Alliance Cancer Care Welcomes Whitney Hotsinpiller, M.D.

July 21, 2025

Alliance Cancer Care is excited to welcome Whitney Hotsinpiller, M.D., to our team of expert radiation oncologists! She will be seeing patients at both our Florence and Decatur locations, expanding access to compassionate, cutting-edge cancer treatment across North Alabama.

A Passion for Patient-Centered Cancer Care

Dr. Hotsinpiller is a Florence native who has always been passionate about serving her community. She brings a unique combination of advanced medical knowledge and a personal, patient-first approach to cancer care.

Her journey began at the University of Tennessee, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering—all while competing as a Tennessee Dance Team member and excelling in academics. She went on to receive her medical degree from the University of South Alabama’s Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine before completing her residency at UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she served as Chief Resident.

A Leader in Cancer Research & Innovation

Throughout her career, Dr. Hotsinpiller has been at the forefront of innovative cancer treatments, including new radiation technologies and exercise therapy for cancer survivors. Her research has been recognized at national conferences, and she was honored with a faculty research award at UAB.

She specializes in treating a wide range of cancers and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure every patient receives a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. Above all, she is known for her empathetic, attentive approach, always taking the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and provide clear, supportive guidance.

Outside the Clinic

When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Hotsinpiller enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, and their son. She is always eager to engage with the community—whether it’s attending local events, dancing, traveling, or cheering on her favorite sports teams. If you see her out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello!

Now Seeing Patients in Florence & Decatur

Dr. Hotsinpiller is now accepting new patients at both the Florence and Decatur locations of Alliance Cancer Care. Her arrival strengthens our commitment to exceptional, personalized cancer care for patients across North Alabama.

Decatur Campus – 1312 7th St SE, Decatur, AL 35601
Florence Campus – 180 Cox Creek Parkway, Suite A, Florence, AL 35630

We’re thrilled to have Dr. Hotsinpiller on board and know she will make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients.

To learn more or schedule an appointment at our Florence location call 256.760.1150. For our Decatur location call 256.355.0370. 

The Importance of Staying Hydrated During Cancer Treatment

July 9, 2025

Staying hydrated is essential for everyone, but it becomes even more critical during cancer treatment. Whether you’re undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments, your body requires extra support to function optimally. Hydration plays a key role in maintaining your overall well-being and helping your body manage the side effects of treatment.

Why Hydration Matters

Cancer treatments can be taxing on the body, causing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. Proper hydration helps in several ways:

  • Supporting Kidney Function: Treatments can increase the load on your kidneys. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and supports kidney health.
  • Managing Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common during treatment. Drinking enough fluids helps replenish lost electrolytes and prevents dehydration.
  • Maintaining Energy Levels: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and dizziness. Staying hydrated helps you feel more alert and energetic.
  • Supporting Digestion: Water aids in digestion and can alleviate constipation, another common side effect of cancer treatments.

Signs of Dehydration

It’s crucial to recognize the signs of dehydration so you can take action early. Be mindful of symptoms such as:

  • Dry mouth and lips
  • Dark, concentrated urine
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue or weakness

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to increase your fluid intake and speak to your care team if symptoms persist.

Tips to Stay Hydrated

Here are some practical tips to help you stay hydrated during your treatment:

  • Sip Throughout the Day: Drinking small amounts consistently is easier than consuming large volumes at once.
  • Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Foods like watermelon, cucumber, and broth-based soups are great for boosting fluid intake.
  • Set a Hydration Goal: Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups of water per day, but check with your care team for personalized recommendations.
  • Flavor Your Water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or fresh herbs to make your water more appealing.
  • Use a Reusable Bottle: Keeping a water bottle with you at all times serves as a reminder to take small sips regularly.

When to Seek Help

If you’re struggling to stay hydrated or experiencing severe symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting, contact your healthcare team immediately. They may recommend IV fluids or other interventions.

Partnering with Your Care Team

At Alliance Cancer Care, we understand the challenges that come with cancer treatment. Staying hydrated is a simple but powerful way to support your body through the journey. Always feel free to reach out to our team if you have questions or need guidance on your hydration needs.

Understanding Your Insurance Options at Alliance Cancer Care

June 25, 2025

Navigating cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but understanding your insurance coverage shouldn’t be. At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care—and that includes helping you access it through your insurance plan.

That’s why we partner with a wide range of insurance providers to ensure you have access to high-quality cancer care close to home.

We currently accept the following insurance plans:

  • Aetna
  • Amerigroup
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Medicare
  • Humana
  • Alabama Medicaid
  • Medicare Part B
  • Tricare
  • Viva Health

Our dedicated team will verify your benefits and work with your insurance company to help minimize any confusion around coverage. We’re here to guide you through every step—from scheduling and referrals to financial counseling and treatment planning.

If you don’t see your insurance listed or have specific questions about your plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to help clarify your options and ensure you feel confident and informed.

We understand that financial concerns can be a big part of planning your care. If you are curious about how much radiation treatment costs you can read more here.

We also have financial assistance or insurance support. Our team is experienced in helping patients navigate these challenges with compassion and clarity. Learn more about financial assistance and resources here.

If you still have questions or simply prefer to talk things through we encourage you to call our team at 256-319-5450. 

 

How to Navigate Financial Assistance for Cancer Care

June 6, 2025

At Alliance Cancer Care, we know that a cancer diagnosis can bring unexpected financial challenges. We believe that financial stress should never stand in the way of receiving quality care. That’s why we’re committed to helping our patients navigate available resources, including the Jeanne Shepherd Fund.

The Jeanne Shepherd Fund: Helping Patients in Need

The Jeanne Shepherd Fund was established to support our patients facing financial hardships related to their cancer care. Whether you need assistance with transportation, co-pays, or other treatment-related expenses, the Jeanne Shepherd Fund is here to help. We understand that unexpected costs can add up quickly, and our goal is to ease that burden so you can focus on your treatment and recovery.

Our team works closely with patients to determine eligibility and guide them through the application process. We want to make sure that financial concerns don’t get in the way of your care. If you think you might benefit from the Jeanne Shepherd Fund, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff for more information.

We’re Here to Support You

At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to providing not just exceptional medical care but also compassionate support during your cancer journey. If you have questions or need assistance accessing financial resources, our team is here to help. Let us know how we can support you.

For more information on the Jeanne Shepherd Fund or other financial assistance options, contact us today: 

Gennell Moore | 256-319-5424 or Sherry Mayes | 256.319.5427

How Much Will My Radiation Cost?

May 30, 2025

This is a common question for many patients, and understandably so. Knowing the financial aspect of your treatment is important. However, the answer isn’t straightforward due to the complexity and variability involved. Several factors influence the cost of radiation therapy, making it different for each patient.

Our Commitment to You

At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to working with your insurance company to secure approval for your therapy and inform you of any financial obligations before your treatment begins.

How Do We Determine Radiation Therapy Costs?

Calculating the cost of radiation therapy involves considering various factors:

  • Type of Cancer and Best Treatment Method: The nature of your cancer influences the treatment plan.
  • Insurance Coverage: Your insurance policy details, including co-insurance or daily copays, affect the cost.
  • Treatment Complexity: Some therapies are more expensive than others due to their complexity.
  • Number of Treatments: Treatments can range from a single session to 45 sessions, influencing the overall cost.

Working with Your Insurance

Once your physician develops your treatment plan, we collaborate with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.

Understanding Insurance Terms

  • Co-Insurance: After meeting your deductible, co-insurance is a percentage of the cost you are responsible for. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, and your insurance covers 80% after that, you would pay the first $1,000 and 20% of the remaining costs.
  • Daily Copay: Some plans require a copay at each treatment session, similar to an office visit.
  • Out-of-Pocket Maximum: This is the most you would have to pay during your plan year. Once reached, your insurance covers costs beyond that amount.

Insurance Coverage for Radiation

Some insurance plans cover radiation therapy entirely. After your treatment plan is approved, we submit it to your insurance company, which sets an “allowable” amount for your therapy.

What Will My Treatment Cost?

The cost of radiation therapy can vary widely, typically ranging from $4,500 to $50,000, depending on treatment type and duration. Most patients have the majority of this cost covered by insurance. Costs generally include:

  • All treatments
  • Imaging during treatment
  • Continuous monitoring by physicists and physicians
  • Weekly physician visits
  • CT simulation and planning
  • Personalized positioning devices

Billing Details

Charges are billed to your insurance under the name of the physician present in the clinic on the day of your visit. You might also see charges for planning done on days when you are not at the clinic.

Payment Options

We aim to make your care affordable. If you have payment concerns, we offer several options:

  • Pay-as-you-go: Suitable for daily copay patients.
  • Bill Payment: Receive a bill and pay in installments if needed.
  • Financial Assistance: Available based on income level, especially for uninsured patients. We encourage patients to inquire about the Jeanne Shepherd Fund, which provides financial assistance to those undergoing cancer treatment, helping to ease the financial burden for patients in need.

We’re Here to Help

Before starting treatment, we review your insurance benefits and provide an estimated cost. For questions about your financial responsibility or insurance, please call us at 256-319-5450. For billing inquiries, contact our billing office at 256-327-5724.

 

The Role of Radiation Therapists

May 9, 2025

Radiation therapists are an essential part of the cancer care team, providing both technical expertise and compassionate support to patients undergoing treatment. Their dedication to patient care often goes unrecognized, but their impact is profound. At Alliance Cancer Care, we value and celebrate the vital work of our radiation therapists every day.

What Do Radiation Therapists Do?

