Treatment & Technology

 

 

Treatment Options  There are a number of treatment options when it comes to cancer. If you or a loved one find yourself faced with a cancer diagnosis, talk to your doctor about the different options, what is best for you and your specific type of cancer.

 

 

Radiation Therapy - Uses high energy X-rays to kill cancerous cells. Depending upon diagnosis, the type and size of the cancer, radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or in combination with chemotherapy. Patients are given daily radiation treatments, Monday through Friday, for three to eight weeks, depending on the type of cancer. Side effects will vary based on the part of the body receiving radiation. Most side effects are temporary and patients can work and remain active throughout radiation treatments

 

Chemotherapy - Uses medication to destroy cancerous tissue or prevent its return after surgery. Patients will receive chemotherapy either weekly or monthly depending on the type of medication and the type of cancer. Side effects vary with the type of chemotherapy. For some tumors, chemotherapy may be combined with radiation or follow surgery to give the best possible cure

 

Hormone Therapy - Considered a sub-section of chemotherapy. Some cancers depend on hormones for their growth. Hormone therapy involves shutting off production of the specific hormone, either temporarily (with medications) or surgically. This type of therapy may be combined with some or all of the above in certain malignancies to deliver the best possible outcome

 

Biological Therapy - Another sub-section of chemotherapy. These are biologically engineered drugs aimed specifically at the cancer. Some include drugs aimed at the cancer gene, others inhibit nutrients required by the cancer cell. This area has had tremendous growth in the past few years and we expect to see many new drugs in the future

 

 

 

Technology  As part of our ongoing commitment to providing excellent care, Mercy has invested in advanced technologies that greatly enhance our ability to detect, diagnose and treat cancer. These technologies include:

 

Inpatient Cancer Services  Mercy's inpatient cancer program takes a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, staffing our Oncology/Medical Units with a dedicated team of professionals including oncology-certified nurses (OCNs), on-site pharmacists, social workers, chaplains and nutritional experts - all working in concert to ensure our patients' hospital stay is as beneficial and comfortable as possible.

 

To avoid treatment interruptions, patients receiving radiation while in the hospital are provided transportation to and from the Cancer Center. Radiation treatments will not be interrupted unless directed by the patient's physician.

 

In the Sacramento region, Mercy hospitals offer an infusion room to accommodate outpatient oncology patients' needs, if requested by the physician.