Conquering Colon Cancer - Renown Health
Conquering Colon Cancer - Renown Health
Conquering Colon Cancer - Renown Health
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Journey<br />
R e n o w n<br />
A publication of the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> Volume 1, Issue 2<br />
<strong>Conquering</strong><br />
<strong>Colon</strong> <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Local woman benefits<br />
from early detection<br />
and top-notch treatment<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong><br />
TomoTherapy ® offers amazing<br />
patient benefits<br />
Statewide plan to reduce<br />
cancer rates<br />
Is it in the genes?<br />
Genetic testing offers answers<br />
to difficult questions
The most advanced new cancer treatment<br />
And it’s only at <strong>Renown</strong>.<br />
The TomoTherapy ® Hi-Art ® System is a breakthrough new radiation treatment, and the<br />
experts at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> are the first in the region to have it. Far superior<br />
than most existing radiation technologies, TomoTherapy ® can be used<br />
to treat a wide range of cancers, from the smallest tumors to large<br />
areas of the body. And by using 3-D technology to shape itself<br />
to the tumor, TomoTherapy ® spares healthy tissue and limits<br />
side effects. This means cancer patients heal faster<br />
with less pain.<br />
TomoTherapy ® is just another example of<br />
how <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> continues<br />
to bring the most advanced cancer care<br />
to our region.<br />
SKILL. EXPERTISE. TECHNOLOGY.<br />
www.renown.org/tomotherapy<br />
“The types of cancers we can treat successfully are amazing.<br />
The results are better and faster with minimal side effects."<br />
-- Dr. Eric Rost, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>
T<br />
Notes From Dr. LiNDa Ferris<br />
he <strong>Renown</strong> InstItute foR<br />
CanCeR has long RealIzed<br />
that CanCeR CaRe Is muCh<br />
moRe than pRovIdIng tReatment<br />
optIons; it is about working to find a<br />
cure and continually advancing the level of<br />
cancer care available to northern nevada<br />
patients. that is exactly why the Institute<br />
for <strong>Cancer</strong> supports the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Council with its first nevada <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Control summit. the summit brought<br />
together nevada healthcare providers and<br />
other key stakeholders to discuss the state’s<br />
cancer control plan and other key issues<br />
surrounding cancer care in the region.<br />
our own <strong>Cancer</strong> program manager, sheila<br />
Baez, Rn, mn, aoCns, heads the nevada<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Council. as chair of the nevada<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Council, she is in the ideal position<br />
to make a genuine difference in the state’s<br />
cancer control efforts and overall cancer<br />
care. together, we can and will reduce our<br />
cancer rates.<br />
march is Colorectal <strong>Cancer</strong> awareness<br />
month. Colorectal <strong>Cancer</strong> has a 90% cure<br />
rate if it is caught early. unfortunately,<br />
nevada has one of the worst screening<br />
compliance rates in the nation. In this issue<br />
you will find several articles on colorectal<br />
cancer including how <strong>Renown</strong> is working<br />
to increase screening rates statewide,<br />
information on the new fIt test available<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong>, as well as patient testimonials<br />
from colon cancer survivors.<br />
our leading clinical research program<br />
also works to continually improve and<br />
find new cancer treatments. with more<br />
than 141 clinical trials conducted to date,<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> is leading the<br />
way in northern nevada cancer research.<br />
this research combined with our skill,<br />
expertise and technology, ensures patients<br />
are receiving the most advanced cancer<br />
care in the region.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> continues to invest in advanced<br />
technology and highly skilled staff so that<br />
we can meet and exceed our community’s<br />
healthcare needs. having the skill and<br />
expertise we need to meet our community’s<br />
heathcare needs means we have top-notch<br />
nurses. at the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, our<br />
highly-trained, specialized nurses provide<br />
superb patient and cancer care. the<br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> is proud to support<br />
the oncology Certification process for<br />
nurses. oncology Certified nurses (oCn)<br />
must pass a comprehensive certification<br />
exam, have at least 12 months experience<br />
as a Registered nurse and a minimum of<br />
1,000 hours of oncology nursing practice.<br />
this means that patients can be confident<br />
they are receiving the best care possible.<br />
the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> is also working<br />
to improve the patient experience at<br />
our facilities. we are very excited as we<br />
prepare to unveil our new Children’s<br />
Infusion Center in spring 2009, where no<br />
detail was spared to ensure that our young<br />
patients receive their treatments in the most<br />
comfortable setting as possible. Renovations<br />
for new cancer patient rooms and the new<br />
Infusion Center are currently under way<br />
as well. every decision was made with the<br />
utmost patient comfort in mind.<br />
as in every issue, this issue of <strong>Renown</strong><br />
Journey provides valuable information<br />
about proactive cancer care including<br />
screenings for men and women by age<br />
group, physician profiles and information<br />
on clinical trials.<br />
whether you are a newly diagnosed<br />
cancer patient, a survivor, a family member<br />
or loved one, <strong>Renown</strong> Journey provides<br />
important information for the mind, body<br />
and soul. I hope you continue to find<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Journey valuable and meaningful.<br />
enjoy!<br />
Linda W. Ferris, PhD<br />
Vice President, <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
renown.org 1
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
2<br />
4<br />
coNteNts<br />
<strong>Conquering</strong> colon cancer<br />
local survivors speak about the importance of screenings<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
Features<br />
TomoTherapy ®<br />
offers mosT<br />
advanced TreaTmenT<br />
available | 12<br />
TomoTherapy ® offers patient benefits<br />
in the treatment of colorectal and<br />
esophageal cancer<br />
is iT in The genes? | 14<br />
Genetic testing offers local patients<br />
answers to tough questions<br />
Kid-cenTric | 16<br />
Kid-inspired infusion center to<br />
open in Spring 2009<br />
Joining forces | 18<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> works with the NVCC to<br />
improve cancer care in the state<br />
ahead of The Trend | 20<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for Digestive<br />
and Liver Care leads the way<br />
in digestive health<br />
advanced TreaTmenT<br />
Tool | 22<br />
PET/CT images ensure that patients<br />
receive the most accurate treatment<br />
modeling The way | 24<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> becomes model-site for<br />
physician-guided robotic surgery<br />
leading The way | 26<br />
Nurses help cancer patients with<br />
support and guidance<br />
24<br />
modeling the way<br />
The da Vinci ® Robotic Surgical System<br />
offers numerous patient benefits<br />
clinical Trials:<br />
leading-edge<br />
medicine | 8<br />
Clinical trial offers hope to<br />
colorectal cancer patients<br />
physician profile | 11<br />
“Dr. G” brings additional skill<br />
and expertise to the area<br />
welcome | 27<br />
Meet Dr. Mary Schultheis,<br />
colon and rectal surgeon<br />
11<br />
iN every issue<br />
Physician Profile: Dr. G<br />
“I want to have an impact on the<br />
community.” – Christos Galanopoulos, MD, FACS<br />
wellness &<br />
prevenTion guide | 28<br />
Find out what cancer screenings<br />
you should have<br />
communiTy<br />
ouTreach | 30<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> at community events<br />
evenTs calendar | 31<br />
Learn about cancer<br />
support groups and<br />
other events<br />
announcemenTs | 32<br />
A look at new programs,<br />
initiatives and promotions at<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
finding your way | 33<br />
Directions to <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
direcTory | 33<br />
Find a list of helpful phone numbers<br />
Leading-edge medicine<br />
Clinical trials bring the latest sciences to those<br />
with cancer<br />
r e n o w n<br />
JouRney<br />
volume 1, issue 2<br />
Phyllis Freyer<br />
vice presidenT,<br />
marKeTing and<br />
communicaTions<br />
eDitoriaL boarD<br />
Kim tulman<br />
direcTor of marKeTing<br />
ayse e. caglar<br />
Linda W. Ferris,<br />
Ph.D.<br />
vice presidenT, renown<br />
insTiTuTe for cancer<br />
marKeTing business parTner<br />
Jenna mcQuattie<br />
marKeTing business parTner<br />
Leah Nelson<br />
marKeTing coordinaTor<br />
conTribuTing phoTographers:<br />
april stokes, Jeff Dow<br />
8<br />
renown.org 3
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
4<br />
cover story WRITTEN by DoN Cox<br />
<strong>Conquering</strong><br />
colon cancer<br />
Prevention is key; treatment is top-notch at renown<br />
B<br />
Ill mandeRs wouldn’t Budge when<br />
a doCtoR at <strong>Renown</strong> RegIonal<br />
medICal CenteR suggested he get a<br />
<strong>Colon</strong>osCopy.<br />
“no, I won’t do that,” manders told his doctor. “my<br />
doctor said I was bleeding internally. she said I needed to<br />
get a colonoscopy. anything with an ‘oscopy’ I didn’t want<br />
to do.”<br />
manders, 57, a well-known northern nevada radio<br />
personality, was being stubborn. But so was his doctor.<br />
“she didn’t give me an option,” he said. finally, manders<br />
did as he was told and got the colonoscopy. It’s a good<br />
thing that manders’ doctor was persistent. the colonoscopy<br />
revealed a cancerous polyp.<br />
manders had the polyp removed at <strong>Renown</strong>. he’s back<br />
on the air from 3 to 6 p.m. monday through friday, living<br />
proof that early detection saves lives.<br />
the importance of screenings<br />
for colorectal cancer, early detection is key.<br />
“It’s very preventable,” said victor Chen, md, a<br />
gastroenterologist with gastroenterology Consultants in<br />
Reno. “It’s easily treatable by removing the polyps. ninety<br />
percent are treatable if they’re diagnosed with screening.”<br />
Initial screening is recommended by age 50 for patients<br />
without a history of colorectal cancer. screening should<br />
occur sooner if there is a family history.<br />
“people should undergo a colonoscopy 10 years prior to<br />
when their relatives were diagnosed,” said mary schultheis,<br />
md, a colorectal surgeon with general & vascular<br />
associates in Reno. for example, if your father was<br />
diagnosed at 55, you should be screened starting at age 45.<br />
“there are different screening tests that can be done,” dr.<br />
schultheis said. “a colonoscopy is the best. the entire<br />
length of the colon can be examined. polyps can be<br />
removed and biopsies can be done.”<br />
polyps are abnormal growths rising from the lining of the<br />
large intestine (colon) and protruding into the intestinal<br />
canal. some polyps are flat and others have a stalk.<br />
most colonoscopies take between 30 and 60 minutes,<br />
including polyp removal, with no need to stay in the<br />
hospital. the majority of polyps can be removed during<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
the exam. however, large polyps may require more than<br />
one treatment for complete removal. some polyps can’t be<br />
removed by instruments because of their size or position<br />
and surgery may be required.<br />
symptoms of colon cancer can include rectal bleeding,<br />
abdominal pain or anemia. early screening can result in<br />
polyps being removed before they become cancerous.<br />
polyps go through a very predictable cycle of going from<br />
non-cancerous to cancerous,” dr. schultheis said. “<strong>Colon</strong><br />
cancer has a very high cure rate if detected early.”<br />
But nevada is one of the worst states in the nation for<br />
colorectal cancer screening. In 2004, only 36.7 percent of<br />
state residents age 50 or older underwent a colonoscopy,<br />
compared to 45.1 percent compliance nationally.<br />
“It’s one of the lowest in the nation,” dr. Chen said of<br />
nevada’s screening percentage.<br />
last year in nevada there were 1,120 reported new cases<br />
of colorectal cancer.<br />
“It’s all preventable,” said Christos galanopoulos, md,<br />
a specialist in cancer surgery with general & vascular<br />
associates. “It all hovers around that polyp. If we can catch<br />
that, we can prevent cancer.”<br />
“it’s very preventable. ninety<br />
percent are treatable if they’re<br />
diagnosed with screening.”<br />
Victor Chen, MD<br />
a team of specialists<br />
screening and treatment. that’s what the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute<br />
for <strong>Cancer</strong> is all about.<br />
“It’s rare to find a facility with a five to 10 year plan,”<br />
said dr. galanopoulos, who specializes in gastrointestinal<br />
surgical oncology. “<strong>Renown</strong> has put a lot of equipment and<br />
people in place. they are looking at the big picture.”<br />
dr. galanopoulos is one of those people. Because of his<br />
specialty, he was recruited by general & vascular associates<br />
Continued on page 6<br />
“i was very fortunate. it was nice<br />
to know we have incredible<br />
doctors locally.”<br />
Audrey Smith, colon cancer survivor<br />
renown.org 5
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
6<br />
cover story WRITTEN by DoN Cox<br />
Continued from page 4<br />
from methodist dallas medical Center. dr. schultheis is<br />
another one of those people. she came to Reno this year after<br />
finishing a one-year fellowship in colorectal surgery at greater<br />
Baltimore medical Center.<br />
