to spare healthy brain tissue and normal structures
such as the eyes, brainstem, optic nerves, and optic
chiasm.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
(IMRT):
IMRT is an advanced form of 3D
radiation therapy. IMRT allows the radiation
beam to be shaped around the tumor while also
adjusting the strength of the radiation beam to limit
dose going to healthy or normal tissue. This can
sometimes allow the doctor to deliver a higher dose
of radiation to the tumor.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS):
SRS uses
very precise radiation beams to deliver a large dose
of radiation to the tumor in a single treatment or a
few treatments while also sparing dose to healthy
and normal tissue. These beams are usually very
small and can treat brain tumors as small as a pea.
The role of using high dose radiation to treat a brain
tumor is not the only way we are able to help with
the treatment. We realize that your family is in this
fight as well and our goal is to work together as a
team. That team not only includes your radiation
staff but also includes a Patient Navigation Team.
The Patient Navigation Team is comprised of nurse
navigators, chaplains, and a financial counselor.
The nurse navigators will assist you and your family
in coordinating your various doctor appointments,
whether they are local or in Seattle or Spokane
and offer support services. They will also serve as
patient advocates and resource and information
specialists. Our chaplains provide emotional and
spiritual support to you as a patient, your family,
and your caregivers. They also offer referrals to
resources, agencies, and staff members to address
any concerns you or your family may have. Our
financial counselor is on-site Monday through
Friday to help you with any financial challenge that
may come up. This could be helping to explain
health insurance coverage and statements or to help
get you in touch with community resources that are
available to help alleviate the financial stress.
At the Tri-Cities Cancer Center we focus on
treating the whole person, not only the disease. Our
Patient Navigation Team is available at no cost and
is available to anyone in the local area affected by
cancer, no matter where you are being treated. We
started out in 1994 as a community project and it
is our goal to remain dedicated to our community
because the truth is, our patients are our family
members and neighbors.
Neurosurgery and Cancer
Presenters:
Cheerag Upadhyaya, MD, MSc &
Joseph Kelley, MD, PhD
Wednesday, June 12th, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Cheerag Upadhyaya and Dr. Joseph Kelley as they
discuss state-of-the-art treatment for patients with benign
or malignant tumors affecting the brain and spine.
Dr. Upadhyaya is a brain and spine surgeon whose practice
is located at Kadlec Neuroscience Center. Dr. Upadhyaya
holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the University
of Washington Department of Neurological Surgery as a
Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Kelley, MD, PhD, is a Board
Certified Radiation Oncologist and the Medical Director
for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. A complimentary lunch
will be provided, with a reservation, courtesy of Kadlec
Neuroscience Center.
Please RSVP by June 9th: (509) 737-3427
or online at www.tccancer.org
Dr. Upadhyaya
Dr. Kelley
T R I - C I T I E S