Oncology (Cancer)
2009 Cancer Program Annual Report
Oncology services at Good Samaritan Hospital are provided utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. Patients receive comprehensive care, including state-of-the-art diagnostic services, a full complement of chemotherapy protocols, radiation therapy, surgery and hormone therapy as required. The latest treatment protocols are available at Good Samaritan Hospital further supported by specialized expertise in cancers of the brain, breast, digestive system and prostate. A multi-disciplinary team of oncologists work closely with pathologists, radiologists, surgeons and other specialists to ensure that optimal treatment regimens are provided. Physicians trained in the most advanced surgical and noninvasive treatment methods participate in treatment discussions & decisions.
Among the leading edge medical technologies employed by Good Samaritan Hospital's oncologists to maximize the potential for full recovery and improved survival rates are:
- the Gamma Knife, which is used to diminish and eradicate brain tumors;
- the Radiation Oncology's Integrated Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT);
- advanced, high-energy linear accelerators that safely deliver finely targeted radiation;
- a state-of-the-art computerized treatment planning unit, used by the hospital's radiation physicists to precisely map each patient's course of treatment;
- a brachytherapy program, which utilizes radioactive "seeds" to treat prostate, breast and gynecological tumors.
- partial beam radiation using High Dose Rate radiation used in treatment of breast cancer is also available.
Diagnoses are made using the most recent and least invasive methods possible, including stereotactic core biopsy and laposcopic surgical procedures. Prostate cancers is treated using surgery or high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR), external beam radiation or a combination of other treatment modalities such as permanent seed implants and cryotherapy. A dedicated oncology unit provides Good Samaritan Hospital's patients with superb care delivered by highly trained staff. There are 12 medical oncologists and 7 radiation oncologists on staff at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Click here for more information on gamma knife treatments for brain cancers. For a physician referral, call 1-800-GS-CARES.
Good Samaritan Hospital maintains a Commission on Cancer Approvals Program
The Cancer Data Center is the oldest cancer registry west of the Mississippi. It collects oncology data for further medical research, benefiting patients, professional staff, and the communities we serve. Our Cancer Registry is a Commission on Cancer (CoC) Approved Program.
The Approvals Program encourages hospitals, treatment centers, and other facilities to improve their quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs. These programs are concerned with prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services, and end-of-life care. The availability of a full range of medical services, along with a multidisciplinary team approach to patient care at approved cancer programs, has resulted in approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cancer patients being treatment in CoC-approved cancer programs.
Obtaining care at a CoC-approved cancer program ensures that one will receive the following:
- Quality care close to home. Comprehensive care offering a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment.
- A multidisciplinary, team approach to coordinate the best cancer treatment options available.
- Access to cancer-related information, education, and support.
- A cancer registry that collects data on cancer type, stet and treatment results, and offers lifelong patient follow-up.
- Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.
- Information about clinical trials and new treatment options.
Approval by the CoC is granted to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in cancer diagnosis and treatment and are willing to comply with established CoC standards. Each cancer program must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with the CoC standards. To maintain approval, facilities with approved cancer programs must undergo an on-site review every 3 years.
The structure outlined in CoC Cancer Program Standards 2004, Revised Edition ensures that each cancer program seeking approval provides all patients with a full range of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services either on site at the facility or by referral.
There are currently more than 1,400 CoC-approved cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25% of all hospitals. These programs are supported by a network of more than 1,600 volunteer physician representatives (cancer liaison physicians) appointed by cancer program leadership to maintain cancer program approval or establish a new program as well as to work with the local ACS on the cancer-control activities for the community.
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