dr. galanopoulos and dr. schultheis are part of a team of<br />
experts at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> that meets monthly<br />
to review cases.<br />
“the Institute really functions to bring all these specialists<br />
together,” dr. schultheis said. “It’s an integrated approach.”<br />
at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, a colorectal cancer<br />
patient is treated by a highly-trained team of specialists.<br />
“the colorectal surgeon, the gastroenterologist, the radiation<br />
oncologist and the medical oncologist,” dr. schultheis said.<br />
“you treat as a team.”<br />
Quality care close to home<br />
audrey smith of Reno was diagnosed with advanced colon<br />
cancer in 2001. smith was told she had a large tumor. she<br />
said she was told to “think about getting my affairs in order.”<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
caNcer QuicK Fact:<br />
Fewer than half of Americans ages 50 or<br />
older have received a recent colorectal<br />
cancer screening test. With screenings<br />
and early detection, colorectal cancer<br />
has a 90% cure rate.<br />
smith was stunned.<br />
“It was a different language to me,” she said. “my chances<br />
were not considered good.”<br />
smith, 43, was treated by specialists at <strong>Renown</strong>.<br />
“they got me into surgery real quickly,” she said. “I was<br />
very fortunate. It was nice to know we have incredible doctors<br />
locally.”<br />
smith has three children. they were 6, 3 and 1 when smith<br />
underwent surgery. “I had a lot to live for,” said smith.<br />
without the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, smith and other patients<br />
probably would have received their treatment at hospitals out<br />
of the area. they would have had to leave town to receive<br />
care.<br />
“there is a huge cost to that,” dr. galanopoulos said.<br />
“throughout the country, there are centers of excellence. most<br />
are at universities.”<br />
the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> is such a center.<br />
“that’s what brought me here,” dr. galanopoulos said who<br />
arrived in July.<br />
several months ago, dr. galanopoulos removed a pancreatic<br />
tumor he described as “the size of a cantaloupe” from a patient<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong>.<br />
“she would’ve had to be transferred, probably by<br />
ambulance,” dr. galanopoulos said of a long-distance trip<br />
the patient would have made without the treatment available<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong>. “within five days she went from no diagnosis to<br />
(surgery).”<br />
treatment options<br />
Common treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery, sometimes<br />
followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.<br />
“for colon cancer, surgery is very important,” dr.<br />
schultheis said. “If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes,<br />
you can continue with chemotherapy.”<br />
treatment for rectal cancer is slightly different, since that<br />
area is sensitive to radiation.<br />
“It really involves evaluating the tumor and how far the<br />
cancer has progressed,” dr. schultheis said. “depending on<br />
the level of progression, sometimes you will treat the patient<br />
first with radiation, or radiation and chemotherapy.” ■<br />
bill manders, colorectal cancer survivor and<br />
local radio talk show host, speaks out about<br />
screening and prevention.<br />
— American <strong>Cancer</strong> Society<br />
at renown, colorectal patients are treated by a team of specialists.<br />
Drs. Galanopoulos, chen and schultheis, provide an integrated<br />
approach to treating colorectal cancer.<br />
victor K. chen, mD, msPH<br />
Victor K. Chen, MD, is a gastroenterologist at<br />
Gastroenterology Consultants in Reno specializing in<br />
digestive disorders and liver diseases. He earned his medical<br />
degree from University of Missouri in Kansas City School of<br />
Medicine. Dr. Chen also holds a masters degree in public<br />
health. Dr. Chen is board Certified in Gastroenterology and<br />
Internal Medicine.<br />
christos a. Galanopoulos, mD, Facs<br />
Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, is the <strong>Cancer</strong> Liaison<br />
Physician at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>. He also practices<br />
at General & Vascular Associates in Reno. He received his<br />
medical degree from Rush Medical College, and completed<br />
his residency in General Surgery at University of Illinois<br />
Medical Center affiliate hospitals. He is board Certified<br />
in General Surgery. Dr. Galanopoulos completed a HbP/<br />
Foregut fellowship at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.<br />
mary e. schultheis, mD<br />
Mary E. Schultheis, MD, is a colorectal surgeon with General<br />
& Vascular Associates in Reno. She attended college at the<br />
University of Maryland and received her medical degree<br />
from Creighton University School of Medicine. Dr. Schultheis<br />
completed her residency in General Surgery at Saint Agnes<br />
<strong>Health</strong>care. She then completed a fellowship in <strong>Colon</strong> and<br />
Rectal Surgery at the Greater baltimore Medical Center.<br />
Dr. Schultheis is board Certified in General Surgery.<br />
Peace of mind<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> offers new screening<br />
for colon cancer<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> believes early detection is crucial to<br />
colon health. That is why we are offering a<br />
home screening kit for only $35.<br />
a fiT Test (fecal immunochemical Test) offers<br />
patients a more convenient home screening<br />
tool for colorectal cancer screening. The fiT<br />
test is more effective in detecting cancers and<br />
polyps than older and more widely used stool<br />
screening tests.<br />
Key patient benefits of the test include:<br />
• Higher sensitivity resulting in fewer false<br />
readings<br />
• More convenient for patients because it is<br />
easy to prepare and complete in the privacy<br />
of your own home<br />
• No dietary restrictions required<br />
With your home screening kit, you will<br />
receive everything you need, including full<br />
instructions and a pre-paid return envelope. a<br />
physician referral is not needed.<br />
To request your home screening kit, visit<br />
renown.org/fiTtest.<br />
renown.org 7
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
8<br />
cLiNicaL triaLs WRITTEN by DoN Cox<br />
leading-edge<br />
medicine<br />
clinical trials look to improve treatment,<br />
prevention of colorectal cancer<br />
“ T<br />
he maIn dRIvIng foRCe BehInd ClInICal<br />
tRIals Is to ContInually ImpRove the<br />
standaRd of CaRe foR CanCeR patIents” said<br />
tejvir singh, md, hematologist/oncologist with Reno oncology<br />
associates and principle Investigator team member for <strong>Renown</strong><br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>.<br />
the study for clinical trial nsaBp R-04 is designed to<br />
determine the effectiveness of a new treatment for patients<br />
with rectal cancer. for one part of the trial, doctors are<br />
combining a particular drug, Capecitabine, with radiation<br />
in pre-surgery treatment.<br />
nsaBp R-04 is one of more than 141 clinical trials administered<br />
to more than 870 patients or participants at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute<br />
for <strong>Cancer</strong>.<br />
the discoveries made in those trials can save lives.<br />
“Reno now has access to all types of clinical trials,” dr. singh<br />
said. “this means that patients in the area have access to leadingedge<br />
medicines and treatments.”<br />
these medical research studies of potential treatments, known<br />
as phase II and phase III trials, are sponsored by the national<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Institute. phase II clinical trials contain fewer than 100<br />
participants and are intended to determine if a new treatment<br />
has an effect on a certain cancer and examine how the new<br />
treatment affects the human body. phase III trials have more than<br />
100 participants and are used to compare the new treatment, or<br />
a new use of a treatment, with the current standard treatment.<br />
people volunteer for clinical trials to determine if new<br />
treatment methods are more effective than the current.<br />
participants either receive the current standard of care or the<br />
new treatment in conjunction with the current standard of care.<br />
no participant in a clinical trial involving cancer treatments<br />
through <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> receives a placebo.<br />
colorectal cancer patients may benefit<br />
“Capecitabine has been found to be beneficial in late stage rectal<br />
and colon cancer,” dr. singh said.<br />
standard pre-surgery treatment for rectal cancer combines<br />
another drug, 5-fluorouracil with radiation.<br />
drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin,<br />
Capecitabine and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
caNcer QuicK Fact:<br />
1 in 3 cancers may be related to what you eat.<br />
Research shows that brassica vegetables —<br />
including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower<br />
and cabbage — may reduce your risk of<br />
colorectal and prostate cancers.<br />
tumor cells from dividing so the cells stop growing and<br />
die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to damage<br />
tumor cells.<br />
doctors are assessing whether radiation therapy is more<br />
effective when combined with Capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil<br />
before surgery in treating operable rectal cancer.<br />
earlier trials were used to determine appropriate dosages of<br />
the drug and the likelihood of success.<br />
“Is using Capecitabine in combination with radiation going to<br />
be better than combining 5-fluorouracil?” dr. singh said.<br />
that’s the question for clinical trial nsaBp R-04.<br />
the clinical trial with Capecitabine will conclude next year.<br />
But doctors will observe patients for three more years before<br />
reaching conclusions.<br />
“reno now has access to all types<br />
of clinical trials.”<br />
Tejvir Singh, MD, Hematologist/<br />
Oncologist and Principle Investigator<br />
for <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
bringing clinical trials to renown<br />
each potential trial is carefully evaluated before volunteers are<br />
sought and treatments begin.<br />
Beth ahart-valk, Rn, oCn, the lead cancer nurse who<br />
coordinates the cancer clinical trials, presents possible clinical<br />
trials to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). the IRB is made<br />
up of healthcare professionals and people in the community. IRB<br />
members make sure the risks are reasonable when compared<br />
to the possible benefits. they also watch the trial progress from<br />
beginning to end.<br />
the Principle investigator group at the institute for cancer meet regularly to track progress of open trials as well as consider new clinical<br />
trials. back row, pictured from left to right: Dr. conrath, Dr. reddy, Dr. Dardick, Dr. singh, Dr. bowman, Dr. shields. Front row, pictured from<br />
left to right: Dr. schiff, Dr. Palmer, Dr. reganti, Dr. Galanopoulos. Not pictured: Dr. abrass, Dr. rost.<br />
“we consider certain clinical trials that would be a good<br />
study for our community, based on what sort of cancers<br />
we’re diagnosing and treating at <strong>Renown</strong>,” ahart-valk said.<br />
“there is not much benefit to the community in opening a<br />
study on a disease that’s rare in our area.”<br />
If a trial is approved, dr. singh and other investigators<br />
enroll patients who wish to participate in the trial, provided<br />
they meet the eligibility criteria for the study treatment.<br />
“there is a long process of getting IRB approval and<br />
consent,” dr. singh said.<br />
for the Capecitabine trial, there were 13 points listed<br />
under the eligibility criteria.<br />
“most studies have very strict eligibility criteria that must<br />
be met for participant enrollment. however, this should<br />
not stop patients from inquiring if a clinical trial would be<br />
appropriate for them,” ahart-valk said. ■<br />
For a list of trials currently open to volunteers, see page 10.<br />
For more information about <strong>Renown</strong>’s clinical trials and research,<br />
please visit www.renown.org/cancer.<br />
clinical trial update<br />
In Vol. 1 Issue 1 of <strong>Renown</strong> Journey<br />
we told you about the Selenium and<br />
Vitamin E Prevention Trial (SELECT),<br />
which investigated whether the<br />
supplements of Selenium and<br />
Vitamin E can prevent or reduce the<br />
occurrence of prostate cancer. Since<br />
that issue, The National <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Institute announced the data found<br />
that selenium and Vitamin E, taken alone or<br />
together did not prevent or reduce the risk of prostate<br />
cancer. Trial participants have been asked to stop taking<br />
the study supplements but will continue to receive followup<br />
checks. 48 men participated in the <strong>Renown</strong> study.<br />
tejvir singh, mD<br />
Tejvir Singh, MD, is a principle investigator team member at<br />
the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>. He also practices at Reno oncology<br />
Consultants in Reno. Dr. Singh earned his medical degree<br />
from G.S.V.M. Medical College in India. He is board Certified<br />
in oncology and Medical oncology.<br />
renown.org 9
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
10<br />
breast caNcer<br />
caLGb 40503 tamoxifen or letrozole with or without bevacizumab in treating women with stage iii or stage iV breast cancer.<br />
ecoG Pacct-1 the taiLoRx trail: Phase iii randomized study of adjuvant combination chemotherapy and hormonal therapy<br />
versus adjuvant hormonal therapy alone in women with previously resected axillary node-negative breast cancer<br />
with various Levels of risk for recurrence.<br />
ecoG e2Z04 Quality of life in female breast cancer survivors and their spouse, partner, or acquaintance.<br />
ibcsG 24-02<br />
PeNDiNG irb 1/08/09<br />
NsabP b-39/<br />
rtoG 0413<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
a phase iii trial evaluating the role of ovarian suppression and the role of exemestane as adjuvant therapies for<br />
premenopausal women with endocrine responsive breast cancer.<br />
Radiation therapy in treating women who have undergone surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ or stage i or stage<br />
ii breast cancer<br />
NsabP b-44-i the BetH study: a trial to determine the value of adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy plus trastuzumab in<br />
patients with resected node-positive or high risk node-negative, HeR2-positive breast cancer.<br />
sWoG s0307 a Phase iii study to investigate if adding a bisphosphonate to hormonal therapy or chemotherapy will help<br />
prevent cancer from spreading to the bones or other parts of the body.<br />
LuNG caNcer<br />
ecoG e1505 chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with stage iB, stage ii, or stage iiia non-small<br />
lung cancer that was removed by surgery.<br />
rtoG 0617 a study to compare the overall survival of patients with newly diagnosed, unresectable stage iiia or iiiB nonsmall<br />
cell lung cancer treated with high- versus standard-dose conformal radiotherapy with concurrent and<br />
consolidation chemotherapy comprising carboplatin and paclitaxel.<br />
esoPHGeaL caNcer<br />
rtoG 0436 a study to evaluate whether the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy comprising paclitaxel, cisplatin, and<br />
radiotherapy improves overall survival compared with paclitaxel, cisplatin, and radiotherapy alone in patients<br />
with esophageal cancer treated without surgery.<br />
GeNitouriNary caNcer<br />
caLGb/<br />
sWoG c80405<br />
a phase iii trial of foLfiRi or foLfoX with bevacizumab or cetuximab or both for untreated metastatic<br />
adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum.<br />
ecoG e2805 a phase iii study is to determine if either sunitinib or sorafenib can prevent recurrence of kidney cancer.<br />
ecoG e5202 Phase iii randomized study of oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil with versus without bevacizumab<br />
in patients with resected stage ii colon cancer and at high risk for recurrence based on molecular markers.<br />
ecoG e5204<br />
PeNDiNG irb 1/8/09<br />
to compare the effects of a combination of chemotherapy drugs, when given with and without a new drug,<br />
bevacizumab, after patients with stage ii or stage iii rectal cancer have had pre-operative chemoradiation.<br />
NsabP r-04 a clinical trial comparing preoperative radiation therapy and capecitabine with or without oxaliplatin with<br />
preoperative radiation therapy and continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil with or without oxaliplatin in<br />
the treatment of patients with operable carcinoma of the rectum.<br />
rtoG 0518 a Phase iii study to evaluate the efficacy of zometa for the prevention of osteoporosis and associated fractures in<br />
patients receiving radiation therapy for high grade and/or locally advanced prostate cancer.<br />
rtoG 0822 combination chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy in treating patients undergoing surgery<br />
for locally advanced rectal cancer.<br />
sWoG s0421 a Phase iii study of docetaxel and prednisone with versus without atrasentan in patients with hormone-refractory<br />
stage iV prostate cancer and bone metastases.<br />
GyNecoLoGicaL caNcer<br />
GoG 0209 combination chemotherapy in treating patients with stage iii, stage iV, or recurrent endometrial cancer.<br />
GoG 0212 Phase iii randomized study of paclitaxel versus polyglutamate paclitaxel as consolidation/maintenance therapy<br />
versus no further anticancer therapy until disease progression in patients with stage iii or iV ovarian epithelial or<br />
primary peritoneal cancer.<br />
GoG 0218 Phase iii randomized study of carboplatin and paclitaxel versus carboplatin, paclitaxel, and concurrent<br />
bevacizumab with versus without extended bevacizumab in patients with stage iii or iV ovarian epithelial,<br />
primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer.<br />
GoG 0219 a study to determine if combining tirapazamine (tPZ) with cisplatin during radiation therapy is more effective<br />
than cisplatin and radiation therapy alone for patients with clinical stages iB2, iia, iiB, iiB & iVa cervical<br />
carcinoma limited to the pelvis.<br />
GoG 0222 Pelvic exenteration in treating Patients with Recurrent cervical cancer.<br />
ceNtraL Nervous system<br />
rtoG 0320 Phase iii randomized study of whole brain radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery with versus without<br />
temozolomide or erlotinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases.<br />
rtoG 0614<br />
PeNDiNG irb 1/8/09<br />
oPeN cLiNicaL triaLs accePtiNG NeW PatieNts<br />
a study to determine the effects of Memantine in preventing side effects for patients undergoing whole-brain<br />
radiation therapy for brain metastases from solid tumors.<br />
PHysiciaN ProFiLe WRITTEN by DoN Cox<br />
dr. g<br />
Dr. christos Galanopoulos<br />
brings expertise, dedication<br />
T<br />
he name and tItles<br />
aRe a lot to say,<br />
espeCIally If you tRy<br />
them all at onCe.<br />
Christos a. galanopoulos, md, faCs,<br />
hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gI surgical<br />
oncology, general surgery.<br />
too much? try this.<br />
“dr. g.” that’s how he’s known to<br />
patients, colleagues, friends and just<br />
about everyone at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute<br />
for <strong>Cancer</strong>.<br />
Before that, he was “dr. g” in dallas.<br />
Before that, he was “dr. g.” in sonoma,<br />
Calif., las vegas and Chicago.<br />
“for about the last 15 years, that’s<br />
what people have called me,” dr.<br />
galanopoulos said with a laugh. “It has<br />
a little ring to it.”<br />
dr. galanopoulos, who specializes in<br />
gastrointestinal surgical oncology, joined<br />
general & vascular associates in July after<br />
a one-year fellowship in surgical oncology<br />
at methodist dallas medical Center.<br />
“having dr. galanopoulos’ expertise<br />
available takes our program to a higher<br />
level,” said linda ferris, phd, vice<br />
president of the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong>. “the community is very blessed<br />
to have him relocate to Reno.”<br />
dr. galanopoulos brings a needed<br />
medical skill to northern nevada. he’s<br />
a cancer surgeon specializing in the<br />
digestive<br />
system. Before<br />
the fellowship<br />
in dallas, dr.<br />
galanopoulos<br />
was director<br />
of advanced<br />
minimally<br />
invasive<br />
surgery at valley hospital in sonoma,<br />
Calif. previous positions included<br />
development of a surgical group in<br />
Chicago, and a position with general<br />
surgical associates in las vegas.<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong>, dr. galanopoulos<br />
is the <strong>Cancer</strong> liaison physician to<br />
the american College of surgeons<br />
Commission on <strong>Cancer</strong>. In 2002-2003<br />
and again in 2004-2005, he was named<br />
one of america’s top surgeons by the<br />
Consumers<br />
Research<br />
Council of<br />
america.<br />
“I’ve<br />
had family<br />
members fall<br />
through the<br />
cracks and<br />
die of cancer they shouldn’t have died<br />
from,” dr. galanopoulos said. “I want to<br />
prevent that from happening. I want to<br />
“i want to have an impact<br />
on the community.”<br />
Dr. Christos Galanopoulos, MD,<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Liaison Physician<br />
have an impact on the community. the<br />
goal is to treat (patients) like my own<br />
family.”<br />
dr. galanopoulos didn’t start out to<br />
be a doctor. he was supposed to join<br />
his dad and run the family restaurant,<br />
zorba’s. at least that was the family plan<br />
when he was growing up in Chicago.<br />
But the plan changed.<br />
“I decided to become a (doctor)<br />
when I was a sophomore in college,”<br />
dr. galanopoulos said. “my family was<br />
surprised at first, but very supportive.”<br />
In Reno, when he’s not at the<br />
hospital, dr. galanopoulos and his wife,<br />
michelle, enjoy the outdoors.<br />
“having lake tahoe and the<br />
mountains is just wonderful,” he said.<br />
“I’m going to try to ski, as long as there’s<br />
a spa visit at the end.” ■<br />
renown.org 11
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
12<br />
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG<br />
tomotherapy ® offers most<br />
advanced treatment available<br />
amazing patient benefits to new technology<br />
A<br />
CCoRdIng to eXpeRts, It’s the fIRst maJoR<br />
advanCement In RadIatIon theRapy In<br />
Roughly 50 yeaRs. It’s known as the tomotherapy ®<br />
hi-art ® system, and it offers dramatic patient benefits.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> recently became the first and only<br />
hospital in northern nevada to offer this leading-edge technology.<br />
“<strong>Renown</strong> has joined the rare ranks of two percent of cancer<br />
facilities worldwide that have tomotherapy ® ,” said eric Rost, md,<br />
medical director of Radiation oncology at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong>. “there are currently only about 200 of these units out there.”<br />
prior to joining <strong>Renown</strong> in July 2008, and following a long<br />
career in cancer care, dr. Rost served as a consultant, setting up 10<br />
tomotherapy ® programs around the globe. he presided over the<br />
fourth tomotherapy ® in the world, and helped develop many of<br />
the standards and procedures for tomotherapy ® treatments.<br />
“tomotherapy ® is not only easier on the patient, but it also<br />
delivers better care. It’s much more cost-effective,” dr. Rost said.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
tomotherapy ® offers unparalleled accuracy and precision in cancer<br />
treatments. this breakthrough cancer technology treats the most<br />
complex cancers in less time with fewer side effects.<br />
“It’s a complete, integrated system that allows us to deliver imageguided<br />
radiation with repetitive precision and accuracy.”<br />
with a built-in Ct scanner, the tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system<br />
allows physicians to view the patient in three dimensions, which<br />
allows them to focus the radiation beam with extreme precision.<br />
“each and every time we turn on the beam, we can see the<br />
tumor and all the soft tissues, and we can see exactly what we’re<br />
doing,” dr. Rost said. “the speed and accuracy of tomotherapy ®<br />
help us spare healthy tissue. this means that patients have fewer<br />
side effects and heal faster.”<br />
typically, radiation is based on recent Ct scans, but the<br />
tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system provides an image of the patient<br />
during treatment. with surgical precision, doctors can deliver<br />
radiation directly to the tumor without unnecessary exposure to<br />
normal cells.<br />
“due to the limitations of standard radiation, you can expose<br />
more normal tissue to more radiation. this damages the<br />
surrounding health tissue and limits the success of treatment,” dr.<br />
Rost said. “with tomotherapy ® , we don’t have to worry about that<br />
as much — the treatment is very easy to take.”<br />
for patients, tomotherapy ® allows quicker recovery, along with<br />
less pain and discomfort.<br />
too often patients are told they cannot receive any more<br />
radiation. with tomotherapy ® , repeat treatment can be given to<br />
patients without the fear of overexposing surrounding healthy<br />
tissue. “tomotherapy ® offers hope to patients who have previously<br />
been told they have no other options,” dr. Rost said.<br />
the benefits of the tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system also extend<br />
to surgery and chemotherapy, two treatments that often go handin-hand<br />
with radiation for cancer care.<br />
“when you treat a patient with radiation and chemotherapy, the<br />
chemotherapy can make you very sick” dr. Rost said. “Because<br />
tomotherapy ® allows us to eliminate the harmful side effects<br />
of radiation therapy, the patient is able to tolerate the effects of<br />
chemotherapy and radiation together much better.”<br />
“TomoTherapy ® is not only easier<br />
on the patient, but it also delivers<br />
better care.”<br />
Eric Rost, MD, Medical Director of Radiation<br />
Oncology at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
tomotherapy ® also offers benefits for surgery as well. standard<br />
radiation often results in swelling, scarring and damage to normal<br />
tissue, and performing surgery in such an inflamed setting can<br />
lead to complications.<br />
treating colorectal and esophogeal cancer<br />
these advantages of tomotherapy ® are especially apparent<br />
when dealing with colorectal and esophageal cancer.<br />
“with colorectal cancer, because of the way our bodies are<br />
built, there can be a lot of problems with swelling and healing.<br />
tomotherapy ® eases the impact of cancer treatment in this sensitive<br />
area, thereby increasing the odds of recovery,” dr. Rost said.<br />
“with esophageal cancer, there is a high rate of the cancer<br />
spreading inside and around the esophagus, as this is the only<br />
organ tube in our body that does not have a membrane around<br />
it,” dr. Rost said. “with tomotherapy ® ’s precision, we can get<br />
radiation to sterilize all the surrounding areas, and we can do it<br />
without effecting the heart, lungs and spinal cord by radiation.”<br />
on top of limiting pain and tissue damage, a session on the<br />
tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system goes fairly fast. tomotherapy ®<br />
takes about 10 minutes per day, much shorter compared to<br />
treatments on other technologies that range from 30 minutes<br />
to two hours. additionally, tomotherapy ® offers patients a less<br />
invasive treatment option. other technologies sometimes require a<br />
surgical procedure to implant special markers or applicators before<br />
the patient can begin radiation treatments.<br />
tomotherapy ® can deliver radiation to a wide range of cancers,<br />
including those of the head, neck, brain, spinal cord, ovaries, cervix,<br />
endometrium, bone marrow, breast, prostate, lung, liver, colon, anus,<br />
pancreas, lymph nodes, throat, stomach and digestive system. “any<br />
and every patient with cancer can benefit from tomotherapy ® .”<br />
In addition, tomotherapy ® is the only successful radiation<br />
treatment available for mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of<br />
the lining of the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavity. ■<br />
For more information on the TomoTherapy ® Hi-Art ® System, visit<br />
the Web site at www.renown.org/tomotherapy.<br />
breakthrough cancer care<br />
TomoTherapy is the most advanced radiation treatment<br />
available to cancer patients. Here’s just a sample of how it<br />
compares to other radiation treatment technologies such<br />
as CyberKnife, Varian Rapid Arc, Novalis, Gamma Knife and<br />
Elekta VMAT:<br />
■ tomotherapy allows a doctor to view the tumor or<br />
tumors in 3D. Most other technologies offer physicians<br />
only a 2D view. This means that patients can receive<br />
more accurate treatment with TomoTherapy.<br />
■ tomotherapy is a less invasive treatment. Some other<br />
technologies, including CyberKnife, require a surgical<br />
implantation of metal markers into patients so that the<br />
machine can detect the target area. TomoTherapy ® does<br />
not require this invasive procedure.<br />
■ shorter treatment times for similar tumors with<br />
tomotherapy. Treatment time for TomoTherapy is 10<br />
minutes, including patient set up, image registration and<br />
correction.<br />
■ multiple tumors can be treated at one time with<br />
tomotherapy. other technologies require different<br />
treatments for each tumor. TomoTherapy treats the<br />
widest range of tumors and cancers.<br />
■ tomotherapy delivers radiation in the most consistent<br />
doses which translates into fewer treatments and<br />
fewer side effects for patients.<br />
■ tomotherapy can treat tumors of all sizes. other<br />
technologies have certain treatment ranges; outside of<br />
these ranges they lose their effectiveness increasing side<br />
effects and recovery times.<br />
eric c. rost, mD<br />
Eric C. Rost, MD, is the Medical Director of Radiation oncology<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>. He earned his medical degree<br />
from Northeastern ohio University College of Medicine. He<br />
trained in Internal Medicine at George Washington University/<br />
Providence Hospital. He also trained in Nuclear Medicine<br />
and radiology at the Johns Hopkins University in baltimore.<br />
His training in Radiation Sciences continued with Radiation<br />
oncology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New york<br />
and the University of Miami.<br />
renown.org 13
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
14<br />
Feature WRITTEN by MIKALEE byERMAN<br />
Is it in<br />
the genes?<br />
answers about cancer can be found<br />
through genetic testing<br />
I<br />
t’s not often that a<br />
spellIng mIstake In an<br />
InstRuCtIon manual Can<br />
Cause dangeRous Results. But<br />
when the “instruction manual” is the<br />
genes that comprise a human being, then<br />
one spelling mistake can be catastrophic.<br />
In fact, it can cause cancer.<br />
this is the analogy made by genetic<br />
counselors whose work involves trying to<br />
discover a patient’s genetic predisposition<br />
for hereditary cancer syndromes. while<br />
only 10 percent of cancers are hereditary,<br />
people at high risk for hereditary cancers<br />
— those with a significant family history or<br />
who have cancers that have been diagnosed<br />
at an early age — can be genetically tested<br />
to determine a way to manage their health.<br />
Brandy smolnik, ms, a Reno-based<br />
genetic counselor, describes discovering<br />
hereditary cancer as looking for the<br />
spelling mistakes in our personal<br />
instruction manuals. “when there are<br />
mistakes, a gene doesn’t work properly,<br />
and cancer can result,” smolnik said.<br />
the mistakes, she noted, are called<br />
mutations. and while genetic testing is far<br />
from perfect, it can give a patient peace<br />
of mind — or the answers they’ve long<br />
wondered about.<br />
smolnik described 60% of cancers<br />
as “sporadic,” meaning there is an age<br />
and environmental influence; 30% are<br />
familial, where several genes and the<br />
environment can play a role; and only<br />
10% are hereditary, meaning a single gene<br />
mutation is at fault. genetic testing only<br />
covers the cancers in this last category.<br />
“primarily we are looking for hereditary<br />
breast and ovarian cancer syndromes,<br />
including male breast cancer, and<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
hereditary colon cancer syndrome<br />
which can include cancers of the colon,<br />
uterus or pancreas,” she said. genetic<br />
counselors also assist with developing<br />
a plan to maintain health and<br />
screenings appropriately.<br />
the testing process typically starts with<br />
a patient who discusses cancer concerns<br />
with a primary care physician. that doctor<br />
may refer the patient to a practice like<br />
smolnik’s, who works with Robert nathan<br />
slotnick, md, phd, a medical geneticist at<br />
perinatal associates of northern nevada<br />
and medical director of genetics at<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>.<br />
“Brandy and I work together every<br />
day,” dr. slotnick said. “we talk about our<br />
patients’ concerns and develop a course of<br />
action. this is the best way — to have a<br />
genetic forum with a doctor and counselor<br />
working together very closely on behalf of<br />
the patient.”<br />
Before beginning the genetic testing<br />
process, a patient should spend time<br />
investigating his or her own background<br />
and history.<br />
“the details make all the difference,” dr.<br />
slotnick said. “those who come to us with<br />
a lot of information about their own family<br />
— when their mom was diagnosed, at what<br />
age grandma died of breast cancer, etc.<br />
— that gives us more to work with. many<br />
of our patients also educate themselves<br />
through their own research on the Internet<br />
or talking with family members.”<br />
genetic testing itself involves a simple<br />
blood draw followed by the complex part:<br />
a two- to four-week wait.<br />
“Before we test, I’ll sit down with patients<br />
and discuss the family history, assess the<br />
situation and then explain the process,”<br />
“reality is so much<br />
better than denial.”<br />
Mary Moffitt, after undergoing<br />
genetic testing for breast cancer<br />
smolnik said. “and regardless of the results, I’ll<br />
always meet with the patient in person to offer<br />
support and explain what happens next.”<br />
that level of personalized service is<br />
what provides comfort to patients like<br />
mary moffitt. the 57-year-old minden<br />
resident sought answers from smolnik and<br />
dr. slotnick concerning her three bouts<br />
with breast cancer that started at age 32.<br />
“my mother died at 58 from breast<br />
cancer,” she said. “my sister was<br />
diagnosed at 40. so I talked to my doctor<br />
about my concerns, and he asked if I<br />
wanted to know if I carry the gene. that<br />
led me to dr. slotnick and Brandy.”<br />
But her initial genetic testing — the<br />
most common variety, called a BRCa<br />
1 and 2 test — came back negative.<br />
smolnik, not satisfied with the result,<br />
contacted other genetic counselors<br />
throughout the country seeking<br />
alternative suggestions. the outcome: a<br />
positive result in a test for a rare condition<br />
called Cowden syndrome.<br />
“this diagnosis gave me the answers<br />
I’ve been waiting for since 1983,”<br />
moffitt said. “now that I know I have<br />
this syndrome, a lot in my life makes<br />
sense. the testing itself has been such a<br />
wonderful experience.<br />
“Reality is so much better than denial,”<br />
she said. now we can move forward with<br />
answers instead of more questions.”<br />
after a history of multiple surgeries for<br />
cancer, moffitt says the time she spent<br />
going through genetic counseling has<br />
been refreshing and rewarding.<br />
“Brandy is such a great listener, and she<br />
really spent time trying to understand my<br />
history and explaining options,” she said.<br />
“she left me to make my own decisions. I<br />
only wish I had done the genetic testing<br />
Patient mary moffitt discusses her genetic<br />
testing results with brandy smolnik, ms, a<br />
reno-based genetic counselor.<br />
sooner, as I’m just relieved to have<br />
the answers.” ■<br />
r. Nathan slotnick, mD, PhD<br />
R. Nathan Slotnick, MD, PhD, is Medical<br />
Director of Genetics at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute<br />
for <strong>Cancer</strong> and a Perinatologist at Perinatal<br />
Associates of Northern Nevada. Dr.<br />
Slotnick has a master’s degree in Molecular<br />
Genetics from the University of Washington<br />
and a doctorate degree from the State<br />
University of New york, buffalo. He earned<br />
his medical degree from the University<br />
of Pittsburgh. Dr. Slotnick completed<br />
his residency and Fellowship training at<br />
University of California San Francisco.<br />
renown.org 15
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
16<br />
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG<br />
kid-centric<br />
children’s infusion center eases the treatment process for young patients<br />
L<br />
ong hospItal vIsIts aRe not muCh fun<br />
foR anyone, let alone ChIldRen and<br />
teens. But young patients requiring infusion<br />
therapy, such as chemotherapy or a blood transfusion, must<br />
spend hours at a time receiving treatment.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
to make that time as enjoyable as possible, <strong>Renown</strong><br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> and pediatric services is excited to<br />
open the Children’s Infusion Center in spring 2009.<br />
located in the sierra tower near pediatric specialty Care,<br />
the new center will offer both comfort and convenience as<br />
caroline Hastings, mD, medical Director of Pediatric Hematology and oncology at renown institute for cancer, visits with young patient<br />
Heather Pauly.<br />
“if these kids are going to be with us for four or eight or 10 hours at a<br />
time, we need to have a place that meets their needs. This space is<br />
set up so they won’t feel like they’re in a hospital all day.”<br />
Caroline Hastings, MD, Medical Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology<br />
well as double the current capacity for children’s infusion<br />
treatments. opening the Children’s Infusion Center further<br />
confirms <strong>Renown</strong>’s reputation as a leader in pediatric<br />
cancer care and hematology. It’s the only hospital in<br />
northern nevada that offers comprehensive care for<br />
childhood cancer.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> officials report that nearly 350 children<br />
currently are living with cancer or blood disease in<br />
northern nevada. Infusion therapy for these patients often<br />
takes place two or three times a week, and each session<br />
typically lasts one to eight hours or longer.<br />
“we want the Children’s Infusion Center to be a<br />
feel-good place,” said Caroline hastings, md, medical<br />
director of pediatric hematology and oncology at<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>. “we want to<br />
accommodate a range of young patients who need<br />
to be at the hospital for extended periods of time,<br />
without actually being admitted.”<br />
to help build the new Children’s Infusion Center,<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> received a $25,000 grant from the keaton<br />
Raphael memorial, a nonprofit group dedicated to<br />
supporting local children with cancer and their families.<br />
Creating a healing environment was key. the new<br />
Children’s Infusion Center will provide young patients<br />
with a dedicated area to recieve their treatment. Colors,<br />
furniture and artwork were all designed with the children<br />
in mind. the center features an open layout that allows<br />
the staff to better interact with and observe patients,<br />
dr. hastings said. Comfortable chairs will add to the<br />
nurturing atmosphere. toys, games, books, blankets,<br />
stuffed animals, a craft table, reading corner, tv<br />
screens, dvd players, movies and video-game<br />
consoles provide distractions.<br />
“If these kids are going to be with us for four or eight or<br />
10 hours at a time, we need to have a place that meets their<br />
needs and is comfortable,” dr. hastings said. “this space is<br />
set up so they won’t feel like they’re in a hospital all day.”<br />
a large donation to the keaton Raphael memorial, made<br />
by the family of a young patient who passed away, was<br />
used to add these kid-friendly amenities to the Children’s<br />
Infusion Center, including an array of books.<br />
“In memory of that child, who was an avid reader, we’re<br />
creating kylee’s korner, a library inside the Children’s<br />
Infusion Center,” dr. hastings said.<br />
Leading technology, close to home<br />
the Children’s Infusion Center serves kids and teens with<br />
all types of cancer including leukemia, as well as those<br />
with tumors, blood, kidney or lung disease and other<br />
major illnesses. treatment for these conditions often<br />
includes infusion therapy, a method of giving drugs<br />
or fluids.<br />
“some forms of infusion therapy are for the actual<br />
treatment of the cancer, such as chemotherapy,” hastings<br />
said, “and others may be treating the side effects, like<br />
antibiotics or fluids for infection or dehydration.”<br />
according to lizzie dalton, executive director of the<br />
keaton Raphael memorial, approximately 45 new childhood<br />
cancers are diagnosed in northern nevada each year.<br />
“once the Children’s Infusion Center is here, it will help<br />
us get a better grip on what the numbers actually are for<br />
childhood cancer in nevada,” she said. ■<br />
If you wish to support the Children’s Infusion Center and<br />
other forms of care for childhood cancer at <strong>Renown</strong>, please<br />
contact the <strong>Renown</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Foundation at 775-982-5545.<br />
caroline Hastings, mD<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Caroline Hastings, MD, is the Medical Director of<br />
