Cancer Center Services
Biological/Targeted Therapy
Biological/Targeted therapies are treatments which target a specific pathway in the growth and development of a malignancy. This type of therapy attacks targets that are unique to a specific tumor, and therefore spares the normal cells of the body.
Breast Health Navigator
Breast Cancer treatment can involve many oncology providers and multiple diagnostic and treatment options which can sometimes be daunting. Our Breast Health Navigators coordinate these treatments and evaluations, explains the variety of options available to a patient and is a source of support for individuals receiving breast cancer treatment. Specialized classes in breast cancer chemotherapy compliment our breast program. Activcare offers lymphedema classes and treatment at our Macon Pond clinic. Active involvement in our support programs and a host of other services described below help patients achieve a full and sustained recovery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy consists of medications which circulate through a patient's blood and kill or eliminate cancer cells at sites of disease spread. Formulating treatment plans for chemotherapy, and mixing and administering these medications requires highly skilled and specialized professionals. Medical oncologists and oncology nurses work closely with our pharmacy staff to manage dosages and monitor patient progress, ensuring the best regimens and optimal treatment plans to fight specific diseases. The side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the drugs used. Patient education classes ensure that patients and their families are well-informed about the regimen and educated in ways to prevent and manage potential side effects of any planned therapies.
Diagnostic Radiology
As its name implies, diagnostic radiology uses x-rays to help diagnose disease. With our multi-slice GE Qxi CT scanner, we offer our patients the convenience of scanning for prompt and accurate diagnosis, as well as helping to assess the response of a tumor to treatment. The scanner is also used for CT-Based Virtual Simulation, a component of radiation treatment planning that allows us to accurately verify the location and dose of radiation before the radiation treatment actually begins.
HDR Brachytherapy
High Dose Rate(HDR) brachytherapy allows physicians to deliver precise radiation treatment to a patient's tumor and is rapidly becoming the treatment choice for certain types of cancer. With HDR brachytherapy, radiation is delivered directly to the cancer target through the use of catheters, needles or applicators inserted into a body cavity or directly into the tumor. Because of this highly precise radiation delivery, the surrounding healthy tissue and critical organs are preferentially spared and side effects may be reduced. Unlike conventional low dose rate brachytherapy treatment, HDR therapy can often be delivered on an oupatient basis, and treatment times are typically 10-15 minutes in duration instead of several days. Cancer Centers of North Carolina is currently administering HDR primarily to breast and gynecologic cancers.
Head and Neck Surgery
Surgery plays an essential role in the treatment and cure of cancers of the head and neck. The goal of surgery is two-fold: to remove the tumor and to restore function. Using the newest, most advanced reconstructive techniques, optimal functional outcomes can be achieved. Having access to optimal surgical, chemotherapy and radiation therapy options allows us to construct the best combination of treatment for an individual's specific cancer.
IMRT
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of radiation treatment that allows radiation oncologists to precisely target tumor cells. It is a noninvasive therapy that uses Computed Tomography (CT) and often other imaging modalities to build three-dimensional diagnostic images of the patient's tumor and anatomy. A treatment plan is then performed to deliver tightly focused radiation beams of varying intensity to cancerous tumors. Varying the intensity of these beams enhances the ability of IMRT to maximize dosage and minimize the amount of radiation distributed to surrounding healthy tissues.
Laboratory (on-site)
Our association with LabCorp provides concurrent on-site blood draws and rapid turn-around of results to facilitate same-day treatments, and to assess responses to various therapeutic interventions.
Lymphedema Services
Lymphedema classes and Vodder Lymphedema Therapy are provided through Activcare.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Activcare also offers physical therapy and occupational therapy including specialized services for oncology rehabilitation. They specialize in managing side effects of cancer and cancer treatment including lymphedema, cancer-related fatigue and weakness, and pain. On site facilities are located in our Macon Pond office as well as their other practice sites. You may visit their website at http://www.activcarept.com/.
Pharmacy
All drugs administered are prepared specifically for each patient by certified pharmacy staff under your physician's direction and supervision.