Radiation therapists play a crucial role in delivering precise and accurate radiation treatments. Their responsibilities include:

  • Administering Radiation Therapy: They ensure that the correct dose of radiation is delivered to the targeted area, following detailed treatment plans created by radiation oncologists.
  • Operating Advanced Equipment: From linear accelerators to imaging systems, radiation therapists are skilled in using complex technology to deliver treatment safely and effectively.
  • Supporting Patients: Treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. Radiation therapists offer reassurance, answer questions, and help patients feel more comfortable during sessions.
  • Monitoring Patient Progress: They observe and document patients’ responses to treatment, reporting any side effects or concerns to the medical team.

Radiation Therapists vs. Radiologic Technologists

While both radiation therapists and radiologic technologists work with medical imaging and radiation, their roles differ significantly:

  • Radiation Therapists specialize in delivering targeted radiation treatments for cancer patients, working directly with oncologists to ensure precise therapy.
  • Radiologic Technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to assist physicians in diagnosing medical conditions.
  • Training and Certification: Radiation therapists typically complete specialized training in radiation oncology, while radiologic technologists focus on diagnostic imaging techniques.

Training and Expertise

Radiation therapists undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure they deliver the highest standard of care. They possess a unique combination of medical knowledge, technical proficiency, and interpersonal skills, making them invaluable members of the cancer care team.

 

To offer more insight into the profession, we spoke with Erin Mize, a radiation therapist who has been with Alliance Cancer Care for over 20 years.

Meet Erin Mize, Radiation Therapist

What is your favorite part of being a therapist?

“My favorite part of being a radiation therapist is using my expertise to help someone fight cancer. I’ve had patients ask how I can do such an emotionally challenging job. The answer is: it isn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t do anything else. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many people in meaningful ways. It’s the highest honor to have a patient finish treatment and say they’ll miss seeing us — that we made it a good experience for them. I also cherish the bond I have with my amazing coworkers.”

“I love the pace of the job, too. I don’t think I could work a traditional office job behind a desk. I like to be busy and on my feet, problem-solving. You’ll never hear me say I had a boring day! And I love that my job is always evolving as technology advances. We’re constantly learning new skills.”

Why did you choose to become a therapist?

“I started college at UAB in 2002 unsure of my major — I considered English and social work — but once I took anatomy and physiology, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. I thought about pre-med but couldn’t afford ten more years of school. My dad was a radiation therapist and later a manager for over 30 years, so I had some exposure to the field (pun intended!). After taking college physics, I really started considering radiation oncology.”

“I wasn’t a stellar student in high school, but I thrived in college and loved physics. I even considered medical physics but wanted a more patient-facing career. A good friend of mine was in the radiography program at UAB, so I looked into Allied Health programs and ultimately chose radiation therapy. It was important to me to be part of a team and to build real relationships with patients.”

What advice do you have for a patient starting treatment?

“Don’t hesitate to ask us questions — that’s what we’re here for! Let us be your resource throughout this process. The internet can be helpful but also overwhelming; we can give you the most accurate, up-to-date information tailored to you.”

“Take care of yourself. Eat well, stay hydrated, and try to keep your normal routine — it can provide a sense of stability during a time that feels anything but normal. That said, listen to your body and rest when you need to. And give yourself grace. This is a physically and mentally demanding time. You may not look or feel like yourself — and that’s okay. Ask for help. Your friends and family want to support you. Let them. And let us know how we can help, too — we’re here for you.”

At Alliance Cancer Care, we’re proud of team members like Erin who bring skill, compassion, and heart to every patient interaction. Radiation therapists are more than technicians — they are advocates, encouragers, and healers. Their work touches lives in extraordinary ways every day.

How Much Will My Radiation Cost?

May 2, 2025

This is a common question for many patients, and understandably so. Knowing the financial aspect of your treatment is important. However, the answer isn’t straightforward due to the complexity and variability involved. Several factors influence the cost of radiation therapy, making it different for each patient.

Our Commitment to You

At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to working with your insurance company to secure approval for your therapy and inform you of any financial obligations before your treatment begins.

How Do We Determine Radiation Therapy Costs?

Calculating the cost of radiation therapy involves considering various factors:

  • Type of Cancer and Best Treatment Method: The nature of your cancer influences the treatment plan.
  • Insurance Coverage: Your insurance policy details, including co-insurance or daily copays, affect the cost.
  • Treatment Complexity: Some therapies are more expensive than others due to their complexity.
  • Number of Treatments: Treatments can range from a single session to 45 sessions, influencing the overall cost.

Working with Your Insurance

Once your physician develops your treatment plan, we collaborate with your insurance provider to determine coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.

Understanding Insurance Terms

  • Co-Insurance: After meeting your deductible, co-insurance is a percentage of the cost you are responsible for. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, and your insurance covers 80% after that, you would pay the first $1,000 and 20% of the remaining costs.
  • Daily Copay: Some plans require a copay at each treatment session, similar to an office visit.
  • Out-of-Pocket Maximum: This is the most you would have to pay during your plan year. Once reached, your insurance covers costs beyond that amount.

Insurance Coverage for Radiation

Some insurance plans cover radiation therapy entirely. After your treatment plan is approved, we submit it to your insurance company, which sets an “allowable” amount for your therapy.

What Will My Treatment Cost?

The cost of radiation therapy can vary widely, typically ranging from $4,500 to $50,000, depending on treatment type and duration. Most patients have the majority of this cost covered by insurance. Costs generally include:

  • All treatments
  • Imaging during treatment
  • Continuous monitoring by physicists and physicians
  • Weekly physician visits
  • CT simulation and planning
  • Personalized positioning devices

Billing Details

Charges are billed to your insurance under the name of the physician present in the clinic on the day of your visit. You might also see charges for planning done on days when you are not at the clinic.

Payment Options

We aim to make your care affordable. If you have payment concerns, we offer several options:

  • Pay-as-you-go: Suitable for daily copay patients.
  • Bill Payment: Receive a bill and pay in installments if needed.
  • Financial Assistance: Available based on income level, especially for uninsured patients. We encourage patients to inquire about the Jeanne Shepherd Fund, which provides financial assistance to those undergoing cancer treatment, helping to ease the financial burden for patients in need.

We’re Here to Help

Before starting treatment, we review your insurance benefits and provide an estimated cost. For questions about your financial responsibility or insurance, please call us at 256-319-5450. For billing inquiries, contact our billing office at 256-327-5724.

 

Wig Rooms at Alliance Cancer Care

April 24, 2025

At Alliance Cancer Care, we understand that hair loss can be one of the most challenging side effects of cancer treatment. To support our patients through this experience, we offer wig rooms at both our Decatur and Florence locations. These wig rooms are designed to help patients feel more comfortable and confident during their treatment journey.

A Safe and Supportive Space

Our wig rooms provide a private and welcoming environment where patients can try on a variety of wigs, scarves, and head coverings. Our caring staff members are available to assist in selecting the perfect option to match your personal style and comfort needs.

 

A Variety of Options

Whether you’re looking for a wig that closely matches your natural hair or want to try something new, our wig rooms offer a range of styles, colors, and lengths. We also provide head scarves and caps for additional comfort and variety.

Personalized Assistance

Our staff is dedicated to helping you feel like yourself. We’ll guide you through the selection process, provide tips for wig care, and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to ensure you leave feeling confident and supported.

Visit Us

If you or a loved one would like to visit one of our wig rooms, please reach out to our Decatur or Florence locations to schedule a visit. We’re here to help you feel your best during your treatment journey. 

 

Singing River Cancer Center (Florence): mdelaney@acconc.com  | 256.760.1150

Decatur Campus: tjones@acconc.com | 256.319.5482

Why It’s Important to Bring a Support Person to Your Appointments

April 22, 2025

Cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, and bringing a support person to your appointments can make a significant difference in your experience. Having someone by your side provides both emotional comfort and practical assistance, helping you feel more confident and supported throughout your journey.

The Emotional Support Factor

Facing a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment can bring about feelings of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. A trusted friend or family member can:

  • Offer a comforting presence during appointments.
  • Provide moral support during challenging conversations.
  • Help reduce feelings of isolation by being physically present.

A Second Set of Ears

Medical appointments can include a lot of complex information. A support person can:

  • Take notes on what the healthcare team says.
  • Ask questions you might not think of in the moment.
  • Help recall important details later.

Practical Help

Sometimes, treatments can leave you feeling fatigued or unwell. Your support person can:

  • Assist with transportation to and from appointments.
  • Help manage paperwork or scheduling.
  • Be an advocate if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To maximize the benefit of having a support person, discuss beforehand what you hope to accomplish at your appointment. Share your concerns or questions with them so they can help keep track of the information you receive.

 

We recognize the value of having a support person during your cancer journey. Our team encourages patients to bring someone they trust to appointments for added comfort and assistance. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone—we’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.

Heart Sparing Radiation Techniques: A Comparison of Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) and Prone

January 17, 2025

Historically, two primary OARs, or organs at risk, have been identified in the treatment of breast cancer, which are the lung and the heart. Of these two organs, the heart is given higher priority for sparing. In 2013, Darby et al. published a landmark study in The New England Journal of Medicine of women who underwent radiation therapy for breast cancer between 1958 and 2001. The primary conclusion from this paper was that the mean, or average, heart dose and risk of cardiovascular events were correlated. As a result of this publication, our field has developed techniques to minimize the heart dose as aggressively as possible. 

To reduce dose to the heart, two primary methods have been utilized. These two techniques are deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) and prone treatment. Each has specific advantages and disadvantages. 

