Treatment Programs

Radiation Oncology

The Radiation Oncology Department of the Nevada Cancer Institute is comprised of 2 board-certified radiation oncologists, 1 American Board of Radiology (ABR) certified physicist, 1 Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), 3 American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certified radiation technologists and support personnel.

We have state-of-the-art equipment in a modern facility. The department uses 1 Siemens Oncor linear accelerator with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) capabilities and a Siemens Emotion 6 CT Simulator. A second linear accelerator device (Tomotherapy) will be available by September 2007. Additionally, we are hardwire- connected to NVCI diagnostic radiology for sophisticated PET and MRI image fusion. This process generates the most accurate treatment volume delineation available. Alternatively, we can easily accommodate diagnostic studies from outside imaging departments on CD ROM. All of our equipment, radiology, and written records are seamlessly integrated with the IMPAC electronic medical record system. With IMRT we are delivering state of the art radiotherapy for prostate and head and neck cancer patients. With PET based image fusion capabilities, we are delivering state of the art 3D conformal lung treatment for lung cancer patients.

In July 2007, the department received accreditation by the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) which is a three-year certification. We also offer real time prostate seed implants for appropriate patients, and are members of the Proqura Seattle Prostate Institute quality assurance program. Lastly, we are affiliate members of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG).

Patients can be seen within 24 hours of notification, and the entire staff is available for emergency treatment 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Patients are seen at least weekly while under treatment by both the physician and the oncology nurse. We have an extensive quality assurance program. We treat patients and see consults from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Tomotherapy

Clinical Trials

Research is paramount to the mission of the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI). At NVCI, the Clinical Trials Office (CTO) assures clinical research follows federal, state, and local regulations. Clinical trials are vital to medical research because of the dramatic improvements they have contributed to the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including cancer.

The CTO is part of the Clinical Science Division of NVCI. The CTO support research scientists in preparing protocols, screening patients for protocol participation, monitoring patients on protocols, and managing data collected on clinical trial participants. The CTO ensures that patients participate properly in the informed consent process and that protocols are interpreted and followed accurately. Within the CTO, there are research scientists to explain complicated scientific and medical goals to patients, family members, staff, and the community. The CTO works in conjunction with a Protocol Review Committee and Institutional Review Board to assure that clinical research is conducted safely.

Every person in the CTO office is essential to the NVCI research team. Clinical Research Nurses (CRN) and Clinical Research Associates (CRA) are responsible for patient assessments and patient safety. CRN and CRA also ensure that every clinical trial patient give informed consent and that all protocols are followed accurately. The data management team ensures that information gathered in a clinical trial is accurately and appropriately reported to the organization sponsoring the clinical trial. They also ensure that all appropriate regulatory organizations such as the FDA and the IRB stay appropriately informed. All CRA, CRN, and data managers have direct access to each leading research scientist conducting a clinical trial at NVCI to maintain the highest of ethical research standards.