Pediatric Hematology/oncology at <strong>Renown</strong> Regional<br />
Medical Center. She also serves as Director of Pediatric<br />
Hematology/oncology Fellowship for Children’s Hospital<br />
& Research Center oakland, where she practices as<br />
pediatric hematologist/oncologist and pediatric neurooncologist.<br />
She received her graduate education at the<br />
University of California, Davis School of Medicine.<br />
renown.org 17
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
18<br />
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG<br />
Hala moddelmog,<br />
President and<br />
ceo of susan G.<br />
Komen for the cure,<br />
delivers the keynote<br />
address at the first<br />
Nevada cancer<br />
control summit.<br />
Joining<br />
forces<br />
Nevada cancer control summit<br />
unites stakeholders in cancer care<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
mokIng CessatIon pRogRams, <strong>Colon</strong>-CanCeR<br />
S sCReenIngs and healthCaRe foR the unInsuRed<br />
weRe among the many topICs addRessed<br />
at the nevada CanCeR ContRol summIt dec. 5 at the<br />
peppermill Resort Casino. the event, held by the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Council (nvCC) — a group of healthcare providers and stakeholders<br />
throughout the state — is expected to become an annual event.<br />
the summit was an important “check-in” point for the nevada<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Control plan, which was put together and published two<br />
years ago by the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Council. sheila Baez, Rn, mn,<br />
aoCns, chair of the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Council steering committee<br />
and <strong>Cancer</strong> program manager at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>,<br />
said participants were “looking at policy change at the state level<br />
and how to improve quality of care and access to care for people<br />
with cancer in nevada.” In addition to lobbying for tobacco<br />
caNcer<br />
QuicK Fact:<br />
Lung cancer is the<br />
most common cause<br />
of cancer death<br />
among men and<br />
women in the<br />
United States.<br />
— State of Nevada<br />
control efforts, the<br />
nvCC is also working<br />
to improve access to<br />
care by publishing a<br />
comprehensive statewide<br />
resource guide for those<br />
affected by cancer in<br />
nevada. “educating<br />
patients is key,” said Baez.<br />
“each state has been<br />
funded by the Centers for<br />
disease Control to put<br />
together and implement<br />
a cancer control plan,”<br />
Baez said. “now that<br />
we have a plan, it’s<br />
up to the providers<br />
to make changes and<br />
improvements.”<br />
the plan addresses<br />
the prevention, detection<br />
and treatment of cancer,<br />
as well as end-of-life<br />
care and survivorship.<br />
It sets goals in each<br />
of those areas and<br />
projected timelines for<br />
reaching them.<br />
three priority issues<br />
under the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Control plan include the<br />
use of tobacco settlement<br />
money for smoking<br />
cessation programs;<br />
increasing the rate of<br />
colon cancer screenings<br />
throughout nevada; and<br />
improving access to care<br />
for all cancer patients,<br />
including the uninsured<br />
and underinsured.<br />
“the first nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Control summit brought together<br />
people from throughout the state who deal extensively with<br />
these issues,” Baez said. “we also brought in people from other<br />
states that have put together innovative and successful programs<br />
addressing these areas.”<br />
hala moddelmog, president and Ceo of susan g. komen for<br />
the Cure, delivered a keynote address on access-to-care issues and<br />
solutions. susan g. komen for the Cure is a foundation dedicated<br />
to finding a cure for breast cancer.<br />
“we also had a panel on national access-to-care issues, which<br />
included hala moddelmog and was led by tom kean, executive<br />
director of C-Change,” Baez added.<br />
Composed of key leaders in cancer care, C-Change is based<br />
in washington, d.C., and works to create policy change on the<br />
national level.<br />
“if we can identify cancer earlier, it’s<br />
more curable. and if we can help our<br />
poor and underinsured access care,<br />
our cancer rates will go down.”<br />
Sheila Baez, RN, MN, AOCNS,<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Program Manager at <strong>Renown</strong><br />
and Nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Council Chair<br />
another summit panel focused on healthcare access in nevada.<br />
experts in pediatric cancer care, minority cancer care and end-oflife<br />
issues participated.<br />
another <strong>Renown</strong> expert and panel participant, John gray, md,<br />
focused on increasing colon-cancer screening throughout the state.<br />
dr. gray is medical director of the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive<br />
and liver Care, a physician with gI Consultants in Reno, and<br />
leader of the nevada colon-cancer task force under the nevada<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> Council<br />
“we also brought in dr. tim Byers, deputy director, Colorado<br />
Comprehensive <strong>Cancer</strong> Center, where they have free colonoscopy<br />
screenings for the underinsured, which they funded through their<br />
tobacco tax,” Baez said.<br />
the summit also included a discussion of nevada smokingcessation<br />
efforts, as well as the role of tobacco settlement money<br />
in funding these efforts. “tobacco Control in nevada: Current<br />
program & Challenges” was led by Charlene howard, tobacco<br />
prevention and education program manager for the nevada state<br />
health division, and dileep Bal, md, district health officer for the<br />
kauai district health office in hawaii.<br />
“we wanted to look at how other states approached these<br />
issues and what they did,” Baez said. “this summit was an<br />
educational opportunity not to be missed for anyone dealing<br />
with cancer patients.”<br />
aside from educating stakeholders on the issues and goals<br />
involved in the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Control plan, the summit served<br />
as an evaluation of current efforts and a fertile ground for new<br />
initiatives, along with input on proper funding.<br />
“If we can identify cancer earlier, it’s more curable,” Baez said,<br />
“and if we can help our poor and underinsured residents access<br />
care, our cancer rates will go down.<br />
“the overall goal of the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Council,” she added, “is<br />
to improve quality of life and access to care for individuals with<br />
cancer in the state of nevada.”<br />
as chair of the nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Council and <strong>Cancer</strong> program<br />
manager at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, Baez believes that she<br />
is in an ideal position to make great strides with the cancer care<br />
provided in northern nevada. ■<br />
For more pictures from the Nevada <strong>Cancer</strong> Control Summit, please<br />
see the Community Outreach section on page 30.<br />
For more information about NVCC, visit www.nevadacancercouncil.org.<br />
renown.org 19
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
20<br />
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG<br />
ahead of the trend<br />
experts unite to treat digestive and liver cancers<br />
T<br />
hRoughout hIs 25-yeaR CaReeR, John gRay,<br />
md, found hImself In a seRIes of fRustRatIng<br />
sItuatIons. a specialist in digestive and liver care,<br />
dr. gray dealt with patient cases on a regular basis that<br />
would benefit from the input of other experts, such as surgeons or<br />
oncologists.<br />
whenever possible, he would reach out to these other experts<br />
for discussion on complex patient cases. he also had doctors<br />
coming to him, to hear his opinion on their own patient cases that<br />
had ties to the digestive system or liver. however, finding time<br />
for such in-depth discussions among busy physicians made this<br />
spontaneous system at best hit-or-miss.<br />
“It is frustrating when you come up with clinical issues that you<br />
know you need to discuss with all your colleagues, but there is not<br />
really a way to have that discussion,” dr. gray said.<br />
Impelled to provide the best possible patient care, dr. gray<br />
buckled down and began working with colleagues and hospital<br />
administrators to create a diverse forum for doctors. today, the<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive and liver Care exemplifies this<br />
latest approach to healthcare: Bring together an array of medical<br />
experts to plan treatment for a specific disease, often on a case-bycase<br />
basis.<br />
since 2007, the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive and liver Care<br />
has been one of the few centers in the nation that uses a team<br />
approach to address digestive and liver diseases, including cancer.<br />
“It’s a crucial way for us to improve the quality of care to our<br />
community in the broad spectrum of digestive diseases,” said dr.<br />
gray, medical director of the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive and<br />
liver Care. “there are over 100 digestive diseases, and most are<br />
treated by several different physicians.”<br />
these digestive diseases span the spectrum from constipation<br />
and peptic ulcers to colon and pancreatic cancer. Conditions<br />
that affect the bowels, intestines, colon, esophagus, gallbladder,<br />
pancreas, stomach and liver all fall under the umbrella of digestive<br />
and liver disease.<br />
the institute is dr. gray’s brainchild: from primary care<br />
doctors, gastroenterologists and hospitalists to radiologists,<br />
oncologists and surgeons, he hoped to create a forum for the host<br />
of experts who deal with digestive and liver diseases.<br />
caNcer QuicK Fact:<br />
Regular use of established screening tests can<br />
prevent the development of cancer by finding and<br />
removing abnormalities.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
— American <strong>Cancer</strong> Society<br />
John Gray, mD, medical Director of the renown institute for<br />
Digestive and Liver care.<br />
dr. gray presented his vision for this institute to key leaders at<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> roughly four years ago.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> health leaders, along with dr. gray, worked for about<br />
three years to secure the technology, experts and organization<br />
necessary to open the Institute for digestive and liver Care.<br />
“we started out with a few projects we felt would benefit the<br />
community most — areas that needed the most improvement,” dr.<br />
gray said. “for instance, we know that in our community, colon<br />
cancer screening compliance is lacking. the institute is working<br />
with the nevada <strong>Colon</strong> <strong>Cancer</strong> task force to increase colon cancer<br />
screening.”<br />
addressing pancreatic cancer also has been a priority for the<br />
institute. a complicated and potentially lethal disease, pancreatic<br />
cancer requires top-notch care, including the most advanced<br />
“it’s a crucial way for us to<br />
improve the quality of care to our<br />
community.”<br />
John Gray, MD, Medical Director of the<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for Digestive and Liver Care<br />
technology and experienced physicians.<br />
according to dr. gray, pancreatic cancer is especially dangerous<br />
because it typically doesn’t create symptoms until the cancer<br />
has grown large enough to spread — and by that time, it’s often<br />
inoperable. he suggests screening for those who have a family<br />
history of pancreatic cancer and also avoiding cigarettes, which<br />
have been linked to this type of cancer.<br />
the location of the pancreas within the body — close to several<br />
key structures, like the stomach and liver — adds to the lethality<br />
of the disease and increases the complexity of treatment and<br />
surgery. fortunately, <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive and liver<br />
Care has stepped up to help patients with pancreatic cancer by<br />
providing top-notch care.<br />
“we’re setting up a pancreatic cancer center of excellence,” dr.<br />
gray said. “we now have a very large team to develop protocol on<br />
how best to assess and treat pancreatic cancer.”<br />
the Institute of digestive and liver Care also is home to a stateof-the-art<br />
technology known as endoscopic ultrasound, or eus,<br />
which can be used to detect and provide detailed information on a<br />
variety of digestive and liver diseases, including pancreatic cancer.<br />
“eus did not exist in our community, and <strong>Renown</strong> was the<br />
first to bring this new technology to nevada,” said alan olive,<br />
administrator for <strong>Renown</strong> south meadows medical Center.<br />
“purchasing this equipment, and hiring two physicians who are<br />
experts in eus, was the first step in establishing the Institute for<br />
digestive and liver Care.”<br />
according to dr. gray, <strong>Renown</strong> is the only facility in nevada<br />
that offers eus, a procedure that allows a doctor to obtain images<br />
and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding<br />
tissue and organs. “It’s the most accurate way to stage (pancreatic)<br />
cancer and know if it’s operable,” dr. gray said. “the very best<br />
pancreatic cancer surgeons won’t even consider working in a<br />
facility without endoscopic ultrasound.”<br />
with this top technology, <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive<br />
and liver Care has drawn these expert surgeons, along with<br />
other experts, to become a center of excellence in the west for<br />
pancreatic-cancer care. as such, the Institute is equipped to<br />
participate in national research, giving patients access to the<br />
newest care through clinical trials.<br />
similar programs currently are under way for liver cancer, as<br />
well as esophageal and colon cancer, as the Institute for digestive<br />
and liver Care strives to become a center of excellence across the<br />