The primary advantage of DIBH is that it increases the physical distance between the heart and the breast by maximally inflating the lung. For this technique, the respiratory motion of the patient is tracked and treatments are only delivered during maximum inspiration, which is held by the patient for as long as is comfortable. Treatment is not delivered during the period of free breathing in between breath holds. This process is entirely automated by the usage of special software and infrared monitoring systems in the treatment room. As shown in the figure below, inflation of the lung pushes the chest wall away from the heart, improving cardiac sparing. As a result, there is a small increase in the amount of lung treated. On MA.20, a trial comparing breast only radiation to regional nodal irradiation, the rate of grade 2 or greater pneumonitis, or lung inflammation, in the whole breast only arm was 0.2% (1 in 500 patients). Thus, treating more lung, likely does not significantly increase the risk of side effects to the lung. Secondary advantages of this technique include increased reproducibility and patient comfort. This technique can also be used to increase heart sparing in patients undergoing regional nodal irradiation.

Another technique that is sometimes implemented to help spare the heart is prone treatment. The prone method uses a specialized treatment board in which the patient lies in the prone position with the treated breast hanging freely through a hole in the treatment board. The opposite breast is compressed and positioned laterally to avoid the incoming lateral radiation beams. This positioning is shown in the figure below. 

 

Since the breast falls away from the chest wall, the heart is more likely to be spared. While this technique may reduce heart dose compared to a free breathing supine treatment, the heart may also be affected by gravity and fall towards the treatment field with this positioning. Arguably, the best usage of prone positioning may be in the treatment of right sided breast cancer to spare more lung compared to free breathing supine. This technique is generally reserved for younger, more fit patients as achieving the desired positioning requires greater strength and coordination.  

Studies have shown that DIBH has superior ability to spare the heart compared to prone positioning. The UK HeartSpare study, which was a randomized, crossover study, compared the mean (average) heart and the left anterior descending artery doses using a supine, DIBH technique versus a prone technique. The study showed a significantly decreased mean heart dose for the DIBH method. The study was stopped early due to the significant benefit of DIBH. Patients also reported that they were more comfortable in the supine position. Overall treatment times were found to be longer and reproducibility of positioning was more difficult in the prone position.  

Taking into account the differences between DIBH and prone treatment, we have elected to treat our left-sided breast cancer patients using DIBH due to its increased heart sparing effect, greater reproducibility, increased patient comfort, and decreased treatment time. 

 If you have questions about treatment planning for your breast cancer, your physician will be more than happy to answer them. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like a consultation, please call 256-319-5400.

Unveiling the Link Between Ovarian and Prostate Cancer: BRCA Genetic Mutation Awareness

November 11, 2024

SEO

Page Title: Unveiling the Link Between Ovarian and Prostate Cancer: BRCA Genetic Mutation Awareness

Meta Description: While ovarian cancer primarily affects women and prostate cancer affects men, they share a common genetic link: the BRCA gene mutation. Delving into this connection can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards prevention and early detection.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer news, truebeam, vairan, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, prostate cancer treatment, BRCA genetic mutation

While ovarian cancer primarily affects women and prostate cancer affects men, they share a common genetic link: the BRCA gene mutation. Delving into this connection can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards prevention and early detection.

The Role of BRCA Gene Mutation

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for producing proteins that help suppress tumor formation by repairing damaged DNA. However, mutations in these genes can disrupt their function, increasing the risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Individuals with BRCA mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing these cancers compared to those without the mutation.

Awareness and Action: What You Can Do

If you have a strong family history of ovarian or prostate cancer, it’s essential to speak with your doctor about your risk factors. Consider undergoing genetic testing or genetic counseling to assess whether you carry a BRCA mutation. Early detection of BRCA mutations allows for personalized risk assessment and the implementation of early screening and other preventive measures to reduce cancer risk.

Genetic Testing and Counseling

Genetic testing involves analyzing a sample of blood or saliva to identify mutations in the BRCA genes. If a mutation is detected, genetic counseling can provide valuable information and support for individuals and their families. A genetic counselor can help interpret test results, discuss the implications of genetic mutations, and explore available options for prevention and screening.

Empowering Individuals Through Knowledge

By raising awareness of the link between ovarian and prostate cancer through the BRCA genetic mutation, we empower individuals to take control of their health. Early detection and preventive measures, such as regular screenings and lifestyle modifications, can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the burden of these diseases.

By understanding the link between ovarian and prostate cancer through the BRCA genetic mutation, we can pave the way for a future free from the burden of these devastating illnesses.

If you have a strong family history of ovarian or prostate cancer, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about genetic testing or genetic counseling. Together, we can raise awareness, promote education, and empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

If you have questions about screenings or treatment options, please reach out to our team of experts today.

Prostate Screening: New Recommendations

November 1, 2024

SEO

Page Title: Prostate Screening: New Recommendations

Meta Description: Prostate cancer is a significant health concern as the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States. The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program estimates that there will be 288,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States this year alone.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer news, truebeam, vairan, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a significant health concern as the most common non-skin cancer in men in the United States. The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program estimates that there will be 288,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States this year alone. Early detection and effective screening are crucial in managing and reducing the impact of this disease. Recently, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) released new recommendations on prostate cancer screening, aiming to optimize the benefits and minimize the harms associated with screening.

Understanding Prostate Cancer and the Importance of Screening

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It is one of the most common cancers among men, particularly affecting those over the age of 50. The progression of prostate cancer can be slow in some instances, and many men with the disease may not experience symptoms for years. However, in some cases, it can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body, making early detection vital.

Screening for prostate cancer typically involves measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Therefore, it is essential to balance the benefits of early cancer detection with the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

New Recommendations from the USPTF

The USPTF periodically reviews and updates its recommendations based on the latest research and evidence. The new guidelines for prostate cancer screening reflect a personalized approach to addressing the complexities of screening and its implications.

  1. Individualized Decision-Making for Men Aged 55-69: The USPTF now recommends that men aged 55 to 69 engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare providers regarding PSA-based screening. This approach emphasizes the importance of personalized care, taking into account the patient’s values, preferences, family history, and health history. Men in this age group should be informed about the potential benefits and harms of screening to make an informed decision that aligns with their individual circumstances.
  2. Screening Not Recommended for Men Aged 70 and Older: For men aged 70 and older, the USPTF recommends against routine PSA-based screening for prostate cancer. The potential benefits of screening in this age group are outweighed by the risks, including false positives, overdiagnosis, and complications from subsequent treatments.

Implications of the New Recommendations

The updated guidelines aim to maximize the positive outcomes of prostate cancer screening while minimizing the negative consequences. By promoting individualized decision-making, the USPTF encourages men and their healthcare providers to consider various factors, such as family history, overall health, and potential risks, before deciding on screening.

The Current State of Prostate Cancer in the US

According to the SEER program, prostate cancer remains a significant public health issue, with an estimated 288,000 new cases expected this year. This statistic underscores the importance of effective screening and early detection strategies. While the new USPTF recommendations provide a framework for informed decision-making, ongoing research and advancements in diagnostic tools and treatments are essential to continue improving outcomes for men with prostate cancer.

The new recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force represent a significant step forward in the approach to prostate cancer screening. By focusing on individualized decision-making for men aged 55 to 69 and advising against routine screening for those aged 70 and older, the guidelines seek to balance the benefits of early detection with the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. As the medical community and patients adapt to these recommendations, ongoing education and communication will be vital in ensuring that men receive the best possible care tailored to their needs. With an estimated 288,000 new cases of prostate cancer this year, continued vigilance and personalized care remain critical in the fight against this prevalent disease.

If you have questions about screenings or treatment options, please reach out to our team of experts today.

Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment

October 10, 2024

SEO

Page Title: Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment

Meta Description: Radiation therapy, when combined with surgical interventions, has been shown to significantly improve survival outcomes for women with early-stage breast cancer. Here are key findings from recent studies.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer news, truebeam, vairan, breast cancer, breast cancer treatment

At Alliance Cancer Care, our mission is to provide you with exceptional care rooted in the latest advancements in radiation oncology. We understand the importance of offering you comprehensive treatment options tailored to your individual needs. That’s why we’re committed to staying at the forefront of research and innovation in breast cancer care.

In this spirit of collaboration and shared knowledge, we’d like to share insights from recent studies that have shaped our approach to breast cancer treatment. These studies highlight the critical role of radiation therapy in improving outcomes for women with early-stage breast cancer.

Understanding the Impact of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, when combined with surgical interventions, has been shown to significantly improve survival outcomes for women with early-stage breast cancer. Here are key findings from recent studies:

1. JAMA Study (May 6, 2021)

  • Study Overview: Conducted in Sweden, this study followed 48,986 women with early-stage breast cancer treated between 2008-2017.
  • Key Findings: The study revealed that women who underwent breast conservation surgery plus radiation therapy had better overall and breast cancer-specific survival compared to those who underwent mastectomy, with or without radiation. These results underscore the importance of considering radiation therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, with the added benefits of a smaller surgery, shorter recovery, and keeping your natural breast.

2. American College of Surgeons Study (2020)

  • Study Overview: This study, conducted in Louisiana, included 18,260 women with stage I-II breast cancer treated between 2004-2016.
  • Key Findings: Mastectomy was associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and breast cancer-specific mortality compared to breast-conserving surgery. The study emphasizes the role of radiation therapy in reducing the risk of recurrence and improving long-term survival.

3. The Lancet Study (2016)

  • Study Overview: Conducted in the Netherlands, this study included 37,207 women treated between 2000-2004.
  • Key Findings: Similar to the previous studies, breast conservation surgery combined with radiation therapy was associated with better overall survival outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating radiation therapy into treatment discussions for women with early-stage breast cancer.

