Tag Archives: 21st century oncology

THE BETTY ALLEN OVARIAN CANCER FOUNDATION IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS -

Posted on February 26, 2013 by simplifyadmin

Fort Myers, FL – February 25, 2013 – The Betty Allen Ovarian Cancer Foundation (BAOCF) is seeking volunteers in Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Charlotte counties. The foundation’s goal is to provide education and awareness about ovarian cancer to women and girls as well as the medical community. BAOCF is actively seeking volunteers to assist in its mission and to act as the public face of the organization.

BAOCF is participating in exhibits at awareness events throughout the year in public, educational and cancer-specific settings, spreading awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. No experience is needed, as the foundation will train all volunteers. High school students looking to fulfill their community service hour requirements are welcome to volunteer.

“We are looking for individuals WHO WANT TO HELP US MAKE SOME NOISE! Every voice in this fight to help us educate and raise awareness for early detection makes our cause stronger and our mission louder,” says Sharie Allen Kearns, Founder and President. The gaps in education about ovarian cancer continue to exist. “Many women still believe that a PAP smear detects ovarian cancer (it does not). We need to spread the word about the real symptoms of this disease which will increase early detection and survival.” Ovarian cancer is the ninth-most-common cancer among women, but it is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death and is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. If you are interested in becoming a BAOCF volunteer, contact us at (239) 935-8325 or info@ovariancancerfl.org.

Volunteers who can sew, knit or crochet to assist with making hope bags, lap robes and scarves are also needed.

The Betty Allen Ovarian Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was founded on February 14, 2011. Sharie Allen Kearns began the Foundation almost five years after her mother, Betty Allen, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The goal of the foundation is to educate women and girls about ovarian cancer, provide support to those affected by the disease, and to partner with the medical community to promote early detection and treatment. The foundation currently serves Lee, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Charlotte Counties. For more information visit www.ovariancancerfl.org or call us at 239.935-8325 (YEL-TEAL).

Posted in 21st Century Oncology | Tagged 21st century oncology, Betty Allen Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Treatment, Fort Myers Public Relations, Fort Myers Video Production, Prostate Cancer Treatment, Radiation Oncology Fort Myers, Radiation Therapy Fort Myers, SimplifyPR | Leave a comment

Naples Physician First in Southwest Florida to Remove Gallbladder through Single-Incision Procedure

Posted on October 26, 2012 by simplifyadmin

New procedure reduces scarring, recovery time

(October 26, 2012 Naples, FL) – More than one-million people in the United States have their gallbladder removed each year. A new procedure, now available in Southwest Florida makes the surgery less invasive than ever before. Mark A. Liberman, M.D., of of Liberman Advanced Surgical, a 21st Century Oncology practice, was the first Southwest Florida physician to remove a gallbladder through a single incision in the belly button earlier this month. The da Vinci® Single-Site™ Cholecystectomy is performed using specialized surgical instruments aided by the robotic da Vinci® system. The procedure is virtually scarless, and the minimal incision reduces surgical recovery time significantly.

The Single Site® equipment used in the procedure was approved for use with the robotic da Vinci® system in December of 2011.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits at a console viewing a high definition, three-dimensional image of the surgical field. He uses controls on the console to manipulate the surgical instruments and the camera. While neither robotic surgery or single-incision surgery is new, the combination of the two for gallbladder removal requires additional training and specialized equipment.

“Using Single-Site® instruments combined with the da Vinci® system represents the next step in the evolution of surgical technologies,” Dr. Liberman said. The benefits to the patient are significant: virtually no scarring, little pain, low blood loss, quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays. The procedure typically takes about an hour and the and patients generally go home the same day.

Previous robotic surgeries required several small incisions for the placement of miniaturized surgical instruments and cameras. Using this system, the instruments are placed though the incision in the belly button and the diseased gallbladder is removed through the same incision.

The da Vinci® Single-Site™ Cholecystectomy was performed at Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples.

Dr. Liberman is fellowship-trained at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles in 1995, and has been delivering state of the art laparoscopic, breast cancer and bariatric surgical care for 20 years. Recruited from San Diego by The Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Liberman has been providing world class care in Naples for the past 13 years.

The location of Liberman Advanced Surgical is 6101 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL 34119, Phone: (239) 348-4123.

