Cancer Center
Conquering Cancer with Comprehensive Services
New understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer is creating more treatment options and better prospects for a cure. That's why advanced screening and diagnostics are a priority at the Cancer Center at Hackley Hospital. That's why the Cancer Center at Hackley Hospital analyzes a cancer's location, stage, grade, cellular characteristics and genetic makeup using high-tech laboratory services and leading-edge technology.
That's why the Cancer Center at Hackley Hospital is part of a vast cancer research network that includes MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, The Southwest Oncology Group in San Antonio and more. That's why the multidisciplinary Tumor Board meets weekly, offering the multiple perspectives of a varied team of specialists. Cancer treatment is constantly evolving, and The Cancer Center at Hackley Hospital takes a comprehensive approach to remaining ahead of the curve.
Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy and Biologicals
The Cancer Center's board-certified medical oncologists bring the newest,
clinically proven chemotherapies and protocols (the way medicine is dosed
and delivered) to Lakeshore patients. Their arsenal includes hormonal
therapies, such as Tamoxifen for breast cancer; biological therapies, such
as Rituxan for lymphoma; and other target therapies such as Gleevec for
chronic myelogenous leukemia (CMI).
Surgery
Surgery is another important cancer treatment modality. The Cancer Center is
home to a wide range of physician specialists and subspecialists who perform
cancer surgery. Minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopy,
endoscopy and daVinci Robotic Surgery are typical. In addition,
board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons practice at Hackley
Hospital.
Clinical Trials
With cancer research rapidly moving forward, the Cancer Center considers
clinical trials an important choice for many patients. We have physicians
who serve as principal investigators for cancer clinical trials, as well as
a full-time research nurse. Our primary research affiliation is with the
Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program (GRCOP), a consortium providing
access to hundreds of studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute
(NCI) and other major institutions.
CT Simulator and 3-D Treatment Planning
Our dedicated CT simulator integrates imaging and programming to plot out
the exact size, shape and position of a tumor noninvasively. That
information is key to delivering an amount of radiation high enough to
eradicate the tumor while lessening damage to surrounding tissue or organs.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
This powerful enhancement to conformal radiation therapy shapes a
three-dimensional cloud of radiation beams to the exact contours of the
tumor. It also varies the intensity within each beam. This means IMRT can
safely attack the tumor's most aggressive regions with the strongest
radiation.
Mammosite 5-Day Targeted Radiation Therapy
This new and innovative radiation therapy option is breast-conserving
treatment for patients with early stage breast cancer. Mammosite allows
patients to complete their radiation treatment and return to their lives,
family and the journey to recovery much quicker than whole breast radiation
therapy. Click for more information
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
The Cancer Center's radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons are working
together to treat tumors of the brain with pinpoint accuracy and without
conventional surgery. This leading-edge treatment is not available anywhere
else on Michigan's West Lakeshore.
Palliative Care Team
Living with a serious illness can impact every part of your life. The Cancer
Center offers a specialized team approach to Palliative Care, creating an
individualized plan of care for any patient, regardless of life expectancy.
Another Option: Genetic Testing and Counseling
An inherited gene may dramatically increase the odds that certain cancers
will develop. Hackley Hospital's genetic testing and counseling service can
help individuals and families determine whether testing is appropriate and
evaluate the results.