How We Can Help

At Alliance Cancer Care, our team of radiation oncology experts are here to guide you through every step of your breast cancer treatment journey. We understand that making decisions about your health can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to provide you with the support and information you need to feel confident in your choices.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how radiation therapy can benefit you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (256) 319-5400. We’re here to empower you with knowledge and compassion as you navigate your treatment options.

Navigating Life After Radiation Treatment

September 29, 2024

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Page Title: Navigating Life After Radiation Treatment

Meta Description: Completing radiation treatment marks a significant milestone in a patient’s cancer journey. As a patient transitions into life after treatment, it's crucial to be aware of potential long-term effects and the importance of ongoing follow-up care for both the survivor and their caregiver.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer news, truebeam, vairan, post radiation

Completing radiation treatment marks a significant milestone in a patient’s cancer journey. As a patient transitions into life after treatment, it’s crucial to be aware of potential long-term effects and the importance of ongoing follow-up care for both the survivor and their caregiver.

Short-Term Effects of Radiation Treatment

Many side effects can occur during and immediately after radiation therapy and may include the following:

  • Fatigue: Many patients experience fatigue during and immediately after radiation therapy. This tiredness can vary in intensity and may persist for several weeks or even months after treatment ends.
  • Skin Changes: Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation and changes in the treated area, such as redness, itching, and rash. These symptoms typically improve once treatment is complete, but some patients may experience long-lasting changes in skin texture and pigmentation.
  • Nausea and Appetite Changes: Some patients may experience nausea, loss of appetite, or heartburn during radiation treatment, particularly if the treatment area includes the abdomen or digestive system.
  • Hair Loss: Depending on the location of the radiation treatment, patients may experience temporary hair loss in the treated area. This hair loss is usually reversible once treatment is complete.
  • Difficulty Swallowing or Eating: Radiation therapy to the head, neck, or throat can cause difficulty swallowing or eating, as well as soreness in the mouth and throat. Patients may also experience dry mouth, taste changes or thicker saliva production. These changes can all contribute to more difficulty with eating and swallowing.

Long-Term Effects of Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy can also have long-term effects on your body. While many side effects may resolve shortly after treatment, some may persist or develop over time. These are often issues that your doctor can help address, and are treatable if brought to attention early. Common long-term effects of radiation treatment may include:

  • Radiation Fibrosis: Scarring and stiffness in the treated area, which can affect mobility and flexibility.
  • Radiation Dermatitis: Changes in skin texture, pigmentation, and sensitivity in the treated area.
  • Radiation Edema: Swelling of the area receiving radiation can cause some heaviness or discomfort, and look abnormal.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that may impact daily activities.
  • Radiation-Induced Secondary Cancers: Increased risk of developing secondary cancers in the tissues exposed to radiation, but not those that arise elsewhere in the body.

Importance of Ongoing Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are crucial for monitoring your long-term health and addressing any potential complications or concerns. Your healthcare provider will assess your overall health, perform physical exams, and may recommend imaging tests or other screenings to monitor for cancer recurrence or late effects of radiation therapy.

What to Expect During Follow-Up Visits

During your follow-up appointments, your healthcare provider may:

  • Review your medical history and discuss any changes in your health or symptoms you may be experiencing.
  • Perform a physical examination, paying particular attention to the areas that were treated with radiation.
  • Order imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to monitor for recurrent cancer, late effects of radiation therapy, or to screen for other cancers.
  • Provide guidance on managing any ongoing side effects or symptoms and offer support resources as needed.

 
A cancer survivor’s journey is a testament to their strength, resilience, and determination. As they move forward into life after radiation treatment, they should know they are not alone. Their healthcare team is here to support them every step of the way, providing comprehensive care, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate the road ahead.

Radiation Therapy Overview

August 29, 2024

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Page Title: Radiation Therapy Overview

Meta Description: Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered in different ways, and the specifics of radiation treatment depend on patient factors and the type and stage of cancer.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer news, truebeam, vairan

Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered in different ways, and the specifics of radiation treatment depend on patient factors and the type and stage of cancer. Radiation therapy has been used to treat cancer for over one hundred years; however, the past twenty years have seen enormous technologic improvements. More precision in treatment allows the radiation oncologist to better target tumors and avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in higher cure rates with fewer side effects.

How Radiation Treatment Works

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells. When the DNA in a cancer cell is damaged by radiation, the cell is unable to divide and grow. The cancer cells die, the body eliminates them, and the tumor shrinks. Radiation therapy can also affect healthy cells, but normal cells have the ability to repair any damage, but cancer cells have lost this capability. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The radiation team works together to plan each treatment customized to the patient’s tumor location, body shape, and size. Precisely targeting the radiation to the tumor will minimize damage to the surrounding normal cells.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells. When the DNA in a cancer cell is damaged by radiation, the cell is unable to divide and grow. The cancer cells die, the body eliminates them, and the tumor shrinks. Radiation therapy can also affect healthy cells that are growing and dividing on a regular basis, but they can repair themselves after radiation is complete. Common effects can include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Skin changes, such as redness, itching, and rash
  • Changes in bowel or bladder function
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hair loss in the treatment area

Side effects of radiation typically improve after treatment ends, but some may take several weeks or months to fully disappear. The radiation oncologist will monitor the patient’s progress and any side effects on a weekly basis.

Contact us today to learn more about our radiation oncology services and schedule a consultation with our experienced team. Together, we can conquer cancer with compassion, precision, and hope.

Welcoming Curtis A. Clark, Ph.D., M.D.: A New Chapter in Cancer Care at Alliance Cancer Care

July 30, 2024

Alliance Cancer Care is thrilled to announce the addition of Curtis A. Clark, Ph.D., M.D., at our Decatur clinic location. With an impressive background in cancer research, clinical expertise, and a passion for advancing cancer care, Dr. Clark brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our practice.

Dr. Curtis A. Clark, M.D., Ph.D.Meet Dr. Curtis A. Clark: A Journey of Excellence and Innovation

Dr. Curtis Clark’s journey in medicine and oncology is defined by a commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of innovation. A graduate of The University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Clark distinguished himself with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, serving as a leader in academics and athletics alike.

His academic journey continued at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he pursued a combined MD/PhD through the NIH-designated Medical Scientist Training Program. During his doctoral research, Dr. Clark delved into immune checkpoint regulation and novel therapeutic targets in cancer, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the field.

Residency training at the NCCN-designated O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama Birmingham further honed Dr. Clark’s skills and expertise in radiation oncology. As Chief Resident, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to patient care.

A Pioneer in Translational Oncology Research

Throughout his training and beyond, Dr. Clark’s passion for translational and clinical investigations in immuno-oncology has been unwavering. His research endeavors, marked by acceptance into the American Board of Radiology’s Holman Research Fellowship Pathway, have focused on harnessing the power of immunotherapy, DNA damage response signaling, and combined modality treatments with radiation therapy to improve cancer outcomes.

Dr. Clark’s contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards, high-impact research publications, and presentations at national and international conferences. He is an active member of esteemed professional societies such as ASTRO, ACRO, ABR, AACR, and AAI, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing cancer care on a global scale.

Compassionate Care and Comprehensive Treatment

At Alliance Cancer Care, Dr. Curtis Clark is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. His extensive training in cutting edge radiation treatment modalities, including SBRT, SRS, IMRT, VMAT, and HDR brachytherapy, equips him with the expertise to address any cancer type with precision and efficacy.

Dr. Clark values the multidisciplinary approach in oncology and considers it a privilege to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to offer comprehensive care to his patients. His patient-centered approach, coupled with his commitment to advancing the frontiers of cancer treatment, embodies the ethos of excellence and compassion at Alliance Cancer Care.

Life Beyond the Clinic

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Clark leads a fulfilling life with his wife and three children in the local area. In his spare time, he embraces various outdoor pursuits and enjoys traveling with his family. A shade tree mechanic and tinkerer at heart, Dr. Clark finds joy in fixing things and exploring new DIY projects.

As a musical hobbyist, Dr. Clark finds solace in playing instruments and sharing his love for music with his family. He is also a devoted pet parent, with two dogs, Ellie and Kip, and a cat that mostly ignores him. Not to forget the lively addition of a few too many backyard chickens, adding a touch of countryside charm to his home.

Join Us in Welcoming Dr. Curtis Clark

As we embark on this new chapter in cancer care, Alliance Cancer Care invites you to join us in welcoming Dr. Curtis A. Clark to our team. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, compassion, and excellence in the fight against cancer.

Welcome, Dr. Curtis Clark, to Alliance Cancer Care!

Guide to Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness

July 17, 2024

Skin cancer is a pervasive and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. 

Recent data from reputable sources such as the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization reveal alarming trends in skin cancer incidence. With cases on the rise globally, it’s crucial to stay informed about the prevalence and impact of this disease.

According to the latest statistics:

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with over 5.4 million cases diagnosed each year.
  • In the United States alone, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
  • Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is expected to affect over 106,000 individuals in 2024.
  • Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also on the rise, accounting for millions of cases annually.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness, early detection, and comprehensive treatment strategies.