About 21st Century Oncology
Headquartered in Fort Myers, 21st Century Oncology, LLC. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For 30 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company employs over 113 radiation oncologists and over 138 specialists, including 84 urologists, 28 surgeons, 15 medical oncologists, 3 pathologists, 4 gynecologic oncologists and 4 primary care physicians. They operate 94 facilities in 16 states in the USA with another 27 internationally for a total of 121 facilities.

Posted in 21st Century Oncology | Tagged 21st century oncology, Breast Cancer Treatment, Fort Myers Public Relations, Fort Myers Video Production, Prostate Cancer Treatment, Radiation Oncology Fort Myers, Radiation Therapy Fort Myers, SimplifyPR | Leave a comment

Free Educational Symposium on Cancers Significant to Women

Posted on October 9, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Powerful Women, Powerful Choices

(Fort Myers, Fla. – October 9, 2012) – “Powerful Women, Powerful Choices “ is a complimentary half-day symposium being offered by local healthcare leaders 21st Century Oncology, Lee Memorial Health System and Naples Community Hospital. This second annual event will be held Saturday, November 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, in Estero. Expert speakers will focus on cancers significant to women, early detection, screening, treatment and therapy, genetics, incontinence and the importance of specialized care. It will also feature a keynote address by a cancer survivor and advocate, a fashion show, a Q&A Expert Panel and information booths from many organizations focused on helping women with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The day begins with a keynote address by cancer survivor and advocate Mariann MacDonald. The following sessions will focus on breast cancer – The Time and Place for Conservative Surgical Treatment: Lea Blackwell, M.D., colon cancer – Early Detection Matters by Valerie Dyke, M.D., and incontinence – Solving the Problem: Joanna Chon, M.D.

The Susan B. Powar Memorial Lecture will feature James Orr, M.D., who will speak on ovarian cancer – titled Blood Test, Scans, Exam & What Else.

The event will also present a fashion show by Jennifer’s Boutique and a Q & A session, What You’ve Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask to also include experts Ed Grendys, M.D., and Veronique Fernandez-Salvador, M.D.

The day will conclude with closing remarks by Daniel Dosoretz, M.D., of 21st Century Oncology, Pat Read, of Naples Community Hospital, and Sharon MacDonald, of Lee Memorial Health System.

The event is complimentary and open to the public, seating is limited. To RSVP, call 239-936-0382 or visit www.PowerfulWomenInfo.com.

Naples Urology Associates welcomes New Physician

Posted on June 6, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Joanna K. Chon, M.D., joins local Naples Practice

(June 5, 2012- Naples, FL) Joanna K. Chon, MD, has joined the staff at Naples Urology Associates, a Division of 21st Century Oncology, located at 3291 Woods Edge Pkwy., Bonita Springs. Prior to joining Naples Urology Associates, Dr. Chon was in private practice in the Philadelphia area where she was voted by her peers in 2011 as a “Top Doc” in the Philadelphia Magazine. Dr. Chon comes to the Naples area bringing with her, a wealth of experience and training in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders and voiding dysfunction in both male and female patients. She is available to see general urology patients as well.

Dr. Chon started her career in academics at the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia as an Assistant Professor of Urology. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Bioengineering and went to on to receive her medical degree at the George Washington University. She completed a residency at the University of Maryland and then completed a fellowship in Female Urology, Voiding Dysfunction, and Urodynamics with one of the top specialists in the field, at the Tower Institute of Continence, in Los Angeles at the Cedars Sinai Medical Center. She has published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and chapters on topics in urology and has taught numerous surgical courses on pelvic floor reconstruction and vaginal sling techniques. She is serving on the Board of the Society of Women in Urology.

About Naples Urology Associates
Diagnosing and treating serious disorders of the urologic system in the most effective, least invasive manner possible is the goal of the physicians of Naples Urology Associates. A Division of 21st Century Oncology, Naples Urology Associates has 5 offices in Southwest Florida. Phone number for all offices is 239.434.8565.

Posted in 21st Century Oncology | Tagged 21st century oncology, Fort Myers Public Relations, Fort Myers Video Production, joanna k chon, naples urology, Radiation Oncology Fort Myers | Leave a comment

21st Century Oncology offers new procedure to diagnose and plan treatment for a lesion deep in the lung

Posted on May 29, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy uses GPS-like technology to locate, biopsy and prepare to treat a lung lesion

(Fort Myers, Fla. May 25, 2012)- 21st Century Oncology now offers a new procedure called Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB) that offers patients a minimally-invasive option to locate, enable biopsy and plan treatment for a lesion (spot) detected deep in the lung.