board.<br />
“we plan on addressing at some point all forms of digestive<br />
cancer,” dr. gray said. “we addressed pancreatic cancer first<br />
because we thought it had the most room for improvement.”<br />
each disease-specific program within the Institute for digestive<br />
the institute for Digestive and Liver care committee meets monthly.<br />
committee chairs (pictured from left to right): Dr. chen,<br />
Dr. Pezanoski, Dr. Nachiondo. (Not Pictured: Dr. Gray and Dr. Nason).<br />
and liver Care is led by a physician with expertise in the treatment<br />
of that particular disease.<br />
“we have physician champions in each area — an expert or<br />
sponsor who is leading each team,” olive said. “they, in turn,<br />
work with a team of specialists to come up with best practices.”<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for digestive and liver Care is at the leadingedge<br />
of a healthcare trend that calls for physician collaboration in<br />
the patient treatment.<br />
“this approach really applies across all disease spectrums,” dr.<br />
gray said. “It’s a fertile ground where we can get new ideas and<br />
help solve major problems and ensure patients are receiving the<br />
highest level of care.” ■<br />
John F. Gray, mD, FacG<br />
John Gray, MD, has specialized in gastrointestinal (GI) and liver<br />
care for the past 25 years. He is the Medical Director of the<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for Digestive and Liver Care and a physician<br />
with GI consultants, both located in Reno. Dr. Gray has served<br />
as President of the Washoe County Medical Society, former<br />
Chief of Staff of <strong>Renown</strong> Regional Medical Center and Nevada<br />
State Governor for the American College of Gastroenterology.<br />
renown institute for Digestive<br />
and Liver care committee chairs<br />
John Gray, MD, Steering Committee Chair<br />
and CME Subcommittee Chair<br />
Daniel Nason, MD, Esophageal Subcommittee Chair<br />
James Nachiondo, MD, Tube Team<br />
Subcommittee Chair<br />
Jon Pezanoski, MD, GI Bleeds Subcommittee Chair<br />
Victor Chen, MD, Pancreatic Subcommittee Chair<br />
renown.org 21
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
22<br />
Feature WRITTEN by RoSEANN KEEGAN<br />
advanced<br />
treatment tool<br />
Pet/ct pairs the best of two technologies<br />
I<br />
n the past, doCtoRs tReatIng CanCeR often<br />
weRe fRustRated tRyIng to matCh pet Images<br />
wIth Ct Images to pInpoInt the loCatIon of<br />
a tumoR. positron emission tomography (pet) is a test that uses<br />
a special type of camera and a tracer, a radioactive chemical, to<br />
look at organs in the body. a computed tomography (Ct) scan<br />
uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the<br />
body. alone, the two images don’t provide a complete picture of<br />
the disease and its exact location. doctors would examine the two<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
separate images, and then estimate the tumor’s position.<br />
today, doctors have the advantage of these two machines being<br />
paired in one machine, the pet/Ct. the result ultimately benefits<br />
patients with earlier diagnosis, more accurate understanding of the<br />
cancer and how far it has spread, its exact position, and precise<br />
treatment and monitoring. time magazine honored pet/Ct as<br />
the medical science Invention of the year in 2000, noting that<br />
the pet/Ct scanner has “provided medicine with a powerful new<br />
diagnostic tool.”<br />
rick Hodge, mD, radiology<br />
and Nuclear medicine<br />
specialist at renown, studies<br />
a patient’s Pet/ct images.<br />
the Pet/ct scanner is a<br />
powerful diagnostic tool that<br />
can benefit patients with an<br />
earlier diagnosis.<br />
“we can see changes in the<br />
metabolism of the tumor.<br />
we can see whether treatments<br />
are working much sooner.”<br />
Rick Hodge, MD, Radiology and Nuclear<br />
Medicine Specialist<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong>, this technology can accurately tell where the tumor<br />
is. “we can see changes in the metabolism of the tumor. we can<br />
see whether treatments are working much sooner,” said Rick<br />
hodge, md, Radiology and nuclear medicine specialist at Reno<br />
Radiological associates.<br />
In one continuous, full-body scan, pet images show changes<br />
in the body’s metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells,<br />
while Ct images allow physicians to pinpoint the precise location,<br />
size and shape of the tumor. the comprehensive results of a pet/<br />
Ct scan give a treatment team the entire picture of what is going<br />
on in the patient’s body.<br />
accuracy matters<br />
pet/Ct scans currently have three main applications: cancer,<br />
heart disease and brain disorders. for cancer, the technology is<br />
being used to assess tumor aggressiveness, to monitor the success<br />
of treatments, for early detection of recurrent tumors, to provide<br />
a whole-body survey for cancer that may have spread, and to<br />
identify benign and malignant growths. pet/Ct scans are most<br />
helpful in treating cancers of the lung, colon, esophagus, thyroid,<br />
ovaries and the head and neck, as well as skin cancers, according<br />
to dr. hodge.<br />
this is how it works: Ct scanners send X-rays through the body,<br />
which are then measured by detectors in the Ct scanner. the<br />
computer processes those measurements to produce pictures of<br />
the body’s internal structures.<br />
the pet images begin with an Iv of fdg, a type of harmless,<br />
radioactive glucose. metabolically active organs or tumors —<br />
which indicate cancerous activity — tend to consume sugar at<br />
high rates. these organs or tumors will show up in images as “hot<br />
spots,” and often indicate rapidly growing tumors.<br />
the entire exam at <strong>Renown</strong> typically takes an hour: 30 minutes<br />
or more to metabolize the injection and 20-25 minutes in the pet/<br />
Ct machine. the results provide detailed information to the patient’s<br />
treatment team. In fact, following a pet/Ct scan, patient treatment<br />
plans are changed almost 40 percent of the time. according to a<br />
study by the national oncologic pet Registry, clinicians changed the<br />
intended care of more than one in three patients as a result of scan<br />
findings. this technology at <strong>Renown</strong> ensures patients are getting the<br />
most accurate treatment based on current information.<br />
“there have been several significant studies, especially in lung<br />
cancer, that (show) the combined pet/Ct technique increases<br />
accuracy in detecting lesions and has led to statistically significant<br />
improvements in affecting patient outcomes,” dr. hodge said.<br />
a few cancers aren’t as easily detected by the pet/Ct scans,<br />
including prostate cancer, since the tumors are slow-growing and<br />
not as metabolically active, dr. hodge said.<br />
Personalized care<br />
when doctors told Reno resident Jeanne mandella, 70, that they<br />
wanted her to undergo a pet/Ct scan, she was a bit apprehensive.<br />
“I was absolutely nervous,” she said.<br />
mandella has recurring colon cancer that was first diagnosed in<br />
January 2006. doctors recommended the pet/Ct scan after the<br />
regular Ct scan failed to show if her tumor had grown.<br />
she went through with that first pet/Ct scan and subsequent<br />
others.<br />
“they tell you what they are going to do,” she said. “they call<br />
you on the phone the day before, tell you what to eat: no sugar,<br />
just meat and eggs on the last day. I had apprehensions about<br />
them injecting a medication in my arm and then having to lie still<br />
while it went through my body, but I was ok.<br />
caNcer QuicK Fact:<br />
A third of all cancers could be cured through early<br />
detection and proper treatment.<br />
“you go into another room, then they put you through the<br />
machine head first, slowly,” she added. “It does a real slow scan<br />
in and out. then it goes in sections; the sections are three or four<br />
minutes apart. I’m very claustrophobic, so I tell them every time I<br />
go: ‘please talk to me.’ they say, ‘ok, you have this much time left,<br />
you’re doing great.’”<br />
mandella credits lynn Jarvis, Rn, and theresa peterson, patient<br />
access Representative, for making her pet/Ct scans comfortable<br />
and worry-free.<br />
“you have to go in there and remember that these people are<br />
professionals, and they do everything in their power to make you<br />
comfortable and make you feel like a person,” she said. “you’re not<br />
just laying there. they’re really kind to you.”<br />
for mandella, the pet/Ct scans have been critical for<br />
measuring the size and progression of her tumor.<br />
“there’s no growth, and that’s a good thing,” mandella said. ■<br />
Visit www.renown.org for more information about X-ray and<br />
Imaging services offered at <strong>Renown</strong> <strong>Health</strong>.<br />
richard G. Hodge, mD<br />
Richard G. Hodge, MD, specializes in nuclear medicine and PET/<br />
CT imaging and is a staff radiologist with Reno Radiological<br />
Associates. He earned his medical degree from the bowman Gray<br />
School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem,<br />
North Carolina, and served his residency at the University of New<br />
Mexico. He also completed a fellowship in nuclear medicine<br />
at the oregon <strong>Health</strong> Sciences University. Dr. Hodge is board<br />
Certified in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.<br />
renown.org 23
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
24<br />
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG<br />
modeling the way<br />
renown becomes an industry leader in physician-guided da vinci robotic surgery<br />
S<br />
InCe the maRCh 2008 aRRIval of<br />
the da vInCI RoBotIC suRgICal<br />
system, <strong>Renown</strong> health has<br />
BeCome a natIonal Role model foR<br />
thIs hIgh-teCh pRoCeduRe.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> was the first to bring da vinci technology<br />
to northern nevada, and physicians have put the<br />
sophisticated, minimally invasive procedure to use<br />
for urologic, heart and gynecologic oncology.<br />
“I think it’s phenomenal — it’s clearly an advancement<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
in care,” said peter lim, md, medical director of<br />
gynecologic oncology at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>.<br />
“there’s a tremendous advantage for patients.” patients<br />
benefit from reduced trauma to the body, quicker<br />
recovery, shorter stay in the hospital, significantly less<br />
blood loss, lower risk of infection, reduced scarring and<br />
less post-surgery pain.<br />
“I’m controlling the robot, and the robot uses very precise<br />
movements, driven by the computer, as opposed to a surgeon<br />
actually manipulating the instruments,” dr. lim said.<br />
“This really is the wave of the future<br />
for surgery.”<br />
Peter Lim, MD, Medical Director of Gynecologic<br />
Oncology at <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
the da vinci robotics team, from doctors to nurses to anesthesiologists are highly specialized in physician-guided robotic surgery. renown<br />
has become a model-site for other hospitals interested in starting a robotic surgery program.<br />
dr. lim was the first <strong>Renown</strong> physician to operate<br />
with the da vinci system, and he has since performed<br />
more than 100 pelvic operations with this advanced<br />
technology.<br />
“uterine cancer, cervical cancer, early stage ovarian<br />
cancer - these are all examples of conditions we’re<br />
treating with robotic surgery,” he said. “we’re removing<br />
the actual cancer itself and also assessing lymph nodes to<br />
see whether the cancer has spread.”<br />
Intuitive surgical, makers of the da vinci Robotic<br />
surgical system, have asked dr. lim — a usC women’s<br />
and Children’s hospital-trained physician — to serve<br />
as an instructor for those learning to use the da vinci<br />
Robotic surgical system.<br />
In addition, <strong>Renown</strong> has become a model site for other<br />
hospitals that hope to use the da vinci system with similar<br />
success. at <strong>Renown</strong>, there is a specific operating room team<br />
for each da vinci procedure, which allows for the utmost<br />
expertise and efficiency with every operation.<br />
“Intuitive surgical considers <strong>Renown</strong> a best practice<br />
reNoWN team<br />
Pat Cruz-Hernandez RN<br />
Jane Dela Rosa RN<br />
Laura Flynn RN<br />
Donna Keisler RN<br />
Heather Lim RN<br />
Laurel Mengel RN<br />
Karen Schrimpf RN<br />
Stephanie Swartz RN<br />
Rick Williams RN<br />
Curt Ainsworth oRT<br />
Kitty Florez CST<br />
Mimi Longballa CSTFA<br />
Virginia Soderquist CST<br />
Robert Zumoff oRT<br />
surGeoNs aND<br />
tHeir staFF<br />
Karen Abbott MD<br />
hospital for people who want to learn how to start a<br />
robotic program,” dr. lim said. “this really is the wave of<br />
the future for surgery.” ■<br />
For more information about the da Vinci Surgical System<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong>, visit the Web site www.renown.org/davinci.<br />
Peter Lim, mD, FacoG<br />
Peter Lim, MD, is Medical Director of Gynecologic<br />
oncology and the Center of Hope at <strong>Renown</strong> Regional<br />
Medical Center. He is one of fewer than 1,000 boardcertified<br />
gynecological oncologists in the nation. After<br />
completing his obstetrics and gynecology residency at<br />
University of Southern California Women’s Hospital, he<br />
secured a highly competitive fellowship at the Mayo<br />
Clinic in Minnesota. He has been in private practice<br />
since 1997.<br />
robotics team at reNoWN HeaLtH<br />
John Freeman MD<br />
Christos Galanopoulos MD<br />
Elizabeth Hutson MD<br />
Angelo Kanellos MD<br />
Peter Lim MD<br />
Terry McCaskill MD<br />
Matt McCormick MD<br />
Matrtin Naughton MD<br />
Pam Netuschil MD<br />
Richard Raefel MD<br />
Athan Roumanas MD<br />
Liz Kang PA-C<br />
Kate Willenborg PA-C<br />
Joe Ravelli oRT<br />
aNestHesioLoGists<br />
Peter billharz MD<br />
brian brewer MD<br />
Carrie buehler MD<br />
Catherine burton MD<br />
Gordon Curry MD<br />
Silver Dwinell MD<br />
Joann Ellero MD<br />
Harry English MD<br />
Daryl Fenio MD<br />