Screening for Skin Cancer

Early detection remains the cornerstone of effective skin cancer management. Alliance Cancer Care advocates for proactive screening measures to identify suspicious lesions and facilitate timely interventions. Here are key screening recommendations endorsed by leading healthcare organizations:

  1. Regular Skin Self-Examinations: Individuals are encouraged to perform monthly self-examinations to monitor changes in moles, freckles, and other skin abnormalities. Any new, changing, or unusual growths should be promptly evaluated by a dermatologist.
  2. Annual Skin Checks: Routine skin examinations conducted by a qualified dermatologist are essential for detecting skin cancer at its earliest stages. During these appointments, dermatologists thoroughly assess the skin for signs of malignancy and provide personalized recommendations based on individual risk factors.
  3. Utilization of Advanced Screening Technologies: Technological advancements have revolutionized skin cancer screening, offering non-invasive methods for early detection. Techniques such as dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, and total body photography enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes.

Preventing Skin Cancer:

While early detection and timely treatment are essential in managing skin cancer, taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease. By adopting sun-safe practices and making lifestyle changes, individuals can protect their skin and safeguard their health for the long term.

  • Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Protective Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection to shield your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
  • Seek Shade: Limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV radiation is strongest. Seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies whenever possible.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we recognize the transformative power of education and support in the fight against skin cancer. Our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge, resources, and compassionate care they need to navigate their cancer journey with confidence and resilience.

TrueBeam Machine: A Game-Changer in Radiation Therapy

June 13, 2024

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Page Title: TrueBeam Machine: A Game-Changer in Radiation Therapy

Meta Description: The TrueBeam machine represents the pinnacle of modern innovation in radiation therapy, offering unparalleled precision, speed, and versatility in the delivery of radiation treatments. Equipped with advanced imaging and targeting capabilities, this revolutionary technology enables our team of radiation oncologists at Alliance Cancer Care to precisely target cancerous cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

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At Alliance Cancer Care, where we are committed to providing cutting-edge cancer treatment options to our patients. We’re excited to introduce you to one of the latest advancements in radiation oncology: the TrueBeam machine by Varian.

TrueBeam Machine: A Game-Changer in Radiation Therapy

The TrueBeam machine represents the pinnacle of modern innovation in radiation therapy, offering unparalleled precision, speed, and versatility in the delivery of radiation treatments. Equipped with advanced imaging and targeting capabilities, this revolutionary technology enables our team of radiation oncologists at Alliance Cancer Care to precisely target cancerous cells while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Advantages of TrueBeam Treatment

NONINVASIVE
There is no incision or surgery with TrueBeam radiation and no post-surgery recovery period.

FAST 
The ability to deliver higher doses of radiation at great speed allows most treatments to be given in just minutes a day.

PRECISE 
TrueBeam uses a highly sophisticated imaging system that allows doctors to “see” the tumor they’re treating in real time and target it with pinpoint precision. Even tumors that move when you breathe — in the lungs, for example — can be precisely targeted thanks to special tools that compensate for motion during a treatment.

VERSATILE 
TrueBeam can be used to deliver advanced radiotherapy or radiosurgery, giving doctors the flexibility to use whatever protocol is appropriate for your particular cancer. 
Because of its versatility, TrueBeam gives us options to treat cancers in even challenging places like the head and neck, lungs, breast, abdomen and liver.

INDIVIDUALIZED
Every tumor is different, and TrueBeam can shape the radiation beam to accurately match the size and form of most tumors regardless of their shape. It uses a device called a multileaf collimator that shapes the treatment beam precisely to match the shape of the tumor from any given treatment angle, minimizing exposure of the surrounding healthy tissue.

COMFORTABLE
A closed-circuit television system enables your radiation therapist to watch you during treatment, and two-way audio lets you talk with the therapist. TrueBeam runs so quietly, you can even listen to music during treatment to help you relax.

TRUEBEAM IS USED IN 8 OF THE TOP 10 U.S. CANCER HOSPITALS*
*As rated in US News & World Report’s 2016-17 “Best Hospitals for Cancer”

Truebeam Can Deliver Many Advanced Types of Radiotherapy

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT)
A technique in which doctors vary (or modulate) the amount of radiation that is sent to different parts of your tumor while shaping the beam to match the shape, size, and position of the targeted tumor.

Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
Uses advanced imaging that allows the clinical team to visualize and verify the exact position of your tumor both prior to and during your treatment.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
A fast treatment protocol that emits more powerful beams to treat tumors in the brain over only 1-5 sessions.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)
A technique that’s similar to SRS, used to treat tumors outside the brain.

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) i.e., RapidArc® radiotherapy
Enables treatments that once took 10-30 minutes to be delivered in less than two minutes.

Gated treatment, including Gated RapidArc
Monitors your breathing and turns the beam on only when your tumor is in the optimal position for treatment.

What Happens During TrueBean Treatment, Step By Step

Tumor Visualization, or “Simulation”
During this process, 3-D images are generated of your tumor, which enables your doctor to know its size and shape. With this information, your doctor can best determine the dose of radiation you’ll need and how to deliver it most effectively.

Treatment Planning
After the size, shape and volume of the tumor are determined, your treatment team uses sophisticated software to create a three-dimensional outline of the area of your tumor. They will then develop a detailed treatment plan that specifies the amount of radiation the tumor should receive, from what angles, and a schedule for treatment.

Treatment Delivery
A radiation therapist will guide you into the treatment room and help position you on the treatment table of the TrueBeam machine. Just prior to treatment, images will be taken so that the therapist can verify the tumor’s exact location. The therapist then leaves the room, and your treatment begins. The TrueBeam will create a radiation beam that will rotate around you. Closed-circuit television and two-way audio enable the therapist to stay in constant contact with you during treatments. The process will most likely take only a few minutes, but sometimes the first treatment takes a little longer because some additional verification for setup is required.

Follow-up Care
Once weekly after your treatment, you’ll see your doctor for a check-in. During this time, he or she will monitor your progress with treatment. This is an opportunity to ask your doctor any questions, raise concerns about any side effects or inquire about your treatments and the status of your health.

Transforming Cancer Treatment

At Alliance Cancer Care, we are thrilled to offer the TrueBeam machine as part of our comprehensive suite of cancer treatment technologies. With its unmatched precision, speed, and versatility, the TrueBeam machine is revolutionizing the way we deliver radiation therapy, enabling us to provide our patients with the highest standard of care. We are excited to have this cutting-edge technology in our facilities, empowering our team to deliver innovative treatments with confidence and precision.

Empowering Patients with Cutting-Edge Technology

As we continue to advance the field of radiation oncology, our commitment to innovation remains unwavering. With the TrueBeam machine, we are proud to empower our patients with state-of-the-art technology that offers new hope and possibilities in the fight against cancer. At Alliance Cancer Care, we’re not just treating cancer—we’re revolutionizing cancer care, one patient at a time.

Experience the difference of TrueBeam technology at Alliance Cancer Care. Contact us today to learn more about our radiation oncology services and schedule a consultation with our experienced team. Together, we can conquer cancer with compassion, precision, and hope.

Elevating Patient Care at Our Decatur Clinic

April 9, 2024

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Page Title: News from Alliance Cancer Care

Meta Description: This will include the installation of a cutting-edge new radiation treatment machine, TrueBeam by Varian. These enhancements mark a significant step forward in our commitment to offering state-of-the-art radiation oncology services.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer news, survivor events

In the pursuit of providing the highest quality care to our patients, here at Alliance Cancer Care we are thrilled to announce a transformative renovation project at our Decatur location. This will include the installation of a cutting-edge new radiation treatment machine, TrueBeam by Varian. These enhancements mark a significant step forward in our commitment to offering state-of-the-art radiation oncology services.

The Vision for Transformation

At Alliance Cancer Care, our primary focus has always been on patient care and comfort. Our renovation project at our Decatur location stems from a desire to create an environment that fosters healing, reassurance, and trust. The updated clinic design aims to provide a welcoming and serene atmosphere, while the integration of advanced technology continues to maintain the high quality of treatments we offer.

Introducing the TrueBeam Treatment Machine

One of the highlights of our renovation is the addition of the state-of-the-art treatment machine, the TrueBeam, developed by Varian. This cutting-edge technology represents a new standard in radiation therapy, offering faster delivery of precise and accurate radiation that enhances treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Benefits of the TrueBeam Treatment Machine:

  • Enhanced Precision: The TrueBeam machine utilizes cutting-edge image guidance and motion tracking technology to ensure highly precise delivery of radiation therapy, targeting the tumor with remarkable accuracy.

  • Reduced Treatment Duration: TrueBeam’s efficient treatment capabilities enable shorter treatment sessions, minimizing the time patients spend undergoing radiation therapy while maintaining effectiveness.

  • Mitigated Side Effects: By precisely targeting the tumor and sparing surrounding healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation exposure, TrueBeam helps minimize adverse side effects, enhancing patients’ overall well-being and comfort during treatment.

  • Customized Treatment Approach: TrueBeam enables clinicians to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s specific characteristics and needs, allowing for personalized and optimized therapeutic outcomes.

  • Advanced Versatility: The TrueBeam machine offers a wide range of treatment options, accommodating various types of cancer and enabling clinicians to adapt treatment strategies as needed throughout the course of therapy, ensuring comprehensive and effective care.

Renovated Clinic Experience

The renovation to our Decatur clinic also includes changes to our physical space, designed to create a soothing and comfortable environment. From calming color schemes to ergonomic waiting areas, every aspect of our clinic has been carefully considered to contribute to your overall well-being.

Continuing Patient-Centric Care

While our clinic has undergone a transformation, one thing that remains constant is our unwavering commitment to you, our valued patients. Our caring and experienced team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, ensuring that your journey through radiation therapy is as comfortable and positive as possible.

As we embark on this exciting chapter, we invite you to join us in celebrating the future of cutting-edge oncology care – where your health and well-being are always at the heart of what we do.