21st Century Oncology is one of the first in the area to provide the superDimension® i•Logic™ System as an option for patients who have learned they have a hard-to-reach lesion on their lung. The ENB procedure combines GPS-like technology with a catheter-based system that uses the patient’s natural airways to access lesions that were previously hard to reach. Typically a patient with a spot on their lung had the options of major surgery to remove a section of the lung, bronchoscopy (which does not reach lesions deep in the lung), needle biopsy, or watchful waiting.

The ENB procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and its unique approach may increase the chances that a patient will safely get a diagnosis and begin treatment, if needed.
“We are pleased to offer a minimally-invasive alternative for patients who have a lesion on their lung that is hard to reach or cannot tolerate a more invasive procedure,” said Dr. Constantine Mantz, chief medical officer of 21st Century Oncology. “This means we can provide a more accurate bronchoscope with no surgery, needle or biopsy. The ENB also allows ease in placement of gold markers.”
To learn more about lung disease, detection, and options for diagnosing a lesion in the lung visit: www.spotonyourlung.com and www.superdimension.com.

About 21st Century Oncology
Headquartered in Fort Myers, 21st Century Oncology, Inc. is a leading developer and operator of radiation therapy centers in the U.S. For 30 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing premier, quality, cost-effective radiation therapy services that are responsive to the needs of its patients through continuous improvement and innovation. The company operates in 16 states and has more than 20 offices in Southwest Florida.

For further information, contact:
Sherri Kubesh, 239-839-6015 cell, or skubesh@rtsx.com

Free Health Seminar on Breast and Prostate Cancer

Posted on May 15, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Lecture offers practical advice about frequently diagnosed cancers

(FORT MYERS, FL –May 11, 2012) – 21st Century Oncology, in partnership with the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a free health seminar on breast and prostate cancer Thursday, May 24 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Microtel Inn and Suites in Lehigh Acres. The seminar is for anyone interested in learning more about the treatments for prostate cancer and breast cancer, two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in six men will have prostate cancer in their lifetime, and one eight woman will have breast cancer. The seminar will offer practical advice, the newest developments in treatment and include an informative “Ask the Doctors” question and answer session. Information will provided about resources available to people without insurance. The seminar is free and open to the public.

The Microtel Inn & Suites is located at 1320 Business Way, Lehigh Acres, 33936. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations call 239-418-1441.

For further information, contact:
Sherri Kubesh, 239-839-6015 cell, or skubesh@rtsx.com

Posted in 21st Century Oncology | Tagged 21st century oncology, breast cancer, cancer treatment, Fort Myers Public Relations, Lehigh acres, prostate cancer, SimplifyPR, southwest florida cancer, southwest florida cancer treatment, Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Florida Public Relations | Leave a comment

New Study Shows Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) as an Emerging Ablative Therapy for Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer

Posted on May 10, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Local study provides hope to women with difficult to treat gynecologic cancers

(May 9, 2012 – Fort Myers, FL) – For the past five years, a small group of Lee County women has been participating in a groundbreaking study using a type of radiation therapy initially used in the treatment of prostate cancer. In the study, presented at the Society for Gynecologic Oncology National Meeting, Southwest Florida physicians Constantine Mantz, M.D., Edward Grendys, M.D., Fadi Abu Shahin, M.D. and James Orr, M.D. recounted the success they have had using Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) on women with recurrent gynecologic cancers.

Thirty-six patients have been treated using SBRT and have been followed for more than two years. Stereotactic radiation therapy combines radiation therapy with guidance technology. SBRT delivers radiation very precisely to the affected area. The treatment involves sophisticated x-ray technology to capture highly detailed images of the tumor and achieve an extremely degree of accuracy for treatment.

Dr. Orr explains, “We have now developed a new technology for women with recurrent gynecological cancer to alleviate their symptoms and potentially eradicate disease in areas that can be life threatening due to bleeding and infection. It can be used to treat virtually all types of gynecological cancers, including ovarian cancer. The other major benefit to this treatment is that it runs for 10 days instead of months of chemotherapy.”

