Cancer Treatments

Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis

When it comes to cancer, an early diagnosis is often the most important aspect of long-term survivability. Diagnosing and staging cancer involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals that includes primary care physicians, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and others.

These professionals rely on advanced diagnostic procedures—ranging from blood work and biopsies to detailed MRI and CT scans—to help identify the type and stage of cancer.

Diagnostic services include:

• • • 3D Digital mammography
    • ABI-vascular testing
    • Bone densitometry (DEXA)
    • Breast MRI (only at Winchester)
    • Computed Tomography (CT) scan
    • Diagnostic and interventional radiology
    • Fluoroscopy
    • LDCT - Lung Screening
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    • Nuclear medicine
    • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
    • Radiology/Digital X-ray
    • Ultrasound

Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Centerpoint Health, we combine the expertise of specialists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and additional support services to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of these. Your involvement in the decision-making process is essential, and we prioritize open communication throughout your care.

Our Affiliation with UK Markey Cancer Center

As part of our continuing focus on making communities healthier, we are proud to be an affiliate of the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, which provides our patients with enhanced access to high-quality cancer care. The Markey Affiliate Network assists doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical staff at local hospitals that provide excellent care in their communities. When patients need care that is not available locally, they can be referred to the Markey Cancer Center in Lexington.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses large doses of radiation to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is directed to the affected area, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.

Electrons are used to treat skin cancers and other superficial lesions, as they are absorbed by the first few centimeters of skin, leaving very little dose to pass into the body. Radiation therapy is used to both destroy cancer cells and alleviate the symptoms of cancer. There are several non-malignant conditions treated using radiation therapy.

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

Thanks to advances in radiation therapy technology, treatment is more precise than ever. Advantages of our radiation technology include:

• • • Quicker and more precise treatments allow us to target the tumor with a high level of accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
    • Imaging techniques allow the radiation oncologist to closely track tumors before and during radiation, allowing for personalized treatment plan adjustments as needed.

Radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy. Because each cancer type requires a different approach, each patient’s treatment plan is customized to their unique needs and treatment goals.

Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is often combined with immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer. During your medication treatment, your medical oncologist will closely monitor your progress and make adjustments based on your body’s response, side effects and treatment goals. Cancer-fighting medications may be administered intravenously (IV), orally (pills) or by injection (shot) at intervals determined by your care team. Most treatments are delivered in an outpatient setting, though some may require a hospital stay. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may also include other therapies, such as radiation or surgery, to provide a comprehensive approach to care.

The chemotherapy infusion suite offers six private rooms, with a television and comfortable chairs for both patients and visitors. The suite is staffed by four full-time oncology certified nurses who are chemotherapy biotherapy-certified. The types of infusion available include chemotherapy, IV fluids, blood transfusions and supportive medicine such as Reclast® and Zometa®.

Surgery

Using a unique team-based approach, the medical oncology team collaborates with Centerpoint Health's radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists to design a specific treatment plan for each patient. Under the medical oncologist's supervision, our oncology certified nurses administer chemotherapy and other supportive infusion services. Each patient is closely monitored to assess progress and treatment effectiveness.

Length of recovery depends on the type of procedure. If necessary, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery.

Clinical Trials 

Centerpoint Cancer Care patients have access to clinical trials through the reputable UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. Together, we work with patients and their families to determine if a clinical trial is a good option.

Skin, Wound & Ostomy Care

Depending upon the type of cancer and the length of treatment, sometimes patients have issues that require additional care. Centerpoint Health - Georgetown employs a full-time wound and ostomy nurse who works closely with you and your care team. As an expert in wound and ostomy care, your nurse provides education and support both before and after certain procedures or treatments. The goal is prevention first, by recommending appropriate measures to avert and manage skin breakdown related to immobility, fragile skin, incontinence and/or radiation therapy.

The nurse may also provide recommendations to patients or family members for a variety of needs, when you return home, such as caring for new or existing ostomies, assisting with correcting or containing fecal or urinary incontinence, or introducing cost-effective management measures through various services.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized, holistic medical care for people living with serious illness, focused on providing relief from symptoms and stresses with the goal of improving quality of life for the patient and their families. This supportive care model can help manage complaints such as nausea, pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomforts and much more. Centerpoint Health care navigators offer palliative care services to patients.

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