If you have any questions please contact our team at 256-355-0370.

Uniting for Your Wellbeing in Radiation Oncology

April 9, 2024

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Page Title: Uniting for Your Wellbeing in Radiation Oncology

Meta Description: Explore the incredible teamwork that takes place within the radiation oncology team and how their collaborative efforts contribute to your overall wellbeing and healing journey.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me

In the world of cancer treatment, collaboration and teamwork are not just words; they’re guiding principles that ensure you receive the best care possible. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of radiation oncology. Explore the incredible teamwork that takes place within the radiation oncology team and how their collaborative efforts contribute to your overall wellbeing and healing journey.

The Radiation Oncology Team: A Unified Force

The radiation oncology team is a multidisciplinary group of professionals who work together seamlessly to provide you with comprehensive care. Their combined expertise ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and offers the best chances of successful outcomes.

Meet the Team:

  • Radiation Oncologist: Your physician who specializes in recommending medical treatment, creating your treatment plan and overseeing your radiation therapy journey.

  • Radiation Therapists: These skilled professionals administer your daily radiation treatments, ensuring precision and accuracy.

  • Medical Physicists: As experts in radiation physics, they ensure that the radiation equipment delivers the correct dose to target areas while sparing healthy tissues.

  • Dosimetrists: These professionals use computer software programs to calculate the optimal radiation dose distribution for your treatment plan under guidance from your physician.

  • Nurses: Trained medical caregivers who assist your physician with overseeing your radiation treatment journey and managing side effects.

  • Support Staff: Compassionate caregivers who provide you with guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance throughout your journey.

Our Collaboration: How It Benefits You

  • Personalized Treatment: Collaborating on your case allows the team to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This ensures the most effective and precise radiation delivery.

  • Precision and Safety: Medical physicists work with the radiation therapists to calibrate and verify the equipment, ensuring that your treatments are safe and accurate.

  • Quality Assurance: Our teams’ collaborative efforts include regular quality checks to ensure that treatments are consistent and adhere to the highest standards.

  • Comprehensive Support: Nurses and support staff are there to address your concerns, provide emotional support, and offer guidance throughout your treatment journey.

  • Continuous Learning: The team’s collaboration extends beyond your case, as they engage in continuous education and training to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements.

You’re Not Alone: Navigating Your Journey Together

One of the most heartening aspects of the radiation oncology team is their commitment to your wellbeing. You’re not just a patient – you’re a person with unique needs, fears, and hopes. The team works collectively to ensure that you’re not alone in this journey, providing support every step of the way.

The radiation oncology team is a testament to the power of collaboration. Their diverse expertise, shared knowledge, and dedication to your wellbeing create a synergy that ultimately benefits you – the heart of their efforts. As you embark on your radiation therapy journey, remember that this team is here for you, united in their mission to provide you with the best care possible. Their collaboration is a testament to their commitment to your healing and your journey toward renewed health and vitality.

Separating Cancer Myths from Facts

March 6, 2024

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Page Title: Separating Cancer Myths from Facts

Meta Description: A few missed days of treatments are not significantly impacting the efficacy of therapy. Missing consecutive weeks of radiation therapy is strongly discouraged, as this may provide an opportunity for cancer cells to regroup and become more resistant.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me

Cancer is a complex and often misunderstood disease, surrounded by a multitude of myths that can create confusion and anxiety. In order to empower individuals with accurate information, it’s essential to separate cancer myths from facts. Here are the top myths we hear related to a cancer diagnosis.

Myth 1: Cancer is Always Fatal

Fact: While cancer can be a serious and life-threatening disease, not all cancers are fatal. Early detection, advances in precision cancer treatment, and supportive care have significantly improved survival rates for many types of cancer. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes. The prognosis varies depending on factors such as cancer type, stage, and overall health. Be sure to discuss screening for cancer with your doctor at your next visit.

Myth 2: Cancer is Contagious

Fact: Cancer is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted through physical contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, or even sexual activity. Cancer develops due to changes in a person’s own cells and is not caused by exposure to another person with cancer.

Myth 3: Only Smoking Causes Lung Cancer

Fact: While smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, it’s not the only cause. Non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to factors like exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, and genetic predisposition. Smoking also increases the risk of other cancers, including bladder cancer, gynecologic cancer, and head and neck cancers.

Myth 4: Cancer is Caused by Bad Luck or a Single Factor

Fact: Cancer is a multifactorial disease influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While some cases may be due to genetic mutations or chance, many cancers can be prevented or managed through adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding known risk factors.

Myth 5: Cancer Treatment Always Causes Severe Side Effects

Fact: While cancer treatments can have side effects, not everyone experiences severe symptoms. Advances in treatment techniques, medications, and supportive care have led to better management of side effects, and many patients tolerate treatment well.

Myth 6: Alternative Therapies Can Cure Cancer

Fact: Alternative therapies may have some benefits in managing symptoms or improving quality of life, but they are not proven substitutes for conventional medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. It’s crucial to discuss any complementary or alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.

Myth 7: Cancer Doesn’t Run in My Family, So I Don’t Need to Worry.

Fact: Most cancers will occur in patients who have no family history of relatives with cancer. Therefore, screening is still essential, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. With early detection and appropriate treatment, many individuals with cancer go on to live healthy, productive lives.

Myth 8: Superfoods Can Prevent or Cure Cancer

Fact: While a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is beneficial for overall health, there is no single food or superfood that can prevent or cure cancer on its own. A balanced diet, along with other healthy lifestyle choices, contributes to cancer prevention.

Myth 9: Cancer Can Spread When It Hits Air

Fact: Exposure to air does not cause the spread of cancer throughout the body. In fact, cancer typically spreads through the lymphatics or blood stream. Many cancers require surgery as a part of treatment for a possible cure. You should seek care with an experienced surgeon who is able to perform appropriate procedures to reduce your chances of cancer coming back, and guides you with any additional recommendations for treatment.

Myth 10: Eating Sugar Will Make My Cancer Grow

Fact: Sugar is a basic nutrient that is essential for your brain, heart, and liver for normal function. While cancer cells use sugar preferentially compared to normal cells, there are no studies that show eating sugar will make your cancer worse. Conversely, there are no studies that prove that stopping eating sugar will make your cancer disappear or shrink. A healthy diet is essential during your cancer diagnosis and treatment, and we encourage a healthy lifestyle with exercise and good nutrition and hydration for all cancer patients.

Dispelling cancer myths is essential to fostering a clear understanding of the disease and making well-informed decisions about your health. By arming yourself with accurate information, you can navigate your cancer journey with confidence and take proactive steps towards prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. Remember that your healthcare provider is a reliable source of information, and seeking their guidance is crucial for making the best choices for your individual health needs.

Harnessing Molecular Testing for Endometrial Cancer

January 24, 2024

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Page Title: Harnessing Molecular Testing for Endometrial Cancer

Meta Description: Endometrial cancer is a complex disease with varying subtypes that require tailored treatment approaches. Thanks to advancements in medical science, molecular testing has emerged as a powerful tool in guiding treatment decisions for endometrial cancer patients

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, cancer side effects

Endometrial cancer is a complex disease with varying subtypes that require tailored treatment approaches. Thanks to advancements in medical science, molecular testing has emerged as a powerful tool in guiding treatment decisions for endometrial cancer patients.

Understanding Molecular Testing

What Is Molecular Testing? Molecular testing involves analyzing the genetic makeup of cancer cells to identify specific characteristics. This information helps healthcare providers better understand the tumor’s behavior (aggressive or non-aggressive) and design personalized treatment plans.

Why Is Molecular Testing Important? Endometrial cancer is not a single entity but comprises multiple different subtypes with distinct biological features. Molecular testing allows oncologists to categorize tumors based on their molecular profile, aiding in making informed treatment decisions.

How Molecular Testing Impacts Radiation Therapy:

  • Stratifying Risk: Molecular testing can identify high-risk features within a tumor, allowing for better understanding of its aggressive behavior. This information assists in determining the appropriate treatment approach.

  • Predicting Recurrence: Certain molecular markers can provide insights into the likelihood of cancer recurrence. This knowledge guides chemotherapy and radiation therapy decisions, ensuring that aggressive treatments are reserved for cases with a higher risk of recurrence.

  • Guiding Treatment Intensity: Molecular testing helps differentiate between tumors that require intensive treatment and those that may respond well to less aggressive approaches. This prevents over-treatment and minimizes unnecessary side effects.

The Benefits of Molecular-Guided Radiation Therapy

  • Personalized Care: Molecular testing enables healthcare providers to personalize cancer therapy based on your tumor’s unique characteristics, ensuring the treatment is tailored to your specific needs.

  • Minimized Side Effects: Tailoring treatment based on molecular information helps avoid overtreatment or undertreatment. This means more appropriate care for your individual situation.

Molecular testing represents a groundbreaking leap in the field of endometrial cancer treatment. By analyzing the genetic makeup of tumors, healthcare providers can determine the most appropriate treatment strategies, minimizing risks and maximizing efficacy. If you’re an endometrial cancer patient, discussing the potential benefits of molecular testing with your healthcare team is an essential step toward informed decision-making. This innovative approach  promises more effective treatments with fewer adverse effects, ultimately improving the quality of life for those undergoing radiation therapy and underscores the commitment to providing you with the best possible care and outcomes on your journey toward healing.

The Impact of Missing Radiation Treatment

January 17, 2024

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Meta Description: A few missed days of treatments are not significantly impacting the efficacy of therapy. Missing consecutive weeks of radiation therapy is strongly discouraged, as this may provide an opportunity for cancer cells to regroup and become more resistant.

