breakthrough treatments

by Dave Harney

Cancer is a frightening prospect for most people. It forces us to confront our mortality. But, if we are lucky, we may beat it. Technology has been improving cancer treatment at an incredible pace. Advances in diagnosis, medicine, and even holistic treatments have been remarkable just in the last 10 years alone.

Thanks to these advances many cancer patients are getting back to what’s important in their lives. What used to be a dire diagnosis now is often one of much hope because of the promising drugs and therapies oncologists can offer. For example, many new drugs are designed to cut cancer off at the source. In one case, a drug approved for colorectal cancer blocks the process known as angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. Another new drug blocks the lung cancer growth factor.

Scientists are also looking into ways to interfere with the growth signals that are transmitted to the nucleus of cells. The process, called signal transduction, has been disrupted in some forms of leukemia with a new drug. More tests are being done to try to duplicate the disruption for other forms of cancer.

It’s not just new medicines, but also proof gathered over time that certain combinations of treatments are successful. Chemotherapy is more effective today and, combined with targeted tumor therapy, often works well on cancers that have recurred. Because there are many options, drug types, and combinations available, what doesn’t work the first time might be followed by something that does.

In upstate New York we are fortunate to have a number of fine facilities that focus on cancer treatment. One of those in the vanguard is the Finger Lakes Radiation Oncology Center (FLROC). This Center provides comprehensive advanced cancer treatment. It is located on the campus of Clifton Springs Hospital in Clifton Springs. Since 1985, the Center has provided cancer patients with state-of-the-art radiation oncology services close to their homes in Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

Six years ago FLROC introduced intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to the region. IMRT tailors radiation treatment to the exact size and shape of the tumor by continuously reshaping the treatment beam, making it possible to treat cancers to a high dose while protecting normal structures. The recently installed NomosStat system is the latest refinement in IMRT technology.

Charles H. Albrecht, the center’s medical director, stresses the importance of accurately identifying the area to be treated. He says, “because the prostate changes position from day to day, we use ultrasound images to make sure the entire prostate is treated each day. Treating cancers of the throat using combined PET/CT scans gives us more confidence we are identifying the entire cancer than using CT alone.”

The FLROC is excited to be the first in the nation to offer the NomosStat system to patients. But that’s not all the center does. As they define it, their mission is to “help patients achieve a positive frame of mind, and hope to fight cancer and win.” Towards that end, the Center provides much more than just advanced technology to the patients it serves. It offers gentle hands and caring hearts. For more information on the center you can call (315) 462-5711 or visit their website at www.flrocenter.com.