Live Well: Cancer Care

Editorial StaffNovember 1, 2024
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These Valley oncology centers are committed to making cancer diagnosis and treatment accessible. They provide cutting-edge technologies that allow for less invasive and more effective approaches to treating specific types of cancer.

PHOTO COURTESY Phoenix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center
PHOTO COURTESY Phoenix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center

Phoenix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center

The Phoenix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center is setting a new standard in cancer care with the use of the advanced CyberKnife System, a noninvasive option for cancer treatment often used in conjunction with other therapies to provide patients with the best options available. The facility seamlessly combines state-of-the-art technology with a team of exceptionally skilled physicians nationally renowned in radiation oncology, ensuring patients receive tailored, cutting-edge cancer treatments.

But why is it called CyberKnife? The system does not use a blade, but rather highly targeted radiation delivery to treat cancerous tumors and malignant cells without actually having to cut anything. Its advanced robotic arm delivers treatment from virtually any angle, bending and moving around the patient, approaching the tumor from hundreds of unique angles. 

Managing patient motion due to respiratory function presents one of the most significant challenges in the delivery of radiation treatment, particularly for cancers of the lung, liver, pancreas and kidney. Tumors in the chest and abdomen can move as much as 2 inches with every breath. The CyberKnife System, using its Synchrony Respiratory Tracking System, intelligently tracks respiratory motion in real time and automatically adapts to any changes in the patient’s breathing pattern. Since the radiation beam adjusts with the motion of the tumor throughout the respiratory cycle, there is no need for special breath-holding techniques or compression devices. The patient can remain comfortable and breathe normally.

This flexibility enables radiation beams to be positioned to target only the tumor, avoiding nearby organs and healthy tissue. This allows CyberKnife to treat even the most complicated cases, including those of the prostate, lung, brain, spine, head and neck, liver, pancreas and kidney. The system eliminates the need for invasive head or body frames and, in many cases, the insertion of fiducials. 

Additionally, by sparing surrounding healthy tissue and organs, the CyberKnife System minimizes side effects, requiring no anesthesia or overnight hospital stays and enabling patients to resume normal activities after treatment.

The CyberKnife System is a viable alternative to surgery. It has garnered more than two decades of clinical study, benefiting thousands of cancer patients, including those diagnosed with previously inoperable or surgically complex tumors or those who are looking for an alternative to surgery, conventional radiation therapy or chemotherapy. 

Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center works with each patient to build a unique treatment plan with one of its advanced care systems. Patients can visit one of three convenient Valley locations – Gilbert, Scottsdale and Phoenix. For more information, visit phoenixcyberknifecenter.com

Palo Verde Cancer Specialists

Hearing the words, “You have cancer,” is understandably overwhelming. However, significant advancements in medical science have greatly improved treatment options, leading to better outcomes and more manageable therapies. Here are some of the revolutionary approaches the experts at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists use to fight cancer today:

• Personalized Cancer Care: Every cancer is different. With new techniques like molecular tumor profiling, doctors can create a treatment plan tailored to each patient, helping them determine whether immunotherapy, targeted drugs or chemotherapy is best or if surgery is even needed at all.

• Immunotherapy and Targeted Drugs: These cutting-edge drugs can boost your immune system to fight cancer or target specific problems within cancer cells. These treatments can often work better than traditional chemotherapy and usually have fewer side effects.

• Liquid Biopsies and Blood Tests: New blood tests can detect cancer earlier and help doctors decide if or when treatments are needed. Some tests are even customized to a patient’s specific cancer, allowing for even more precise care.

• Advanced Radiation Therapy: State-of-the-art radiation treatments, like radiosurgery, can be faster, more precise, and cause fewer side effects. In some cases, they may even replace the need for surgery.

Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is dedicated to offering the latest in cancer care. The doctors there believe in not only providing the most advanced treatments but also making sure patients feel supported and informed throughout their journey. Their compassionate team is here to help every step of the way, ensuring the best possible care and results. They are happy to answer any questions and make an appointment for a personal consultation with one of their cancer experts.

The clinic offers cancer patients in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale and Payson an individualized treatment plan that can increase the effectiveness of therapies and minimize any discomfort experienced during treatment. A patient’s first appointment starts with a comprehensive evaluation and ends with a personalized cancer-risk examination and a treatment plan designed just for them. Their assessment includes a thorough medical history, physical exam and lifestyle evaluation from the best oncologists in the Valley.

The experts at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists look forward to the opportunity to help you in your fight against cancer. For more information, visit pvhomed.com

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HonorHealth Cancer Care

Experience exceptional patient services with HonorHealth Cancer Care, Arizona’s most comprehensive cancer network. With approximately 40 distinguished medical and gynecologic oncologists in 17 offices across the Valley, HonorHealth Cancer Care ensures every patient benefits from a collaborative team of experts who work together to provide the most advanced cancer treatment.

Focus areas include neurooncology, robotic surgeries, bone marrow transplants, cellular therapies and acute leukemia specialists. They also focus on multidisciplinary tumor specialty groups, including breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, head, neck, neuro, urology, cutaneous and general.

At HonorHealth, patients gain access to a diverse range of cutting-edge treatments and groundbreaking clinical trials through the esteemed HonorHealth Research Institute. The clinic provides precision medicine utilizing tumor markers and genetic profiles for ultra-customized care plans. The facility’s comprehensive support network assists patients in managing the social, emotional and logistical challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Those services include patient navigation, social work, financial counseling, nutrition, support groups and more. In addition, it offers pioneering treatments like Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL)  and CAR-T therapies at the HonorHealth Transplant Institute.

