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Chemotherapy
During the past several years, advances in chemotherapy have significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence and death in many cancer patients. Additionally, considerable progress has been made in making the administration of chemotherapy more comfortable and safe – including new drugs for nausea, medications to increase the red and white blood counts can also be used to treat anemia and reduce the risk of serious infection, and new ways to administer chemotherapy that enable outpatient treatment for most patients, even those receiving prolonged intravenous infusions of medication.
The Providence Regional Cancer Centers are on the forefront of these innovations, continually bringing breakthroughs in techniques, procedures, equipment and medications to patients suffering from cancer.
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Computer-Assisted Microscopic and Endoscopic Neurological Surgery
Endoscopic neurological surgery has been increasingly used to treat a spectrum of neurological disorders including hydrocephalus, brain tumors, cysts of the brain, and infection. This approach improves patient outcomes and results in shorter hospital stays and reduced morbidity. Employing this technique, surgeons are able to navigate through the fluid-filled chambers of the brain using small (~ 1-3 mm) endoscopes via tiny "keyholes" in the skull.
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Computer-Assisted Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery is an option for many patients with abnormal blood vessels in the brain, including brain tumors. Stereotactic radiosurgery uses sophisticated 3-D computerized imaging to precisely target a narrow X-ray beam and deliver a high concentrated dose of radiation to the affected area. The treatment is considered noninvasive because there is no incision involved.
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Diagnostic Imaging
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Infusion Therapy
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Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic surgery, cryosurgery and robotic surgery, have become more prevalent as the focus of treatment today has shifted from not only saving life but also preserving quality of life. As an example, using advanced techniques such as stereotactic breast biopsy, ultrasound-guided core biopsy, fine needle aspiration, ductograms and cyst aspiration, Providence Health and Services has achieved breast preservation rates and 5-year breast, colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancer survival rates well above national averages. In addition, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is the first hospital west of Texas to invest in the da Vinci S™ Surgical System, which enables surgeons to use robotics to perform complex procedures with fewer and smaller incisions.
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Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery
Patients of Providence Regional Cancer Centers have access to world-class, board certified physicians qualified to perform cancer-related plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures. These procedures include general reconstruction, reconstructive surgery of defects in the head, neck, breast, torso and extremities, microsurgery reconstruction, Mohs surgery for melanoma and skin cancer patients, as well as general ophthalmology and ophthalmic plastic surgery.
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Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, involves using radioactivity to kill cancer cells. One of the newest radiation therapies, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), focuses treatment more precisely, reducing healthy tissue exposure. High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dramatically reduce treatment time to one week, or, in some cases, one visit. Providence Regional Cancer Centers were among the first in Southern California to offer Prostate Brachytherapy, and Providence Saint Joseph is the only medical center in the San Fernando Valley to offer IMRT to patients. Our radiation oncology centers – located at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, the Valley Radiation Oncology Center in Tarzana and the Providence Holy Cross Cancer Center in Santa Clarita – represent the only multi-institution radiation consortium in California that is accredited by the American College of Radiology in California.
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Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
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High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
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Robot-Assisted Surgery
Robot-assisted surgery is a procedure executed through a robot, defined as a computerized system with a motorized construction (usually an arm) capable of interacting with the environment. In its most basic form, it contains sensors, which provide feedback data on the robot’s current situation, and a system to process this information so that the next action can be determined. A key advantage of robotic surgery is its accuracy and ability to repeat identical motions. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center was the first hospital west of Texas to invest in next generation robotics technology – the the da Vinci S™ robotic surgical system.
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Tumor Board for Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care
A hallmark of Providence Regional Cancer Centers is are tumor board reviews where specialists from surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology evaluate and discuss the medical condition and treatment options of a patient for whom a multidisciplinary approach is being considered. This multidisciplinary group will collectively design the best course of action for each patient.
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