Cancer Center
EASTAR Health Cancer Center
Our Comprehensive Cancer Center is connected to a full-service hospital (EASTAR Health lobby)
A leader in the fight against cancer, EASTAR Health System began its commitment to fight cancer in 1976 with the opening of a Cobalt Therapy Unit. As cancer treatment progressed, EASTAR Health added a chemotherapy unit in 1980, and in 1988 combined and expanded its cancer treatment services, opening EASTAR Health Cancer Center, an advanced outpatient treatment facility.
The Center is easily accessible with its own entrance and adjacent parking area, yet has the advantage of being connected directly to EASTAR Health System. The center follows national standards set by the American College of Surgeons, and is certified by that group as a Community Hospital Cancer Program.
EASTAR Health Cancer Center is approved to participate in active and ongoing cancer research programs and trials, which provides our physicians access to the broadest range of treatment medications. The Center offers the most current, comprehensive cancer treatment available, providing our patients with the best care possible from Board Certified physicians, nurses and technical personnel. Advances in medicine and technology continuously provide the Center with new tools for diagnosing and treating cancer. Combining these technological advances with skilled, caring practitioners and a strong support system, keeps EASTAR Health Cancer Center a leader in the fight against cancer.
The Novalis Tx is a revolutionary radiation therapy that spares healthy tissue and shortens treatment times
Radiation Therapy
The Radiation Therapy Department of EASTAR Health Cancer Center provides a friendly, compassionate environment in which we deliver comprehensive radiation treatments to oncology patients. Advanced equipment is utilized, along with the expertise and years of experience provided by our Radiation Oncologists, Registered Nurses, Certified Medical Dosimetrist, Therapists and Physicist to provide optimum treatment options specifically tailored to each patient. We promote a compassionate healing environment for our patients and their loved ones.
Radiation therapy treatment can be administered with our advanced Novalis Tx™ Linear Accelerator with BrainLab ExacTrack or Varian Clinac 6EX Linear Accelerator through conformal 3D treatment planning or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning. Treatment can be image guided (IGRT) through either ultrasound, Portal Vision or Cone Beam CT. The Novalis Tx also has gaited treatment capabilities, stereotactic radio surgery (SRS) and stereotactic body (SRB) radiation capabilities for future service expansion.
EASTAR Health Cancer Center was one of the first in the state to offer Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). This treatment takes normal tissue sparing to a whole new level utilizing a higher number of treatment fields and shifting field techniques. This is the treatment of choice when malignancies are near sensitive structures such as the spinal cord or kidneys. IMRT is the standard of care, and even newer technology- (Tomotherapy and Rapid Arc) are now becoming the standard.
EASTAR Health System is the first in our area to offer the Novalis Tx Radiosurgery platform with RapidArc.
Patients and loved ones can enjoy some time together in one of our outdoor courtyards
Cancer Support
Cancer treatment is often lengthy and emotionally as well as physically demanding for patients and their families. A variety of support services are incorporated into EASTAR Health Cancer Center to assist our patients with a wide range of special needs.
For the convenience of our patients social workers are available on-site to provide counseling, as well as:
- Support groups
- Referral to community agencies
- Educational materials
- Nutritional consultations
- Laboratory services
- Radiology Services, and
- The highly-acclaimed “I Can Cope” and “Look Good, Feel Better” programs, in which EASTAR Health works in conjunction with the American Cancer Society so these programs can be provided.
Our garden provides a beautiful environment for reflection and relaxation
Cancer Registry
The EASTAR Health Cancer Registry collects, manages and analyzes information on patients diagnosed with cancer and/or treated at EASTAR Health Cancer Center. The Registry was established in 1979 and, since that time, has collected information on thousands of cases. Data collected and compiled includes information on demographics, medical history, diagnostic findings, treatment and follow-up. The registry is an important source of information for cancer research and education. All information collected is strictly confidential and is used for statistical purposes only. No personal patient information is released. The registry also coordinates weekly cancer conferences which provide an opportunity for a multi-specialty panel of physicians and other health professionals to exchange information regarding particular cancer cases.