Because the radiation is delivered so accurately, areas can be retreated if necessary. “While this does not take the place of chemotherapy or wider range radiation, it can be used in conjunction with standard treatment protocols with great success. This is a fantastic way of treating recurrent disease in a manner that has minimal impact on the patient’s quality of life,” Dr. Orr added. “If a woman has had cancer, and has a recurrence, this is an extremely effective tool for treating the cancer quickly and easily, and letting the patient get on with her life.”

For further information, contact:
Sherri Kubesh, 239-839-6015 cell, or skubesh@rtsx.com

Posted in 21st Century Oncology | Tagged 21st century oncology, Breast Cancer Treatment, Fort Myers Public Relations, gynecologic cancer, Prostate Cancer Treatment, Radiation Oncology Fort Myers, Radiation Therapy Fort Myers, SBRT, SimplifyPR | Leave a comment

21st Century Oncology is Seeking Prostate Cancer Patients to Participate in New Investigational Study

Posted on May 1, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Fort Myers, Fla. –May 1, 2012) – If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and radiation therapy has been suggested as a treatment option, you may be a candidate for a new investigational study being conducted by Dr. Constantine Mantz, at 21st Century Oncology.

The SpaceOAR™ System Clinical Study is evaluating the effectiveness of SpaceOAR hydrogel as a means of protecting organs adjacent to the prostate from exposure to radiation during treatment. Two-thirds of the patients participating in the study will be treated with the SpaceOAR gel, and one-third will not receive the gel. The decision as to which patients will receive the gel will be made randomly.

“The issue being studied, is whether or not the hydrogel can effectively protect the rectum from radiation damage during treatment,” according to Dr. Mantz. “The use of the gel is being combined with extremely targeted radiation therapy. Fiducial markers are tiny gold seeds placed within the prostate before image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT). The markers actually appear on x-rays, helping your physician to accurately see the area where they are delivering radiation. This can be extremely important because the prostate can move. With the markers in place, your doctor will take an x-ray prior to delivering radiation therapy, ensuring accurate delivery of the treatment to the affected area.”

Patients participating in the study will return for follow-up visits at three, six, 12 and 15 months after the procedure. Patients interested in participating in the study will undergo a thorough screening process to determine whether or not they are eligible for the study. During this screening period, the study will be carefully explained and detailed information will be provided. There is no additional cost to participate in the study.

For more information, contact Study Coordinator Cathy Bostwick, R.N. at (239) 848-7362.

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For further information, contact:
Sherri Kubesh, 239-839-6015 cell, or skubesh@rtsx.com

Posted in 21st Century Oncology | Tagged 21st century oncology, Breast Cancer Treatment, Fort Myers Public Relations, Prostate Cancer Treatment, Radiation Oncology Fort Myers, Radiation Therapy Fort Myers, SimplifyPR | Leave a comment

SAVI Treatment for Breast Cancer Patients Continues to Yield Favorable Results

Posted on April 26, 2012 by simplifyadmin

Research shows few side effects from accelerated radiation treatment

(FORT MYERS, FL –April 25, 2012) – Constantine Mantz, M.D., chief medical officer at 21st Century Oncology, is a member of a collaborative group of physicians who presented their studies regarding advanced therapy for breast cancer treatment at The 36th Annual Symposium of the American Society of Breast Disease. The Symposium was held from April 12-14 in Dallas, Texas. The studies demonstrated both the cosmetic advantages and precise radiation capabilities of the SAVI® breast brachytherapy applicator for treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Researchers examined the initial and longer-term effects of the SAVI treatment in a group of 909 women at 12 research centers in the U.S.

21st Century Oncology is one of the centers participating in the SAVI Collaborative Research Group and contributing to ongoing research into the SAVI applicator. According to Dr. Mantz, “SAVI treatment is used in conjunction with breast conservation therapy where the tumor and surrounding tissue are removed (lumpectomy), and the surgery is followed with a course of radiation. Traditionally, radiation treatment is delivered five days a week for six weeks following surgery and the entire breast is radiated. With SAVI, the radiation is delivered far more precisely and over a course of just 5-days. We’ve had excellent success rates with this treatment, and very few side effects.”

The SAVI device allows physicians to sculpt radiation based on patient-specific anatomy, which increases the number of women who can benefit from accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI).
The studies reached two primary conclusions:
1) SAVI radiation therapy provides for excellent or good cosmetic outcomes in the majority of patients.
2) The device can safely and effectively treat the broadest range of women through APBI, due to the precision with which the SAVI applicator can deliver the dose.

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