Why Choose Treatment at WVU Medicine Camden Clark
Since 1979, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Regional Cancer Center has led the way with state of art cancer care right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Our team of expert healthcare providers are experienced and equipped with the latest technology to create an individualized plan of care.
Our affiliation with WVU Cancer Institute has allowed us access to the latest clinical trials and expertise that only Camden Clark provides to the communities we serve.
Our staff does everything possible to help patients continue a normal daily routine of work and recreation. Scheduling and treatment plans are designed on an outpatient basis to allow patients to receive treatment with limited disruption of their normal lifestyle. Our cancer program, accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, reflects our commitment to provide the finest in cancer care, right here at home.
The Importance of Screenings
Regular cancer screening, encompassing procedures such as mammograms and colonoscopies, plays a crucial role in detecting cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Mammograms are essential for identifying breast cancer in its early stages, enabling timely intervention and improving survival rates, particularly for women over 40. Likewise, colonoscopies are vital for detecting colorectal cancer, allowing for the removal of precancerous lesions before they progress.
Early detection not only enhances treatment options but also reduces healthcare costs associated with advanced cancer treatment, while improving patients’ quality of life. Investing in routine cancer screening programs is therefore paramount for early detection, effective treatment, and overall better health outcomes.
We encourage you to contact your Primary Care provider to discuss your risk and schedule your screenings.
Treatments
The WVU Cancer Institute at Camden Clark provides various cancer treatment options, allowing patients to receive the most advanced cancer care close to home. Our team of specialists works to develop an individualized care plan for patients based on their needs. Our treatment options range from radiation to clinical trials through radiation oncology and hematology-oncology methods. Both outpatient and inpatient care are also available at our Infusion Center and dedicated oncology inpatient unit.
Radiation Oncology
This involves the use of radiation (X-rays, gamma rays, or electrons) to treat cancer. Services include: External beam radiation therapy, IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy), IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy), Respiratory gating, and HDR brachytherapy.
Hematology-Oncology
This includes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of blood diseases (hematology) and cancer (oncology) and research into them. Services include: Biotherapy, Immunotherapy, Chemotherapy, Hematology, Clinical trials, and Genetic testing.
Infusion Center & Inpatient Unit
The Ambulatory Infusion Center delivers outpatient infusion and transfusion services in a comfortable setting. Specially trained nurses provide patient care procedures involving medication injections, intravenous medications and infusions, blood transfusions, therapeutic phlebotomies, and PICC insertions. Services are available seven days a week and offer convenient appointment hours.
Infusion Center & Inpatient Unit: The dedicated inpatient unit includes: 15 private rooms, Oncology-certified nurses, Rehabilitation, and Serenity rooms.
Tammi Smith, B.A RT (R)(T), Manager Radiation Oncology, Lauren Adkins, Cancer Program Facilitator, Kristin Leaman, BSW, LSW Oncology Social Worker, Shelia Carroll,BSN, RN Oncology Nurse Navigator/Breast/GYN health, Layla Tannoury, PhD, PHA, Oncology Clinical Research Specialist, Lauren Gillian, BSN, RN Director of Cancer Services, Amy Sawin, RN Medical Oncology Nurse Manager, and Angy Helmick RN, OCN Oncology Nurse Navigator.
Technologies
3D Mammography and Pristina Dueta
We’re proud to have 3D Mammography available to our patients to provide the best images for their scans. Additionally, we also have the ability to let patients control the compressions, thanks to the Pristina Dueta.
TrueBeam Radiotherapy System
When it comes to cancer treatment our TrueBeam Radiotherapy delivers powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy and precision. Treatments that once took 10 to 30 minutes, can now be completed in less than two minutes with TrueBeam, giving our patients back more time to spend with loved ones. TrueBeam is non-invasive – there are no scalpels, no cuts, and in most cases, no hospitization required.
TRUEBEAM VS. CYBERKNIFE
When it comes to cancer treatment – we want you to have access to the best technology, that’s why we use TrueBeam Radiotherapy. If you’re wondering which you should choose, Cyberknife or Truebeam, we’re here to help. These two systems have certain similarities. They both rely on precise targeting of tumors using high doses of radiation in a short time frame, minimizing exposure to surrounding structures and healthy tissue.
The TrueBeam machine is the newer of both devices. In general, types and stages of cancer that are treatable with CyberKnife are also treatable with TrueBeam, including tumors in certain parts of the body, such as the head, neck, lungs, abdomen, breast, liver, pelvis, and prostate. CyberKnife does not treat large tumors, or soft tissue tumors like those found in the bladder.
They both also utilize flexible mesh masks for brain, head, and neck cancers, rather than the rigid head frames bolted into the table used by the Gamma Knife treatment. This more comfortable process is possible because the imaging systems track the tumor movement, even as you breathe. Learn More >>
Lung Cancer Screenings, New Technology, and Benefits
New Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommendations lowered the initial screening age from 55 to 50 and smoking history requirements from 30 pack years to 20 pack years and can make low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) exams the most effective cancer screening tests in history. Interventional Pulmonologist, Dr. Roshen Mathew and Primary Care Doctor, Dr. Michael Cheshire, both discuss a lung screening program is a national program that was adopted a few years ago to screen those who are at risk and who qualify for this low dose screening which is simple and safe and can be done right here at home.
Colorectal Cancer and the Importance of Early Screenings
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States among both men and women. Patients with colon or colorectal cancer are typically asymptomatic in the early stages, which is why it is important to follow screening guidelines. As these types of cancers progress, patients may experience changes in bowel habits, constipation, bleeding, unintentional weight loss, or other symptoms that prompt further investigation.
Colon Cancer Screenings Save Lives
March is known as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.
“The reason for the screening is it not only catches the precancerous polyps earlier and prevents cancer. If it catches cancer very early, it is also curable,” said Dr. Bairava Kuppuswamy, primary care physician at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center.
Medical Office Building B
705 Garfield Avenue, Suite 360
Parkersburg, WV 26101