A medical oncologist (a doctor specially trained to diagnose and treat cancer) leads the care team, carefully considering a patient’s situation and preferences as they decide on a treatment plan, and may coordinate treatment with other specialists. Each case is unique, and HonorHealth Cancer Care’s goal is to provide patients with the highest quality of life for as long as possible. At the same time, its team works to restore patients’ health and will never lose hope.

If a patient has been recently diagnosed with cancer or a hematology disorder or is looking for a second opinion, they will have access to an in-depth network of physicians and cancer clinics across the Valley, HonorHealth medical centers, the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, and the latest research and clinical trials.

“HonorHealth is proud to provide personalized and trailblazing cancer care to patients and communities across the Phoenix Valley,” says Khari Reed, MHSA, FACHE, and vice president of HonorHealth Cancer Care. “We offer exceptional oncology expertise across all types of adult cancers as well as clinical trials through the HonorHealth Research Institute to customize care based on every unique patient.” 

Residents of the Valley receive sophisticated cancer care in their own backyard. For those outside metropolitan Phoenix, many make HonorHealth a destination for their cancer care. For more information, visit honorhealth.com/medical-services/cancer-care

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Regency Specialties

Skin cancer is a common concern for Arizonans because of the relentless UV rays and omnipresence of the desert sun. The heat also causes desert dwellers to dress in shorts, tank tops and other light clothing, exposing them to the harmful effects of the sun. Because of these unique conditions, Regency Specialties provides extraordinary cancer care in plastic surgery and dermatology. 

There are several different types of skin cancer and various treatments, which are tailored to the cancer type, the location and the patient’s needs and desires. If the skin cancer is early and shallow,  the clinic offers a scraping and burning technique called electrodesiccation and curettage or excision.

If the skin cancer is more aggressive, Regency Specialists offer Mohs micrographic surgery. This state-of-the-art skin-cancer-removal technique is most commonly used for basal and squamous cell skin cancers. This advanced treatment provides the highest potential cure rate while minimizing the amount of healthy tissue removed, enhancing the surgical procedure’s cosmetic outcome.

Luckily, patients can access Regency Specialties’ impressive care team, including Dr. Betty Hinderks Davis, to help diagnose and treat skin cancer. She is a board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon and a four-time PHOENIX magazine Top Doctor. She’s passionate about preventing skin cancer, detecting it early and ensuring her patients are cared for throughout treatment. To receive care from the nationally recognized Davis, make an appointment at the Surprise location.

In addition to offering skin cancer care, including screening and Mohs surgery, the care center also offers breast cancer surgery and reconstruction. Our top breast cancer surgeons at Regency offer a variety of advanced surgical techniques. The team at Regency fully understands that breast cancer can be the most stressful experience of a person’s life. Because of this, its staff strives to begin every patient on their path to a cure within one week of the visit. Breast cancer surgeries include mastectomies, lumpectomies and Sentinel lymph node biopsy. If patients are looking for a breast cancer second opinion, the team will be more than happy to meet with you.

Regency Specialties operates in three convenient locations: Surprise, Buckeye and Phoenix. Its exceptional teams include skilled doctors, physician assistants and other dedicated professionals. They are at the forefront of cancer care in dermatology and plastic surgery, effectively treating and curing numerous residents of the Valley. For more information, visit regencyspecialties.com

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City of Hope

Arizonans deserve world-class cancer care close to home. City of Hope Phoenix is leading the way with its comprehensive cancer hospital, serving as a beacon of hope for those battling cancer. Located just west of Phoenix in the suburb of Goodyear, it also extends its reach through Outpatient Care Centers in Gilbert, North Phoenix and Tatum Ridge. 

With a legacy dating back to 1913, City of Hope has evolved into one of the most extensive and esteemed cancer research and treatment institutions in the United States. It is an independent National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that offers an integrated approach that includes care, research, education and innovation. It is also at the forefront of groundbreaking research for diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

City of Hope is committed to providing tomorrow’s cures to those who need them today. For example, clinical studies evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new approaches to treating cancer, either through drug development, new technologies or new ways of using existing therapies. 

New treatments often take years of study before they win regulatory approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the trials take their course, they offer participating patients new options that may otherwise be unavailable, especially after exhausting conventional cancer treatments. The research team at City of Hope Phoenix is dedicated to ensuring patient safety and a positive patient experience, continuously measuring our safety event rates and performing better than available national benchmarks.

City of Hope Phoenix is also part of the country’s largest and most successful bone marrow transplantation (BMT) programs. Its renowned hematologic oncologists treat leukemia, myeloma and rare blood cancers with advanced treatment options and clinical trials unique to City of Hope Phoenix. Additionally, physicians and researchers are rapidly moving scientific discoveries from the lab to patients’ bedsides through its collaboration with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City Hope and located in Phoenix.

The incredible doctors at the City of Hope cancer hospital in Phoenix provide unrivaled cancer care because they’re solely focused on treating the disease. They’re also with you every step of the way, whether you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer or are already undergoing treatment. The oncology team creates an individualized treatment plan to fit a patient’s needs, helping them manage the side effects to help them get back to their life and loved ones. For more information, visit cityofhope.org/locations/phoenix