Pacific Oncology Cancer Center in Beaverton
Medical oncology uses chemotherapy or drug treatment to treat cancer. Although some drug treatment is in pill form, many of the chemotherapy treatments are given by injection into the veins through an intravenous catheter (IV). The center houses a number of treatment areas for the delivery of chemotherapy through these various routes. Patients receiving oral drug treatment may get their prescriptions for chemotherapy and supportive drugs filled through the dispensing pharmacy on site. Those receiving simple injections or shots as part of their treatment may be seen in a “fast track” patient intake area to speed their visit. If a patient must stay for several hours to receive intravenous chemotherapy, they will spend their time in large 10,000 square foot chemotherapy suite where specially trained nurses will administer and oversee the delivery of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy suite is capable of accommodating up to 45 comfortable recliners clustered in pods with a tranquil view of the balcony gardens through large windows surrounding three sides of the infusion suite. Patients who are in need of additional privacy or a more peaceful area may be treated in private infusion rooms with beds or recliners.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or electrons to destroy abnormal cells which are delivered to the site through use of a linear accelerator. The new Radiation Oncology Department at Pacific Oncology features a leading edge Elekta Synergy Digital Linear Accelerator with iViewGT Portal Imaging System. With the machine’s IMRT and IGRT functions, radiation treatment can be delivered with more precision, allowing for higher radiation doses in the treatment of prostate, breast, lung, head and neck, and other cancers. This may also result in fewer side effects for the patient by delivering a more efficient dose of radiation directly to the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy tissue.
Imaging within the center uses an advanced, state-of-the-art Philips Medical Systems Gemini GXL 16 slice PET/CT scanner which can be used for diagnostic PET/CT, CT and radiation treatment planning. The PET/CT scanner gives doctors highly defined, 3-D pictures of both form and function inside a patient’s body. The PET (positron emission tomography) scan shows metabolism and the function of cells, while the CT (computed tomography) shows detailed anatomy. With these detailed images, doctors can get useful information about a patient’s condition, enabling them to make the best choices about treatment. The PET/CT scanner is also helpful in detecting the recurrence of cancer, even with tiny tumors that cannot be seen on other imaging devices, such as those tumors obscured by scarring from previously destroyed cancer cells. The equipment is also capable of “respiratory gating” which further enhances the accuracy of radiation therapy planning and treatment delivery. To make the patient feel more comfortable during imaging procedures, the open design of the machine reduces the chance the patient will feel claustrophobic. The CT scan takes just a few seconds, but the PET scan takes about a half hour, so patient comfort during the procedure is very important. The center also has space to add a second scanner in the future as Pacific Oncology grows.
Other services located in the cancer center include the corporate offices, the Pacific Oncology Foundation, and support services including patient education facilities to assist the patients of the practice. There is also a state of the art conference facility in the building for both Pacific Oncology and public meeting use.
Advances in treatment for many types of cancer have been dramatic over the past decade with many more are on the horizon. Through development of this new cancer center, Pacific Oncology is fulfilling its mission statement, “to enhance the quality of life of those we touch by providing compassionate, respectful, state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic cancer services” in a comfortable, convenient and supportive setting.
New Cancer Center
After much anticipation, the new Pacific Oncology Cancer Center is now open to the public.