Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
NEWS
Permit No. 267 Lincoln, NE
Bryan Cancer Program 1600 S. 48th St. Lincoln, NE 68506-1299
JULY/AUGUST 2023
ISSUE 4
Address Service Requested
Interventional Radiology and Oncology:
Cancer News
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment through Targeted Therapies
Stay informed with the latest comprehensive cancer care updates
Interventional Radiology is a growing component of oncology care. It is a board-certified, surgical subspecialty of radiology that uses imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT) to perform minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disease. Interventional radiologists can treat cancer in patients who are not eligible for traditional surgery, have limited disease in certain organ systems or have exhausted other treatment options.
View online & previous issues: bryanhealth.org/cancer-newsletter
April Sampson Cancer Center
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Coming to Lincoln in less than a year South 40th St. between Yankee Hill & Saltillo Roads
The world of oncology and interventional oncology is changing every day. We’re always trying to explore new options and push the limits of what’s possible for patients.
View updates & more on page 2
The Bryan Cancer Program is committed to advancing health in our region. Team members regularly attend various community and cultural events to provide: • Education about cancer risk factors and prevention • Accessible screenings for early detection • Information to raise awareness about different types of cancer • Resources to support cancer patients
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Community Outreach
Kearney Cancer Center Plans Announced A new state-of-the-art, comprehensive cancer center will bring together Cancer Partners of Nebraska’s team of highly trained oncology physicians with Kearney Regional Medical Center’s robust diagnostic services.
The new cancer center will provide: • Radiation and medical oncology • Infusion and chemotherapy services • A state-of-the-art linear accelerator • National oncology clinical trial access • Onsite PET, CT and CT simulation imaging
– Dr. Kyle Pfeifer
Dr. Kyle Pfeifer performs a liver tumor cryoablation. Kevin Ourada, a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice student at Bryan College of Health Sciences, looks on.
Interventional oncology procedures include: • Ablation – uses extreme temperatures to destroy tumors (typically kidney, liver, lung, spine). Cryoablation is the mainstay and involves using extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells.
Interventional Radiology throughout Cancer Care From diagnosis and treatment to palliative care, interventional radiology can involve all stages of oncology, including: • Biopsies • Vein access – ports & peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines • Tumor ablation – cryoablation (cold), microwave (heat) and radiofrequency • Tumor embolization – chemotherapy and radiation • Celiac plexus block or neurolysis – pain relief for pancreatic cancer • Kyphoplasty – stability for cancer in the spine; can combine with tumor ablation in one procedure • Implantable drainage for symptom relief
• Embolization – delivers targeted drugs (chemoembolization) or radiation (radioembolization) through blood vessels directly to a tumor. – TheraSphere Y-90 radioembolization – uses glass microspheres that contain a high dose of a special radiation, Yttrium. The beads lodge in capillaries and leak radiation directly into the diseased tissue, sparing the surrounding area. This treats cancer that starts in or has spread to the liver.
Listen to Dr. Pfeifer’s interventional radiology podcast at:
These outpatient procedures offer faster recovery and fewer side effects than many cancer treatments and are a good option for the 80% of liver cancer patients not eligible for resection surgery. By actively engaging with the community, Bryan Cancer Program aims to motivate people to take charge of their health and make positive lifestyle choices.
Construction is set to begin in late 2023, with an anticipated opening in 2025. Learn more at kearneycancercenter.org.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
“For some patients, these therapies keep them on the transplant list by downsizing tumor and reducing disease burden,” said Dr. Kyle Pfeifer, interventional radiologist with Advanced Radiology. “This offers hope for future transplant to cure their cancer.”
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer