Cancer treatment and procedures

When people think of cancer treatment, they often think of chemotherapy. This is a type of treatment that combines one or more anti-cancer drugs, depending on your particular cancer type. Chemotherapy is used to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy works similarly. Instead of using chemical drugs like chemotherapy, immunotherapy uses your own immune system to treat the disease. Immunotherapy can also help reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Both of these specific cancer treatment options can be administered in multiple ways:

• Through an IV
• Orally, with a pill
• As an injection/shot
• Directly into spinal fluid

Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute offers state-of-the-art infusion bays, where patients can receive infusion therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy in a comfortable environment. Our infusion bays include private rooms, some semi-private rooms for those who prefer spending time with others and two celebration rooms – rooms to gather with friends and family to celebrate your last day of infusion. These bays are designed with your comfort in mind, from access to an open-air patio and family lounges to heated massage chairs. Each bay has seating for a guest.

Radiation therapy is another common form of cancer treatment. There are several ways to administer radiation therapy and Parkview has invested in state-of-the-art radiation technologies for advanced cancer treatment. These therapies include:

• CyberKnife®: A highly precise and non-invasive treatment option with little or no recovery time or side effects – our advanced CyberKnife technology may reduce treatment time for some patients versus traditional radiation
• External beam therapy: High energy X-ray radiation
• High- and low-dose-rate brachytherapy: Radiation delivered directly to the tumor through applicators and catheters
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT): Highly accurate imaging used prior to radiation therapy
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): One of the most precise and sophisticated radiotherapy treatments in the world
• Intraoperative radiation therapy: Delivers radiation to a tumor during surgery
• Prostate seed implants: Permanent, radioactive “seeds” placed within the prostate for prostate cancer patients
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: A noninvasive outpatient procedure

The most effective type of radiation therapy depends on the cancer, including its type, location and stage. Our radiation oncology experts are key members of each of our cancer care teams collaborating to determine the best radiation therapy plan for you.

For some, surgery may be the best way to stop the cancer. Our surgeons have highly specialized training in treating cancer patients. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive procedures for the least disruption of your life as possible.

Surgery is not only used to treat cancer, but also to diagnose it. With state-of-the-art endoscopic technology, our surgeons can diagnose and stage cancers much earlier. This means you can get the answers you need right away and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Advanced interventional endoscopy can be used to treat cancers without requiring open surgery. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained cancer specialists use this technology, also called surgical endoscopy, to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures. This particular procedure is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal cancers.

With imaging and navigation technology, our surgeons can perform image-guided open surgeries as well as minimally invasive surgeries. Brain tumors, for example, can be removed with support from our innovative Synaptive® system. This leading-edge technology gives our neurosurgeons a closer look at the brain during surgery for greater precision.

Thanks to our active Parkview Research Center, many of our patients are eligible for advanced cancer treatment options before they are widely available. You can explore available clinical trials by cancer type.