In the realm of cancer treatment, consistency is key. Unfortunately, inclement weather can disrupt the delicate balance that patients strive to maintain during their radiation therapy.  Missing a session is both disappointing and inconvenient. It delays the finish date you have been looking forward to! Your team at Alliance Cancer Care is working to keep you on schedule and help you ring the bell for your final treatment!

It is important to know that radiation therapy relies on a carefully planned schedule to target cancer cells effectively. Ideally, radiation is paced to kill sensitive cancer cells and spare normal cells from radiation damage. We frequently deliver radiation 5 times a week, or in daily treatments. In most cases, a few missed days of treatments are not significantly impacting the efficacy of therapy. Missing consecutive weeks of radiation therapy is strongly discouraged, as this may provide an opportunity for cancer cells to regroup and become more resistant. Weather-related disruptions can lead to treatment delays that are unlikely to impact your treatment efficacy. However, if necessary, your doctor may discuss adjusting your radiation treatments to account for the unpredicted interruptions caused by weather.

Your team at Alliance Cancer Care is here to help you navigate the anxiety and stress that comes with radiation treatment, especially with unanticipated weather related events and changes. We will see you as soon as safely possible!

Understanding Radiation for Gynecologic Cancers

January 9, 2024

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Meta Description: Gynecologic cancers encompass a range of malignancies affecting the reproductive organs in women. When it comes to treatment, radiation therapy plays a significant role in endometrial cancer, the most common type, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancers.

Gynecologic cancers encompass a range of malignancies affecting the reproductive organs in women. When it comes to treatment, radiation therapy plays a significant role in endometrial cancer, the most common type, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancers. Two key types of radiation therapy—external beam radiation and brachytherapy—offer distinct approaches to curative treatment. Both types of radiation are painless- meaning you cannot feel the radiation treatment itself.

External Beam Radiation: A Broad Approach

Definition: External beam radiation delivers high-energy rays from an external source, like a flashlight, directed to the targeted area. It’s often used to treat a larger area, where microscopic cancer cells may be present, and often is used to help start to shrink the primary tumor, sometimes together with chemotherapy.

How it Works: During external beam radiation, a machine (linear accelerator) directs beams of radiation precisely at the target area. These beams reach the tumor from outside the body.

Usage in Gynecologic Cancer: External beam radiation is commonly used to treat gynecologic cancers that are larger or involve a widespread area, such as cervical, vulvar, or uterine cancer. It’s effective for targeting cancer cells within the pelvis and surrounding regions containing lymph nodes.

Brachytherapy: A Focused Approach

Definition: Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiation, involves placing a radiation source directly inside or very close to the tumor. “Brachy” comes from the Greek word for “short”. By definition, the radiation will only travel a few millimeters away from the source, and can deliver radiation from inside-to-outside. It’s used to deliver a high dose of radiation to a specific area while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

How it Works: In brachytherapy, a radioactive source is placed or inserted using various methods, such as intracavitary (inside a body cavity) or interstitial (directly into tissue) placement. This allows for a concentrated dose of radiation precisely where it’s needed.

Usage in Gynecologic Cancer: Brachytherapy is particularly effective for treating gynecologic cancers located in or near body cavities, such as cervical, vaginal, and endometrial cancers. It provides targeted radiation to the tumor site while sparing surrounding tissues.

Curative Treatment: A Collaborative Effort

Both external beam radiation and brachytherapy are crucial components of curative treatment for gynecologic cancers. Often, these methods are used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or each other, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

Advantages of Combined Treatment:

  • Precision: The combination of external beam radiation and brachytherapy offers precise treatment, maximizing the chances of eliminating cancer cells.
  • Comprehensive Approach: Using multiple treatment options and techniques helps kill cancer cells with various advantages.
  • Personalized Care: Treatment plans are tailored to individual patients, ensuring the most effective approach for their specific case.

Both external beam and brachytherapy radiation play unique and vital roles in curative treatment for gynecologic cancers, working together to increase the chances of successful outcomes. If you’re facing gynecologic cancer, discussing these options with your healthcare team will help you make informed decisions and navigate your path toward healing with confidence.

Embracing a New Year of Wellness: Healthy Goals for Cancer Patients

December 27, 2023

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Meta Description: As the new year unfolds, it brings with it a fresh opportunity to prioritize your well-being and set healthy goals. For cancer patients, embracing a holistic approach to health can have a positive impact on both your physical and emotional state.

As the new year unfolds, it brings with it a fresh opportunity to prioritize your well-being and set healthy goals. For cancer patients, embracing a holistic approach to health can have a positive impact on both your physical and emotional state. Here are some achievable and meaningful healthy goals for the new year, which you can tailor to your unique journey:

1. Prioritize Nutrition

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your overall health, especially during and after cancer treatment. Set a goal to nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that supports your needs.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Physical activity can help improve your strength, energy levels, and overall well-being. Set achievable goals for staying active, whether it’s through gentle stretching exercises, yoga, walking, bicycling, swimming, or other activities that suit your condition and preferences.

3. Prioritize Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for healing and rejuvenation. Establish a bedtime routine and create a peaceful sleep environment to ensure you’re getting the rest you need.

4. Practice Stress Management

Coping with cancer can be emotionally challenging. Set a goal to incorporate stress-reducing practices into your routine, such as meditation, prayer, deep breathing exercises, or journaling.

5. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to maintaining your health. Make it a goal to drink an adequate amount of water each day to support your body’s functions.

6. Connect and Communicate

Setting a goal to maintain or strengthen your connections with loved ones is essential. Prioritize meaningful conversations, spend quality time together, and lean on your support network when needed.

7. Embrace Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves savoring your meals, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, and enjoying the sensory experience of eating. This approach can help you make healthier choices and enhance your relationship with food.

8. Set Realistic Goals

When setting goals, ensure they are realistic and attainable. Start with small steps and gradually build upon your achievements. Celebrate your progress along the way.

9. Focus on Positive Self-Care

Make a commitment to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, or pursuing creative hobbies, prioritize self-care that feeds your soul.

10. Seek Professional Guidance

If you’re unsure about the best healthy goals for your specific situation, consult with your healthcare team. They can provide personalized recommendations that take into account your current health status and treatment plan.

As a cancer patient, you have shown incredible resilience and strength. Embracing healthy goals for the new year is a way to further empower yourself on your journey to wellness. By focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and self-care, you’re taking proactive steps to enhance your overall well-being. Remember that these goals are a reflection of your commitment to your health and a testament to your determination to lead a fulfilling life. May the new year bring you renewed vitality, joy, and the knowledge that you are capable of achieving your wellness aspirations.

Dr. McCormick Retiring after 19 Years

December 21, 2023

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Meta Description: For nearly two decades, Dr. McCormick has been the heart and soul of our center in Decatur, offering unwavering support to patients facing the challenges of cancer. Her compassionate care has left an indelible mark on both colleagues and patients alike.

Join us in congratulating Dr. McCormick on her retirement after 19 years in Radiation Oncology!

For nearly two decades, Dr. McCormick has been the heart and soul of our center in Decatur, offering unwavering support to patients facing the challenges of cancer. Her compassionate care has left an indelible mark on both colleagues and patients alike.

As we say goodbye to Dr. McCormick, we celebrate the countless lives she has touched and the resilience she instilled in her patients.

We express our deepest gratitude to Dr. McCormick for her years of service. Dr. McCormick’s last day is December 22nd, 2023. As she prepares to retire you can rest assured that our care will continue seamlessly under the capable hands of our other six physicians at Alliance Cancer Care. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our care team at 256.319.5400.

Navigating End-of-Life Matters with Compassion and Support

December 21, 2023

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Meta Description: We aim to offer guidance, insights, and resources to help you navigate these sensitive conversations and experiences with compassion and understanding.

Coping with end-of-life issues is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of the cancer journey, both for patients and their caregivers or families. While it’s a topic that can evoke a range of emotions, it’s important to approach it with open hearts and a willingness to provide comfort and support. We aim to offer guidance, insights, and resources to help you navigate these sensitive conversations and experiences with compassion and understanding.

Creating a Safe Space for Conversations

End-of-life matters can be difficult to discuss, but open communication is essential. As caregivers, families, and patients, strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where thoughts, feelings, and fears can be shared without reservation.

Advance Care Planning

Engaging in advance care planning involves documenting a patient’s wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care. It provides a clear roadmap for medical decisions if the patient is unable to communicate. These plans offer peace of mind for both patients and families. This can be done prior to a terminal diagnosis, and updated as needed.

Empowering Patient Autonomy

Respect the patient’s wishes and preferences. Engage in discussions about their values, priorities, and goals. Encourage them to express their thoughts on medical interventions, pain management, and their wishes for their final moments. Try not to impart your own thoughts or preferences onto the patient.

The Role of Palliative and Hospice Care

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. Hospice care, on the other hand, provides comfort and support for patients in their final stages of life. Hospice care can be outpatient (in the home) or inpatient (in the hospital). These specialized services offer both patients and families a support system that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Self-Care and Emotional Support for Caregivers and Families

Caregivers and families often carry a significant emotional burden during this time. It’s crucial to take care of yourself and seek emotional support when you are struggling. Counseling, support groups, and connecting with friends who have experienced similar situations can provide solace.

Legacy Projects and End-of-Life Celebrations

Consider engaging in legacy projects or activities that provide meaning and purpose. These could include compiling memoirs, recording messages, or creating meaningful keepsakes. Celebrating the patient’s life through gatherings or events that honor their journey can be a source of comfort for all involved.

