Treatment Teams
Treatment services and programs generally include one or more treatment approaches, directed by teams of specialists in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology and hormone therapy.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center medical staff includes five medical oncologists/hematologists, two radiation oncologists, two surgical oncologists, two gynecologic oncologists, a specialist in thoracic surgery, two neurosurgeons, two pathologists, two radiologists, a clinical psychologist and pharmacists licensed to assist with acute pain management.
The medical team also includes registered nurses, experienced in oncology care, who may provide follow-up phone consultation to patients at home. Through this service, the patient maintains an important link to the Center and the physicians.
Medical Oncology / Hematology
The Medical Oncology/Hematology Program at the Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the largest in the region, with board-certified medical oncologists/hematologists. The team specializes in comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
Medical Oncologists completed their training in Internal Medicine and specialized in cancer. The doctors have expertise in brain cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, colon/rectal cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, prostate cancer, sarcoma, and bone marrow transplantation /stem cell transplantation. Where medically appropriate, the physicians may present patients with opportunities for participation in clinical trials through our research department.
Click here for biographical information on the Medical Oncologists at CCC.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology was the initial Comprehensive Cancer Center program opened in 1989. Among the technologies CCC first offered in the region was Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for more precise radiation doses to help treat cancer.
CCC continues to provide some of the most advanced treatments and technology in the delivery of radiation therapy. The Comprehensive Cancer Center houses the new Trilogy™ Stereotactic System from Varian Medical Systems for IMRT, and Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS).
Learn About our New Technology to Fight Cancer
The Radiation Oncology Team
During radiation therapy treatment, patients at the Comprehensive Cancer Center are cared for by a team of medical professionals. Heading up the team is the Radiation Oncologist. This is a physician specially trained to treat cancer patients with radiation therapy and who recommends the treatment plan.
Radiation Oncologists see patients for consultation or ongoing care. Radiation Oncologists were trained in Internal Medicine and specialized in the treatment of patients requiring radiation treatments for cancer. They have expertise in: brain tumors (benign & malignant), breast cancer, esophageal cancer, gynecologic cancers, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, mycosis fungoides, prostate cancer, colon/rectal cancer and bone marrow/stem cell transplantation.
Click here for biographical information about the Radiation Oncologists at CCC.
Below are some of the Technologies and Treatments at the Comprehensive Cancer Center:
- Three Dimensional (3-D) Treatment Planning - Using Computerized Tomography (CT) images, this technology creates a three-dimensional model of the patient. This helps makes it possible to more precisely target tumors, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) - The Stereotactic Radiosurgery program at the Comprehensive Cancer Center was developed in conjunction with the Neurosurgery team at Desert Regional Medical Center to identify and treat malignant brain tumors using a large single dose of radiation to a small area. This therapy also may be used for appropriate benign brain lesions.
- Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) - This is a type of external beam radiation therapy that can be completed in one to five days rather than several weeks. SRT may be optimal for very small tumors.
- Brachytherapy - Brachytherapy is a type of radiotherapy that places radioactive sources in or adjacent to target tissues. There are two main types of brachytherapy: Permanent seed implants, commonly used for prostate cancer, and temporary seed loadings, whereby sources are placed in catheters, needles or other appliances for a brief period of time and then removed.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical Oncologists at the Comprehensive Cancer Center offer consultation, surgery and ongoing care to adults diagnosed with cancer. The Surgical Oncologists completed their training in Surgery and specialized in operating on cancerous tumors. The Surgical Oncologists at CCC are experienced in: breast cancer, endocrine tumors, esophageal cancer, gastro-intestinal cancers (liver, bile duct, colon, pancreas, rectal sphincter preservation) melanoma and thyroid cancers.
Click here for biographical information about the Surgical Oncologists at CCC.
Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic Oncologists are dedicated to the comprehensive care and treatment of women diagnosed with pelvic cancers, precancerous conditions and complex surgical problems.
The Gynecologic Oncologists completed their training in Gynecology & Obstetrics and specialized in the surgical treatment of female reproductive organs with cancer. The team is an integral part of our Women's Cancer Services and offers the region a Gynecologic Oncology program for the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of women with ovarian cancer, vulvar cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and vaginal cancer.
To learn more about the Gynecologic Oncologists at the Comprehensive Cancer Center, click Amy A. Hakim, M.D., M.S. or Ernest Han, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. for their biographical information.
Gastrointestinal Malignancies
The Gastrointestinal Malignancies Program provides care for cancer of the colon, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, pancreas and rectum. Patients are seen for consultation or ongoing cancer care. The program offers a variety of treatment options which include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Thoracic Oncology
The Comprehensive Cancer Center offers a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of patients with lung cancer. The team uses some of the latest medical advances and research utilizing chemotherapy, gene therapy, three-dimensional radiation therapy and thoracic surgery. Patients are seen for consultation or ongoing cancer care. The program includes monthly pretreatment planning conferences for the team to present cases and discuss treatment options.
Neuro-Oncology
The Comprehensive Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Program is developed in conjunction with community neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists and cancer specialists. A major component of the program includes Stereotactic Radio Surgery utilizing the new Trilogy™ Stereotactic System from Varian Medical Systems. This technology may be appropriate for the treatment of certain cancers in the body or head and neck.
Pain Management
The multidisciplinary Cancer Pain Management Service at the Comprehensive Cancer Center is dedicated to treating all aspects of cancer pain. In coordination with the referring physician, the team, which includes physicians, doctors of pharmacy and staff psychologist, develops an individualized pain and symptom treatment plan for patients with a focus on quality of life.
Oncology Supportive Care Services
Attending to the emotional needs of our patients and their families is an important service of our comprehensive approach to cancer care. The Oncology Supportive Care Services team includes a medical psychologist, two social workers and a registered dietitian. They offer individual and family counseling as it relates to cancer, support groups and workshops, and referral to pain management services and complementary therapies. These include Yoga, art therapy, massage therapy and pet therapy.
Complementary Medicine
Complementary Medicine includes a broad range of wellness philosophies, approaches and therapies. Special diets, vitamins, herbs, chiropractic care, massage therapy, psychotherapy, acupuncture and spiritual practices are among the most common therapies. Our Complementary Medicine Program is open to patients of Comprehensive Cancer Center who have their physician's approval. Information is provided on complementary therapies and how they may be integrated into the cancer treatment plan. The majority of these services are provided by independent practitioners off-site. Patients are advised to check with their insurance company in advance to determine whether these services are covered.
For further information, please call our Oncology Supportive Care Services Department at (760) 416-4834 or Contact Us.