Michael Glass MD<br />
Henry Hicks MD<br />
Matt Hoberg MD<br />
David Kang MD<br />
Keith Libert MD<br />
Jay Markin MD<br />
Shannon Martin MD<br />
Paul Picetti MD<br />
James Van Antwerp MD<br />
John Wark MD<br />
brett Winthrop MD<br />
renown.org 25
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
26<br />
Feature WRITTEN by RoSEANN KEEGAN<br />
leading the way<br />
Nurses help patients navigate their journey<br />
hen patIents leaRn they have a suspICIous<br />
W lump In theIR Body, the news Can Be<br />
oveRwhelmIng. processing that information is<br />
frightening, and the next step of scheduling appointments and<br />
procedures can add stress.<br />
shelley nelson, Rn, oCn, is there for those patients.<br />
nelson is a nurse at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, and<br />
works with those who have or may have colorectal and<br />
digestive cancers.<br />
“my job is to bring treatment options together, make sense<br />
of it and smooth out the process so patients can focus on<br />
getting through it physically and emotionally,” nelson said.<br />
nurses at the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> help patients map out<br />
their treatment plans by arranging all necessary appointments<br />
when cancer is diagnosed or suspected, as well as offering<br />
education and emotional support.<br />
for nelson, this is more than a job. she lost both of her<br />
parents to cancer, which fueled her passion to ensure all<br />
patients receive prompt and compassionate attention to their<br />
various needs during treatment.<br />
“this is something close to my heart and something I’m<br />
dedicated to helping people through,” nelson said.<br />
as a part of the <strong>Cancer</strong> Concierge at the Institute for<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong>, the nurses can also assist rural patients with lodging<br />
accommodations and special rates for stays at the Inn at<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> or other partner Reno-sparks hotels.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
shelley Nelson, rN, ocN, helps colorectal and digestive cancer<br />
patients with scheduling appointments, educational resources<br />
and ongoing support through their journey.<br />
the early and well-coordinated care offered by the nurses<br />
helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the many<br />
systems needed during the cancer journey. ■<br />
For information, please visit www.renown.org/cancer or call the<br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> at 775-982-6830.<br />
renown <strong>Health</strong> acknowledges the efforts of the following<br />
organizations who make genuine difference in the lives<br />
of pediatric patients with cancer in northern Nevada:<br />
american cancer society<br />
775-329-0609<br />
angel Kiss Foundation<br />
775-323-7721<br />
builder’s association charity<br />
775-329-2424<br />
Family ties<br />
775-823-9500<br />
For Kids Foundation<br />
775-741-5231<br />
Give Hope Foundation<br />
775-329-HoPE (4673)<br />
HaWc<br />
775-329-6300<br />
Keaton raphael memorial, inc.<br />
775-327-6275<br />
Leukemia & Lymphoma society<br />
775-787-3300 • 800-410-8170<br />
make-a-Wish Foundation<br />
775-826-8008 • 800-525-9474<br />
Nevada Parents<br />
encouraging Parents<br />
775-448-9950 • 800-216-5188<br />
reno cancer Foundation<br />
775-329-1970<br />
ronald mcDonald House<br />
775-322-HoME (4663)<br />
the solace tree<br />
775-324-7723<br />
trauma research institute<br />
775-544-1293<br />
WeLcome WRITTEN by DAGMAR boHLMANN<br />
new faces<br />
renown institute for cancer<br />
welcomes new physicians<br />
MaRY<br />
SchUltheiS, MD<br />
colon and Rectal Surgeon<br />
M<br />
aRy sChultheIs,<br />
md, deCIded to<br />
speCIalIze In <strong>Colon</strong><br />
and ReCtal CanCeR because<br />
the disease is highly curable.<br />
the five-year survival rate is 90 percent for localized rectal<br />
cancer that has not spread to other areas.<br />
“If starting at age 50, everyone gets screened with a<br />
colonoscopy — as every person should — there is a very<br />
high chance for a good outcome,” she said.<br />
Born in arlington, va., dr. schultheis grew up in silver<br />
spring, md. she attended college at the university of<br />
maryland and received her medical degree from Creighton<br />
university school of medicine in omaha, neb.<br />
after completing her residency in general surgery at saint<br />
agnes healthcare in Baltimore, she began a fellowship,<br />
which is an extra year in specialized training, in colon and<br />
rectal surgery at the greater Baltimore medical Center.<br />
dr. schultheis and went on to become board certified<br />
in general surgery in 2007, showing her commitment to<br />
continuing education.<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong> she is allowed to practice in a setting in<br />
which technology has changed the way we think about<br />
cancer treatment, dr. schultheis said.<br />
“I provide patients with state-of-the-art surgery,” she said.<br />
“times have changed from when people had rectal cancer<br />
and ended up with a colostomy and a bag.”<br />
aside from hard work and dedication, dr. schultheis<br />
acknowledges that success can be enhanced when working<br />
as part of a top-notch treatment team.<br />
“Colorectal surgeons work best within a treatment team<br />
because the most effective treatment combines a variety of<br />
therapies,” she said.<br />
together with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists<br />
and gastroenterologists, she designs and executes treatment<br />
plans that utilize the most advanced technology and put the<br />
patient first.<br />
to stay healthy and in balance herself, dr. schultheis<br />
finds stress relief in the northern nevada outdoors. with<br />
her yellow lab puppy, Rufus, she hikes the scenic trails of<br />
the mt. Rose wilderness.<br />
“I came here because I love lake tahoe and the friendly,<br />
more laid-back west Coast attitude,” she said. ■<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Regional Medical Center<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> offers a Regional variety of Medical services Center and<br />
offers dining a options variety of to services meet your and<br />
dining needs options during to your meet visit. your<br />
needs during your visit.<br />
The BouTique<br />
The BouTique<br />
Women’s boutique with specialty products<br />
Women’s for cancer boutique patients with such specialty as breast products forms,<br />
mastectomy for cancer patients bras, Lindi such skin as breast care products, forms,<br />
mastectomy scarves bras, and Lindi hair skin pieces. care products,<br />
scarves and hair pieces.<br />
SieRRa GifTS<br />
SieRRa GifTS<br />
Specializing in adorable mom and baby gifts.<br />
Specializing offers an assortment in adorable of mom cards, and magazines, baby gifts.<br />
offers an assortment balloons and of flowers. cards, magazines,<br />
balloons and flowers.<br />
Tahoe GifTS<br />
Tahoe GifTS<br />
Seasonal gifts, collectibles, note cards,<br />
Seasonal gifts, and collectibles, flowers. note cards,<br />
and flowers.<br />
BuSineSS SeRviCeS<br />
BuSineSS SeRviCeS<br />
Convenient location for copies, fax, uPS<br />
shipping Convenient and dry location cleaning. for copies, frontier fax, financial uPS<br />
shipping Credit union and dry and cleaning. aTMs are frontier also available financial in<br />
Credit union multiple and aTMs locations. are also available in<br />
multiple locations.<br />
DininG<br />
DininG<br />
Whether it’s a homestyle meal or a quick<br />
treat, Whether we offer it’s a Remedee’s homestyle Restaurant, meal or a quick Sierra<br />
treat, Cafe, we offer Ben Remedee’s & Jerry’s and Restaurant, Starbucks. Sierra<br />
Cafe, Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks.<br />
renown.org 27
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
28<br />
WeLLNess & PreveNtioN GuiDe*<br />
your guide<br />
to screenings<br />
General screenings<br />
during your physical exam, your physician may include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, lymph nodes,<br />
and other types of cancer depending on your age, sex, family history and other risk factors.<br />
General screenings age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments<br />
Physical exam annually annually annually annually additional exams may be<br />
necessary as your health<br />
demands.<br />
skin exam every other<br />
year<br />
breast cancer screening<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
annually annually annually More frequent exams may be<br />
necessary depending on family<br />
history and risk factors.<br />
women at increased risk of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of adding mRI<br />
screening to their yearly mammogram screening.<br />
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments<br />
breast self-exam Learn by age<br />
20. Monthly.<br />
Monthly Monthly Monthly women should know<br />
how their breasts<br />
normally feel and<br />
report any breast<br />
change promptly to<br />
their health providers.<br />
breast exam by<br />
Physician<br />
every 3 years annually annually annually<br />
mammogram usually not<br />
needed<br />
annually annually annually<br />
cervical cancer screening<br />
If you are over age 30 and have had three or more normal pap tests in a row, talk to your doctor about a revised test<br />
schedule. women with certain risk factors may need to be screened more often; please speak with your physician.<br />
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments<br />
Pap/Pelvic exam annually,<br />
beginning 3 years<br />
after a woman<br />
begins having<br />
vaginal intercourse<br />
or by age 21.<br />
annually annually annually women 70 years of age or<br />
older who have had 3 or<br />
more normal Pap tests in a<br />
row and no abnormal Pap<br />
tests in the last 10 years<br />
may choose to stop having<br />
cervical cancer screening.<br />
* American <strong>Cancer</strong> Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of <strong>Cancer</strong>; http:// www.cancer.org.<br />
colorectal cancer screening**<br />
Beginning at age 50 (45 for african americans), both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should<br />
use one of the screening tests below. If you are at moderate or high risk for colon cancer, talk to your physician about a<br />
different test schedule.<br />
screening age 18-49 age 50-75 age 76-85 age 86+<br />
High-sensitivity Fecal occult<br />
blood test (Fobt)<br />
usually not<br />
needed<br />
sigmoidoscopy usually not<br />
needed<br />
colonoscopy usually not<br />
needed<br />
Lung cancer screening<br />
annually Routine screenings<br />
not needed – consult<br />
your physician<br />
every 5 years,<br />
with highsensitivity<br />
foBt<br />
every 3 years<br />
Routine screenings<br />
not needed – consult<br />
your physician<br />
every 10 years Routine screenings<br />
not needed – consult<br />
your physician<br />
Do not screen<br />
Do not screen<br />
Do not screen<br />
the american College of Chest physicians recommends that individuals should only be screened with low-dose Ct in the<br />
context of well-designed clinical trials. screening should only be performed when the clinician and patient are committed to<br />
pursuing follow-up investigations, including serial imaging and possible surgical lung biopsy.<br />
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments<br />
Low-dose<br />
Lung ct<br />
usually not<br />
needed<br />
men’s cancer screening<br />
consider if at<br />
risk<br />
consider if at<br />
risk<br />
consider if at<br />
risk<br />
Lung cancer ct screening may<br />
be considered for those with a<br />
history of smoking.<br />
Both the prostate-specific antigen (psa) blood test and digital rectal examination (dRe) should be offered annually, beginning<br />
at age 50. Information should be provided to all men about what is known and what is uncertain about the benefits,<br />
limitations, and harms of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer so that they can make an informed decision about<br />
testing.<br />
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments<br />
Digital rectal<br />
exam<br />
usually not<br />
needed<br />
Prostate Psa usually not<br />
needed<br />
testicular<br />
self-exam<br />
Learn by age<br />
20. Monthly.<br />
usually not<br />
needed<br />
usually not<br />
needed<br />
annually annually Digital Rectal exam should<br />
begin at age 45 for african<br />
american males and those with<br />
a family history.<br />
annually annually Psa should begin at age 45 for<br />
african american males and<br />
those with a family history.<br />
Monthly Monthly Monthly Be sure to follow up with<br />
your physician if you have any<br />
concerns.<br />
**Colorectal <strong>Cancer</strong> Screening guidelines provided by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.<br />
renown.org 29
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
30<br />
c o m m u N i t y<br />
Community outreach<br />
renown institute for cancer reaches out to northern Nevadans<br />
nevada cancer control Summit<br />
Dec. 4-5, 2008<br />
The nevada cancer council coordinates efforts aimed<br />
at reducing new cancer cases and cancer related deaths<br />
in the state. at its first cancer control summit, the<br />
nvcc brought together healthcare providers and key<br />
stakeholders to discuss key initiatives to improve the<br />
quality of life for those affected by cancer. over 100 total<br />
participants attended the first cancer control summit.<br />
for the full story on the summit, please see page 18.<br />
bill Welch, President of the Nevada Hospital<br />
association, spoke about the current healthcare crisis<br />
in Nevada and offered key areas for improvement.<br />
sheila baez, rN, mN, aocNs, chair of the Nevada<br />
cancer council speaks to the crowd about Nevada’s<br />
cancer control Plan.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
Kendall tenney, Kvbc Las vegas News anchor introduces panel members<br />
during the Nvcc summit on Dec. 5. Panel members form left to right:<br />
bill Welch, President, Nevada Hospital association; Katherine Dawson,<br />
Palliative care coordinator, renown <strong>Health</strong>; and angela berg, rN,<br />
candlelighters childhood cancer Foundation of Nevada.<br />
