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Technological breakthroughs allow for early detection of disease. Laboratory and clinical research have opened doors to new therapeutic options. And an enhanced understanding of the link between emotional and physical health has contributed to the development of an expanded array of support programs for both patients and caregivers.
Patients of Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care can benefit from the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of cancers. From stereotactic biopsy techniques for breast abnormalities, to computer-guided systems that create a virtual "roadmap" during brain tumor surgery, to the most advanced computerized treatment planning and delivery system for radiation therapy, the Institute for Cancer Care is at the forefront of caring for cancer patients of all ages.
While this sophisticated level of care has become a hallmark of Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care, its healthcare professionals have not lost sight of the value of personalized service. The multidisciplinary staff closely collaborates in order to offer the most appropriate medical and support services for patients, with a focus on their quality of life. To these caring, compassionate doctors, nurses and others, patients are more than just a name on a page or a diagnosis...they are individuals, each with their own unique concerns.
Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care is certified by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis is critical in
selecting the most effective cancer treatment. Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care relies upon a vast array of resources in order to provide patients with the latest diagnostic technology.
Imaging Services
Physicians may use any of a number of imaging techniques to make an initial diagnosis or confirm a suspected diagnosis.
 CT Scanning - Winthrop's CT scanning capability includes an ultra-fast, multi-slice CT scanner, which acquires eight images per second and is used for the body, spine and head. Trauma patients, extremely ill patients and those who find lying still difficult can benefit from this equipment, which can scan entire areas of the body in seconds. The ultrafast CT scanner can more readily detect many lung cancers.
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies, which yield high-resolution images of soft tissue without the use of radiation, may be performed.
PET - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning is a highly sophisticated technique that provides valuable information about organ function and structure simultaneously. PET scans can assess cardiac function, and detect and stage tumors.
Nuclear Medicine - Winthrop also has a full nuclear medicine section where radioactive tracers are used to provide information about organ function and structure. This is in contrast to CT and MRI scanning, which image only anatomy.
Ultrasound - By interpreting high-frequency sound waves as they echo off internal structures, ultrasound examinations often provide valuable information. In addition to traditional ultrasound and color Doppler studies, Winthrop offers transesophageal ultrasound, which transmits high-quality images of the heart by positioning a transducer inside the esophagus. Another cutting-edge technique, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), can spare patients the necessity for exploratory surgery to rule out pancreatic cancer. With the ultrasound endoscopically positioned inside the upper gastrointestinal tract, physicians are able to assess the pancreas, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach and even lungs, in order to detect the presence of tumors and stage cancers, often bypassing the need for surgery. Transvaginal ultrasound is routinely used as part of the diagnostic regimen for ovarian and other gynecological cancers.
 Mammography & Stereotactic Biopsy - Whether part of a routine screening examination or following up on an abnormality, mammography can cause stress and anxiety. That's why Winthrop has a dedicated Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Suite, overseen by a Board certified radiologist and staffed by a team of caring, compassionate technologists who have many years of experience. The goals of the professionals in this American College of Radiology certified unit are to provide accurate studies and swift and precise interpretation of films, while treating patients with the utmost respect and dignity. Should a biopsy be necessary, non-surgical alternatives are available to appropriate patients. These include needle aspiration, stereotactic needle biopsy and Mammotome large-core needle biopsy.
Laboratory Services
Winthrop's on-site laboratory meets the highest standards of quality when performing specimen analysis. In addition, Winthrop's Pathology Laboratory performs thousands of biopsy examinations each year, playing a vital role in the diagnosis and staging of disease.
"...From pre-op all the way to the recovery room, it was a pleasant and positive experience. The staff was friendly,
courteous and professional, treating me like I was someone important instead of another dollar figure..."
Surgery
The initial intervention for a cancer patient often sets the stage for a successful outcome. Surgeons with special training in the care of cancer patients assure that timely and appropriate procedures are employed to maximize the chances of cure. Winthrop's surgical staff includes cancer specialists in General and Breast Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology, Gynecology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology. These surgeons meet regularly with other cancer specialists to discuss ongoing management in a multidisciplinary setting to ensure optimal treatment of their patients. Winthrop surgeons have been quick to adopt new techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy) and sentinel node biopsy, to reduce the after effects of tumor removal as much as possible. Close collaboration with plastic and reconstructive surgeons provides a means of reducing the cosmetic effects of surgery even further. A newly expanded Ambulatory Surgery Unit permits many cancer-related procedures to be performed in a setting that minimizes time away from family during the stressful period of tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Oncology/Hematology
Winthrop's Board certified oncologists and hematologists are dedicated to caring for both inpatients and outpatients with cancer. These specialists are actively involved in nationwide clinical research trials of the latest treatment regimens, affording patients access to cutting-edge therapy. Chemotherapeutic agents and regimens are selected based upon the specific diagnosis, staging of disease, age and lifestyle of the individual patient. In addition to chemotherapy, transfusion services and pheresis treatments are provided. Patients may also benefit from an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Program, offered either on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Stem cell transplants involve the removal of stem cells prior to the administration of extremely high doses of chemotherapy. While eradicating cancer cells, the medication may also destroy healthy bone marrow cells. Stem cells are known as "grandfather" cells because they have yet to differentiate into the many types of cells that make up the human body. After treatment, the patient's stem cells are reinfused into the body where they regenerate healthy bone marrow.
"...I'm writing to commend you and your radiation oncology staff for their professionalism, but more importantly, for the kindness and respect they've shown me throughout this ordeal..."
 Radiation Oncology
Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care is equipped with the most sophisticated computerized radiation therapy treatment planning and delivery system available. Combining highly accurate computerized treatment planning with the ability to alter the intensity of the radiation beam allows physicians to customize therapy to the tumor's specific size and shape while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. This gives Winthrop specialists a remarkable level of control when using radiation therapy to treat brain, spinal cord and other tumors. Radioactive seed implantation, or brachytherapy, is provided for treatment of prostate and gynecological cancers, as well as tumors of the head and neck, stomach and lungs. Traditional external beam radiation is also offered. Services are provided to inpatients on the Hospital's main campus. Outpatients are treated in a dedicated, free-standing Radiation Oncology Center.
Photodynamic Dye Therapy
Photodynamic Dye Therapy (PDT) is a newly emerging technique that is showing great promise in the treatment of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract as well as lung cancer. This targeted therapy relies on the action of a light-sensitive medication, photofrin, which is administered intravenously. Photofrin is absorbed throughout the body, but remains for several days in malignant cells while normal cells excrete it. Physicians endoscopically pass a laser light into the patient's esophagus to the site of the tumor, where it activates the photofrin. Once activated, the medication destroys cancer cells. The PDT program at Winthrop is a collaboration between physicians in the Institute for Cancer Care and their colleagues in the Institute for Digestive Disorders.
Hormone & Biological Therapy
Physicians in Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care may recommend hormone therapy, particularly in the treatment of breast or prostate cancers, which sometimes rely on hormones to grow. Biological therapy, also known as immunotherapy, uses medication to bolster the body's immune system to help fight off infection or disease.
Chemoprevention
Because researchers are beginning to identify chemoprevention techniques, physicians in the Institute for Cancer Care may suggest that selected patients use vitamin supplements, make dietary changes or take medications that could help prevent recurrence.
Pain Management
The Center for Pain Management is one of Winthrop's Specialty Centers and a resource that plays an integral role in providing services to patients in the Institute for Cancer Care. Board certified pain management specialists are available to assess and identify the origin of cancer-related pain. At their disposal is a wide range of pain relief measures, including narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics, nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency treatments, biofeedback and relaxation training. When appropriate, patients may also be referred for physical therapy and other effective approaches.
 Supportive Programs
From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care offers many supportive programs to help patients and families cope with the non-medical aspects of cancer. There are support groups for patients and separate groups for caregivers. In addition, the Hospital co-sponsors, along with the American Cancer Society, a bi-monthly "Look Good - Feel Better" program to give women the tools to overcome the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment.
To ensure that patients enjoy a seamless continuum of care, case managers are responsible for coordinating services that patients may require even after discharge from the Hospital, helping to lessen the burden and anxiety for family members. Post-hospital services may include home care, which can be coordinated through Winthrop's Home Health Agency.
 Cancer Center for Kids
Because children have unique needs and special concerns, especially during illness, Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care includes a Cancer Center for Kids. Staffed by compassionate, experienced physicians, pediatric oncology/hematology nurses and other specialists, this regional resource provides the sophisticated care that both children and their parents need to fight cancer.
A Source of Healing...
For additional information on Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care, or a referral to a Winthrop cancer specialist, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.
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