D., Medical Director,
The Radiation Oncology Center
Dr. Robert Woodburn is a board certified Radiation Oncologist.
He earned his Medical Degree at Indiana University School of
Medicine. Dr. Woodburn completed his internship and his
radiation oncology residency at Indiana University Medical
Center. He authored a study on gamma knife radiosurgery in
the treatment of ocular melanoma and has presented his findings
to the International Gamma Knife Society. Dr. Woodburn was
honored with a research award from the Indiana American
Medical Association.
Gurbachan S. Kapoor, M.D., Radiation Oncology
Dr. Gurbachan Kapoor is a board certified Radiation Oncologist.
Dr. Kapoor completed his residency at Michael Reese Hospital in
Chicago and later served as Chief Resident in Therapeutic
Radiology at VA Hines Hospital. He served as Associate Director,
Department of Radiation Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital in
Chicago and Chairman of the Cancer and Radiation Safety
Committees at The Methodist Hospitals. Dr. Kapoor served as
Medical Director, Radiation Oncology at The Methodist Hospitals
from 1975 - 2002. He is a member of the American Society for
Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the Radiological Society of
North America, and American College of Radiation Oncology.
Bashir Pothiawala, M.S., DABR
B. Pothiawala is certified by the American Board of Radiology
in therapeutic radiological physics. He is also a member of the
American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Pothiawala earned
his Master of Science in Radiation Biophysics from the University of
Kansas and completed his residency at the University of Chicago.
While at the University of Chicago he was also an instructor to
radiation oncology residents. He obtained his clinical training
in stereotactic radiosurgery and patient setup experience in
Gamma Knife treatment planning and procedures at Krolinska
Neurosurgery Department, Stockholm, Sweden. Pothiawala has a
distinguished career in radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery
and the Gamma Knife. He has published or presented numerous
articles about stereotactic radiosurgery and Gamma Knife
procedures.
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The Cancer Resource Center
The Cancer Resource Center is unique in that it offers an array of programs designed to empower patients with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in their medical care. Nurses who specialize in the care and treatment of patients with cancer are on-site to assist patients and families in meeting their educational and supportive care needs.
The Cancer Resource Center offers a variety of programs designed to teach patients and families to engage their minds, relax their bodies, and expand their knowledge so they can participate in their healing process.
Resource Library
A resource library with a wide selection of books, pamphlets, videotapes, internet access to educational programs and information are all available for cancer patients and their families.
Exercise Class
A variety of low impact exercise classes designed to combat fatigue and promote flexibility and movement is offered by our physical therapy staff.
Educational Offerings
Each month patients will find several educational programs designed to address issues unique to cancer patients.
Proper Nutrition
Good nutrition is an essential part of cancer care. Each week our dieticians and clinical nurse specialists offer a class highlighting strategies for maintaining good nutrition during cancer therapy.
Skin and Hair Care
Skin and make-up consultants are available to meet with patients one-on-one to address skin care basics and hair alternatives that may result from different cancer therapies.
Prosthesis Fittings
Women can schedule sessions in our comfortable private salon and meet with a specially trained prosthesis fitter should the need arise.
Art and Music Therapy
Monthly art and music therapy classes conducted by a special therapist, are offered as an emotional and supportive means of coping and living with a diagnosis of cancer.
Emotional Support and Stress Management
A variety of programs are offered by our clinical psychologists and clinical nurse specialists that teach patients stress management techniques. These programs also provide patients an opportunity to share their experiences and receive the emotional support they need.
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The Breast Center
219.757.7212
We Support Your Individualism
Women can feel comfortable and welcome in our salon-like setting where one-on-one appointments may be arranged to meet with our certified breast prosthesis fitter.
Although we do not supply the actual prosthesis, we will coordinate the ordering process through a local vendor to help ensure your satisfaction.
We Offer Hope
Research, new medications and new treatments, have greatly increased the number of women who are breast cancer survivors. Our staff values of compassion, dignity, integrity, service and commitment to quality drive the programs we offer. We will do our best to make your experience with us positive.
The Breast Center is specifically designed to meet the needs of patients with breast problems, breast cancer, or general concerns about breast health.
Our team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, radiation therapists, mammography technologists, and a dedicated breast nurse specialist work with you individually to ensure that your care is well coordinated and that all of your concerns are addressed.
With comfort and compassion— along with the latest technology, treatments, and research — physicians at The Breast Center of The Methodist Hospitals individualize your care.
Our Mission is to ensure every woman’s comfort— while providing state-of -the-art diagnostic and treatment strategies.
As part of our Breast Care Team, a dedicated nurse who specializes in breast health issues is an integral part of our staff. This nurse coordinates a full continuum of breast care services and programs including health promotion, wellness, screening, diagnosis, education, treatment and research.
You Are Our Top Priority:
We understand that waiting for test results can be stressful. We strive to have test results available to you as quickly as possible. If more diagnostics or treatment is necessary arrangements can be made immediately.
We Understand:
We realize that a diagnosis of cancer greatly impacts lives, and our staff is available to offer help and encouragement when needed. Various programs are offered by our clinical psychologists and clinical nurse specialists who teach stress management techniques, provide opportunities for women to share their experiences, and provide emotional support.
Additional Services
The Breast Center is an available resource to provide information should you have
questions or need referrals for:
- reconstructive surgery
- breast reduction surgery
- breast augmentation (implants) surgery
- breast feeding concerns
To speak with the Breast Care Nurse call: 219.757.7212
Diagnostic Mammography:
With an exclusive female staff of mammography technicians, women receive diagnostic
mammograms using state-of-the-art technology along with compassionate service.
Screening Mammography:
For women without breast problems who wish to follow a routine breast health program.
Stereotactic Biopsy:
A non-surgical technique used to pinpoint and biopsy suspicious breast lesions.
R2 ImageChecker :
A computerized system used to identify potential problems in the breast before the radiologist reads the mammogram, improving the detection of breast cancer by as much as 20%.
Mammatome Breast Biopsy through Ultrasound:
A further diagnostic test that employs the use of ultrasound and removes a tissue
sample to accurately test suspicious lesions.
For the first time in decades, the death rate of breast cancer is decreasing. This is largely a result of the use of mammography as a screening tool along with other specialized equipment to diagnose breast diseases.
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