Pictured from left to right, Paula Guzman, Jim miller, Jennifer bradley,<br />
carl Heard, and Dawn Gibbons attended the cancer control summit viP<br />
reception on Dec. 4.<br />
i can cope<br />
co-sponsored by the american cancer society, i can cope is a free, four-session course<br />
designed to empower and encourage cancer patients and those who care about them.<br />
Lectures include an array of topics from specialists such as an oncologist, oncology nurses,<br />
social worker, registered dietician, and community resource experts. for more information<br />
or to register for this event, please contact the institute for cancer at 775-982-6830 or the<br />
american cancer society at 775-828-2208.<br />
april 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 6 p.m. • renown <strong>Health</strong> Foundation conference room<br />
Moms on the Run<br />
Moms on The Run is a local non-profit organization created to raise money to assist local<br />
women with breast and gynecologic cancers. All funds raised during the 9th annual Moms<br />
on the Run will be donated to specific needs of women’s cancers in Northern Nevada. For<br />
more information about the race, or to register, visit www.momsontherun.info.<br />
may 10 • 7 a.m.<br />
c a L e N D a r<br />
events<br />
Find out about cancer support groups and other events<br />
Relay For life<br />
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise<br />
money for research and local ACS programs. During this overnight event, teams take turns<br />
walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track<br />
at all times during the event, representing the never-ending cause to find a cure.<br />
relay for Life – university of Nevada, reno<br />
april 2 • 5:00 p.m.<br />
university of Nevada reno<br />
relay for Lifeof reno/sparks<br />
may 30 • 2:00 p.m.<br />
bishop manogue High school<br />
cancer<br />
Support Groups<br />
at <strong>Renown</strong> Regional<br />
Medical Center<br />
cancer support Group<br />
775-982-6831<br />
every thursday from<br />
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.<br />
Roseview Tower, Third Floor<br />
Conference Room<br />
Leukemia and Lymphoma<br />
support Group<br />
775-982-6831<br />
first tuesday of the month<br />
from 3 to 4:30 p.m.<br />
Roseview Tower, third floor<br />
Conference Room<br />
Look Good …Feel better<br />
775-329-0609<br />
third wednesday of the month<br />
from 6 to 8 p.m.<br />
Room 108-109, first floor, Center for<br />
Advanced Medicine C (By Remedee’s)<br />
Women’s breast and Gynecologic<br />
cancer support Group<br />
775-982-6831 or 775-982-6830<br />
second and fourth wednesday of the<br />
month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.<br />
Roseview Tower, third floor<br />
Conference Room<br />
registration required<br />
For more information, and to confirm<br />
dates and times of meetings,<br />
please call 775-982-6831.<br />
Piano and art<br />
Soft and soothing piano music can be heard playing in the Tahoe Tower lobby<br />
every weekday. Please join us listen to this live music and view the beautiful<br />
original artwork in the Tahoe Tower lobby during the following days and times:<br />
monday at 9 a.m. – Don Glogovac<br />
tuesday at 10:30 a.m. –<br />
Don Glogovac<br />
Wednesday at noon –<br />
camilla Kenyon<br />
thursday at noon –<br />
Donna Folden<br />
Friday at noon –<br />
annemarie mctaggert<br />
renown.org 31
<strong>Renown</strong> institute foR canceR<br />
32<br />
aNNouNcemeNts<br />
what’s happening<br />
a look at new programs and initiatives at the renown institute for cancer<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> health receives the 2008 consumer<br />
choice award<br />
once again, <strong>Renown</strong> <strong>Health</strong> was the only hospital in<br />
northern Nevada to be awarded with the Consumer Choice<br />
Award as a most-preferred hospital for quality and image.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> <strong>Health</strong> has received this distinguished award for<br />
five years in a row. National Research Corporation, the<br />
sponsor of the award, is an independent firm that surveys<br />
health consumers in over 250 U.S. markets about their<br />
perceptions of healthcare experiences.<br />
Room renovations near completion<br />
Renovations of 1st Floor Sierra Tower patient rooms started<br />
in late 2008. once complete, the unit will feature 27 private<br />
rooms and two semi-private rooms for cancer patients. The<br />
new rooms will feature two-tone floors, new furniture and<br />
original artwork. Renovations are planned to be completed<br />
in Summer 2009.<br />
electronic Medical Records at <strong>Renown</strong> Regional<br />
reduces the need for duplicate paperwork<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> launched the paperless<br />
segment of its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) initiative in<br />
new infusion center features a healing environment<br />
with spa-like amenities<br />
Construction for the new Infusion Center is currently under<br />
way at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>. The new Infusion<br />
Center will feature organic and nature-inspired designs for<br />
a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere where patients can receive<br />
chemotherapy and other medications intravenously. Patients<br />
will have the opportunity for privacy with 20 treatment alcoves<br />
featuring private TV monitors and guest seating. Construction<br />
is planned to be completed in Fall 2009. An onsite pharmacy<br />
will facilitate patient interaction with the pharmacist who<br />
prepared their infusion. Please visit www.renown.org/cancer<br />
to take a virtual tour of the Infusion Center.<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> joURneY<br />
November. EMR allows key patient information to be more<br />
accessible and more secure. The entire treatment team now<br />
has simultaneous access to important patient information,<br />
which means patients will receive the treatment plans<br />
based on the most current information. This also means<br />
that patients no longer need to fill out the same forms<br />
multiple times.<br />
new Volunteer Program helps cancer patients<br />
The Art of Living Volunteer Program offers comfort and<br />
support to individuals with advanced illnesses. Volunteers<br />
assist hospitalized patients by providing companionship to<br />
those patients most in need. Volunteers can read, talk, play<br />
cards, listen to music or simply watch TV with patients. To<br />
learn more about the volunteer program, please call the<br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> at 775-982-6830.<br />
ask the cancer expert<br />
Ask the <strong>Cancer</strong> Expert is a new, free service to the public.<br />
Anyone can submit a cancer-related question and the<br />
experts at the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> will provide a response<br />
within 10 business days. To submit your question, please<br />
visit www.renown.org/cancer.<br />
View of the treatment alcoves<br />
Alternate view of the treatment alcoves View of the reception desk<br />
For the latest information about the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, please visit www.renown.org/cancer.<br />
Architecture and Interior Design: HMC Architects Renderings: HMC Architects
Street<br />
arking<br />
nly<br />
Kirman<br />
R E s o u R c E s<br />
Finding<br />
your Way<br />
Directions to the <strong>Renown</strong><br />
Institute for cancer<br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong><br />
Parking Only<br />
Pringle<br />
Sierra Tower<br />
■ From U.S. 395, exit at Glendale Avenue/East Second Street (exit 67)<br />
and go west.<br />
■ Cross Kietzke Lane (Glendale Avenue becomes East Second Street).<br />
■ Turn left at Manuel/Pringle Way.<br />
■ Follow the signs to park in Second Street parking. Additional selfparking<br />
is available outside by the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> Entrance for<br />
cancer patients.<br />
■ Patient drop-off is available at the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> Entrance.<br />
■ Enter the Roseview Tower through the Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong> Entrance,<br />
ground level.<br />
ATM<br />
<strong>Cancer</strong> resource Directory<br />
Find what you need at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for cancer<br />
Institute for Heart<br />
& Vascular <strong>Health</strong><br />
Mill Street<br />
Entrance<br />
Institute for<br />
Heart & Vascular<br />
<strong>Health</strong> Entrance<br />
Tahoe Tower<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> ReGIonaL MedIcaL cenTeR .........................775-982-4100 Lung cancer Program ...........................................................775-982-5847<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> SouTh MeadowS MedIcaL cenTeR ...........775-982-7000 Lymphedema Program .........................................................775-982-5003<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> heaLTh FoundaTIon .....................................775-982-5545 neuro cancer Program ........................................................775-982-5847<br />
Pediatric Specialty care .......................................................775-982-5123<br />
ATM<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> InSTITuTe FoR canceR ..................................775-982-6830<br />
Breast nurse navigator .......................................................775-982-4973 RehaBILITaTIon TheRaPy ................................................775-982-5001<br />
cancer nursing unit .............................................................775-982-5626<br />
EMERGENCY <strong>Renown</strong> Rehabilitation hospital ..........................................775-982-3500<br />
cancer Resource center .......................................................775-982-6830<br />
Entrance <strong>Renown</strong> Skilled nursing .......................................................775-982-5140<br />
clinical Trials ..........................................................................866-513-8227 home care.............................................................................775-982-5860<br />
Gastrointestinal nurse navigator .......................................775-982-6830 wound care ...........................................................................775-982-5003<br />
Infusion Services ...................................................................775-982-4977<br />
Lung nurse navigator ..........................................................775-982-5847 Driving oTheR Directions uSeFuL to nuMBeRS 2nd Street Parking<br />
neuro nurse navigator .......................................................775-982-5847<br />
Access to:<br />
acupuncture<br />
Roseview<br />
(howard<br />
Tower,<br />
chen,<br />
Same<br />
Md)<br />
Day<br />
.......................................775-982-8255<br />
Surgery,<br />
Patient concierge .................................................................775-982-6830 Breast health center ............................................................775-982-8100<br />
Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>, Center for Advanced Medicine B,<br />
Radiation Therapy .................................................................775-982-5638 care coordination (case Management) ..............................775-982-4187<br />
Center for Advanced Medicine C.<br />
Registered dietician .............................................................775-982-3536<br />
Parking<br />
Financial counseling .............................................................775-982-5495<br />
From US 395:<br />
Social worker ........................................................................775-982-6831 health hotline ............................775-982-5757 or 888-372-0758 (toll-free)<br />
1. Exit<br />
Longs<br />
at Glendale/E.<br />
Pharmacy ....................................................................775-982-5060<br />
2nd Street (exit 67).<br />
ATM ATM<br />
canceR PRoGRaMS<br />
2. From <strong>Renown</strong> US 395 Behavioral northbound, health turn ...................................................775-982-5756<br />
left. From US<br />
Breast cancer Program ........................................................775-982-4973395<br />
The southbound, Shops at <strong>Renown</strong> turn right.<br />
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer Program .................................775-982-6830 3. Cross (for Kietzke breast forms Lane and (Glendale headwear) Ave. .......................................775-982-5075<br />
turns<br />
Gynecologic cancer Program ..............................................775-982-6826into<br />
X-Ray E. 2nd & Imaging Street). ...................................................................775-982-8100<br />
4. Turn left at Manuel/Pringle Way.<br />
5. Enter the <strong>Renown</strong> Regional Medical<br />
Center campus.<br />
6. Follow the signs to the 2nd Street Entrance or<br />
<strong>Renown</strong> Regional<br />
Pringle Way<br />
<strong>Renown</strong>.oRg 33<br />
Cent<br />
Med
One amazing place for lung care.<br />
The human lung is amazing, and it deserves the care of an amazing healthcare network like <strong>Renown</strong>.<br />
Caring for such a complex organ requires an amazing level of skill, expertise and technology – and that’s<br />
what you will fi nd at the <strong>Renown</strong> Institute for <strong>Cancer</strong>. For 22 years, <strong>Renown</strong> has been nationally<br />
accredited as a comprehensive cancer center.<br />
And because <strong>Renown</strong> believes early detection is crucial to lung health, we are offering an affordable lung<br />
cancer screening. Using a CT scanner, this screening can detect cancer at its earliest and<br />
most treatable stage. This innovative screening is only $95 for those that<br />
meet the screening criteria. A physician referral is not needed.<br />
Breathe easier. Schedule this screening today.<br />
Call 866-513-8227 or visit renown.org/breathe.<br />
SKILL. EXPERTISE. TECHNOLOGY.<br />
7 7 billion billion breaths breaths in in a a lifetime lifetime<br />
2 2 million million red red blood blood cells cells produced produced per per second second<br />
1 1 set set of of lungs lungs that that fuel fuel your your body body and and cells cells