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| New technologies keep our Comprehensive Cancer Center on the leading edge |
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The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chances of survival and recovery. That’s why the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Salinas Valley Memorial continues to lead the way in medical technology that enables state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment planning,  therapies and follow-up. Three new technologies take our cancer care program to an entirely new level—the integrated PET/CT scanner, the ONCOR Linear Accelerator and the Automated Slide Immunostainer.
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan creates images of a certain type of metabolic activity in the body, an indication of cancer. CT (computer tomography) pinpoints the location of the activity. “With a single 30-minute scan, the GE Discovery ST PET/CT scanner identifies the location and size of a tumor and indicates whether or not it has spread,” says Laura Stampleman, MD, newly appointed Medical Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Its also a powerful tool in helping us to identify the most appropriate therapies, gauge the success of the treatments and detect any recurrence of cancer. For patients, it can increase peace of mind with immediate results, eliminating the ‘wait and see’ approach. We’re hopeful that it may reduce the need for invasive procedures such as a biopsy or exploratory surgery as well.”
“Before the combined technology, separate scans had to be registered visually or with specialized image-fusing software,” says David Rice, CNMT, Manager, Nuclear Medicine at Salinas Valley Memorial. “Acquiring both the PET and CT images at one time ensures that the two studies are anatomically registered in the exact same position allowing physicians to act more quickly.”
 An integral part of our Comprehensive Cancer Center, Salinas Radiation Oncology Center, now has the Siemens ONCOR Linear Accelerator— a significant advancement in cancer treatment. With the new technology, oncologists deliver treatments such as “intensity modulated radiation therapy.” A key feature of the technology, called “full-field multileaf collimation,” has the ability to “wrap a dose of radiation around a tumor,” sparing surrounding tissue and organs. “It is especially beneficial for delivering radiation to a tumor that is close to vital organs or other tissues that are highly sensitive to radiation,” says Esmond Chan, MD, Radiation Oncologist. “This integrated system results in fewer side effects, improved results, reduced long-term consequences of radiation and a better quality of life for our patients.”
 Technology enhancements in the pathology laboratory, where tissue samples are analyzed to determine whether or not cancer is present, greatly reduce the amount of time required for the process. “The Ventana Immunostainer enables us to conduct a greater range of tests in-house in much less time than sending the tissue blocks to an outside reference laboratory,” says David A. Litman, MD, PhD, Director of Pathology at Salinas Valley Memorial. “We can return a report to oncologists and radiologists much sooner so they can begin treatment planning.”
“Everyone involved in the Comprehensive Cancer Center is highly motivated and enthusiastic about bringing new and ever better care to our patients and their families,” says Gail Pieper, RN, MSN, Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pediatrics and the Cardiovascular Medical/Surgical Unit. “Each year while the number of people diagnosed with certain cancers continues to rise, so do the number of people who are surviving and going on to lead healthy, productive lives. We believe that is due in part to available technology and some of the country’s most skilled oncologists, radiologists and surgeons. These latest advancements enable us to expand our state-of-the-art care right here at home.” |
 Comprehensive Breast Care
Program Established
Earlier this year we expanded our Comprehensive Breast Care Program. Carol Maynard, RN, an Oncology Certified Nurse, joins our staff as Breast Health and Clinical Trial Specialist. “Carol will help women with breast cancer navigate through our program, from helping them understand their diagnosis and treatment options right through to ongoing support,” says Gail Pieper, RN, MSN, Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pediatrics and the Cardiovascular Medical/Surgical Unit. With her experience, she will expand and manage this important aspect of our cancer care program.” |
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New Medical Director at
Salinas Valley Memorial’s Comprehensive Cancer Center
  In November 2005, medical oncologist Laura Stampleman, MD, was named Medical Director of Salinas Valley Memorial’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. She succeeds Patrick W. Flanigan, MD, who served as the first Medical Director. “We are extremely grateful for the leadership of these talented and compassionate physicians,” says Sam Downing, President/CEO. |
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