Grief and Bereavement Support

Grieving is a natural process, and it’s essential to allow yourself and your loved ones to feel and process these emotions. Grief support groups, counseling, and even online forums can provide a sense of connection and understanding during this challenging time.

Facing end-of-life matters is an emotionally taxing experience, but you are not alone. Whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, remember that support systems and resources are available to help you navigate this journey with compassion, dignity, and respect. By approaching these issues with open communication, seeking emotional support, and engaging in legacy projects, you can create a meaningful and comforting atmosphere that respects the patient’s wishes and provides solace for all involved.

Breaking Barriers: Exciting Cancer Advancements in 2023

December 14, 2023

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Meta Description: The landscape of cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with breakthroughs and advancements offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. As we end 2023, it's essential for cancer patients and their loved ones to stay informed about the latest oncology research and developments.

The landscape of cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with breakthroughs and advancements offering hope and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. As we end 2023, it’s essential for cancer patients and their loved ones to stay informed about the latest oncology research and developments. Here is a glimpse into the exciting cancer advancements that have emerged this year, highlighting the positive impact they have on the future of cancer care.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

One of the most remarkable trends in cancer advancements is the continued emphasis on personalized treatment approaches. Scientists are increasingly unraveling the genetic and molecular intricacies of various cancers, enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatments to individual patients and their individual tumor subtype. This precision medicine approach enhances treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Immunotherapy Revolution

Immunotherapy has gained incredible momentum in recent years, and 2023 is no exception. Novel immunotherapies are being developed to harness the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. These therapies hold promise for various cancer types and have shown impressive results in extending survival and improving quality of life.

Liquid Biopsies for Early Detection

Advancements in liquid biopsy technology have the potential to revolutionize cancer detection for certain cancer types. These non-invasive tests analyze fragments of DNA released by tumors into the bloodstream, providing early insights into cancer presence and progression. This approach could lead to earlier diagnoses and more effective interventions.

Supportive Care Innovations

Cancer care goes beyond medical treatments, and advancements in supportive care are enhancing patients’ overall quality of life. Research has even shown that optimal supportive care helps patients live longer with cancer. From improved pain management techniques to innovative psychosocial support programs, holistic approaches are being integrated into cancer care plans.

Global Collaboration and Research

In 2023, collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies is stronger than ever. This global synergy accelerates the pace of discovery, allowing for rapid advancements in cancer research and the development of novel therapies.

The cancer advancements in 2023 are a testament to the unwavering dedication of the medical and research communities to improving patient outcomes. As a cancer patient, it’s important to stay informed about these developments, discuss them with your healthcare team, and explore how they might shape your treatment journey. While challenges still exist, the progress we’re witnessing in the field of cancer care offers hope and reaffirms the commitment to a future where cancer can be managed more effectively and patients can lead healthier, longer lives.

Thriving Beyond Radiation: Embracing Life After Cancer

December 5, 2023

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Meta Description: Completing radiation therapy marks a significant milestone in your cancer journey. As a cancer survivor, you've shown incredible strength and resilience, and now, a new chapter begins.

Completing radiation therapy marks a significant milestone in your cancer journey. As a cancer survivor, you’ve shown incredible strength and resilience, and now, a new chapter begins – life after cancer treatment. Here is a list that offers recommendations and suggestions on how to embrace your wellbeing and flourish in the precious moments that lie ahead.

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Now is the time to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that nourish your body and soul, whether it’s practicing yoga, taking nature walks, or enjoying a relaxing bath. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s an essential part of your healing journey.

2. Celebrate Milestones

Every day you wake up as a cancer survivor is a milestone worth celebrating. Mark these moments in meaningful ways, whether it’s journaling your thoughts, enjoying a special meal, or spending quality time with loved ones.

3. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

Nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Engage in regular physical activity to boost your energy levels and overall well-being. Remember, small positive changes can make a big impact on your health.

4. Connect with Support Groups

Engaging with fellow cancer survivors can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding that’s unparalleled. Sharing your experiences, challenges, and triumphs can foster a strong support network that uplifts you. You may be a mentor or support person for a future cancer patient, also.

5. Address Emotional Health

The emotional aftermath of cancer treatment can be complex, particularly with anxiety. Consider speaking to a therapist or counselor who specializes in post-cancer care. Addressing your emotional health is a crucial step toward healing.

6. Set Realistic Goals

As you transition into life after treatment, set achievable goals that align with your aspirations. These goals can be as simple as trying a new hobby, reconnecting with old friends, or planning a dream vacation.

7. Cultivate Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present and grateful. Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as meditation, prayer, deep breathing exercises, or simply savoring the taste of your favorite meal.

8. Engage in Creative Expression

Art, music, writing – creative outlets provide a channel for self-expression and can be therapeutic. They allow you to process your emotions and find joy in the process.

9. Regular Follow-Up Care

Continued follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are essential. These appointments help monitor your health, address any concerns, and ensure that you’re on the right track to continued well-being.

10. Seize the Moment

You’ve overcome incredible odds, and each day is a testament to your strength. Embrace life with an open heart, savoring the beauty in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

Life after radiation treatment is an opportunity to embrace the gift of life with renewed gratitude and purpose. As you move forward, remember that you’re not defined by your past, but rather by the strength and resilience you’ve shown. Embrace the journey, cherish each moment, and know that you have the power to shape a vibrant and fulfilling life after cancer. Your story is one of triumph, and the world is ready for the chapters you’ll continue to write.

Shedding Light on Lung Cancer Treatment: Understanding Radiation Therapy

November 28, 2023

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Meta Description: Radiation therapy, including SBRT and conventional radiation treatment, plays a crucial role in lung cancer treatment. It offers effective options for managing tumors, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing overall quality of life.

A lung cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but advancements in medical treatments offer hope for effective care. Radiation therapy is a critical component in treating many stages of lung cancer. Radiation can be given in various forms, commonly including Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and conventional radiation treatment.

Radiation Therapy in Lung Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be used to precisely target small lung tumors to kill cancer, eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery, work in combination with chemotherapy to cure lung cancer, or manage symptoms in cases where a cure isn’t possible. For lung cancer, radiation therapy can be a standalone treatment or part of a comprehensive approach involving surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.

Conventional Radiation Treatment

Conventional radiation treatment involves delivering radiation from outside the body using a machine called a linear accelerator. Treatment is delivered as an outpatient, takes only minutes, and is completely painless. Radiation is often used in combination with chemotherapy, which sensitizes the cells to die from radiation. This approach is used for larger tumors or when the cancer is spread throughout the lung. Radiation given with chemotherapy is delivered in smaller doses over several sessions to minimize damage to healthy tissue.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

SBRT is a form of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor with extreme precision. This approach is suitable for smaller lung tumors when surgery isn’t an option. SBRT typically involves fewer sessions, often just 3 to 5, making it a convenient and effective choice for appropriate patients.

Benefits of Radiation Therapy in Lung Cancer

  • Local Treatment: Radiation therapy focuses on the tumor site, sparing surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible.

  • Minimized Invasiveness: For patients who can’t undergo surgery, radiation therapy offers a less invasive alternative, often with similar cure rates.

  • Combined Approach: Radiation therapy can complement other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, providing a comprehensive strategy. Your healthcare team will work together to design a plan most appropriate for you.

  • Palliative Care: In advanced cases, radiation therapy can help alleviate symptoms such as pain and difficulty breathing.

Potential Side Effects

Radiation therapy can have side effects, but they’re often manageable. Most patients are able to drive themselves to appointments, and continue normal daily activities, including working. Common side effects may include fatigue, difficulty swallowing, and temporary chest discomfort. These are temporary, and resolve after treatment. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress and offer strategies to alleviate these effects.

Radiation therapy, including SBRT and conventional radiation treatment, plays a crucial role in lung cancer treatment. It offers effective options for managing tumors, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing overall quality of life. By working closely with your healthcare team and understanding the nuances of radiation therapy, you’re taking an active role in your lung cancer treatment journey, moving forward with strength, hope, and the assurance that modern medical science is on your side.

To learn more contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

Navigating the Holiday Season: A Guide for Cancer Patients

November 23, 2023

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Meta Description: The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for cancer patients who are living with the disease or undergoing treatment, this time of year can bring unique challenges.

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for cancer patients who are living with the disease or undergoing treatment, this time of year can bring unique challenges. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and that there are ways to navigate the holiday season with resilience, embracing the moments of warmth and connection that can still be cherished. Here are some suggestions to help you through this season:

1. Prioritize Self-Care

During the holidays, it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a favorite movie, or practicing relaxation techniques.

2. Set Realistic Expectations

It’s okay to adjust your expectations during this time. Focus on what feels manageable and comfortable for you. Don’t feel pressured to participate in every activity or event if it doesn’t align with your energy levels. Accept a new normal that accommodates your current abilities and limitations.

3. Communicate Openly

Communicate with your loved ones about how you’re feeling. Let them know your needs and boundaries. They will likely understand and appreciate your honesty.

4. Create New Traditions

If traditional holiday activities feel overwhelming, consider creating new traditions that cater to your current circumstances. It could be a simple activity at home, a quiet moment of reflection, or a small gathering with close family and friends.

5. Accept Help and Support

Allow your loved ones to help and support you. Whether it’s assistance with meal preparation, shopping, or chores, accepting help can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your well-being.

6. Embrace Virtual Connections

If travel or in-person gatherings aren’t feasible, embrace virtual connections. Technology allows you to connect with family and friends from the comfort of your home, ensuring you can still experience the warmth of togetherness.

7. Practice Gratitude

Despite the challenges, finding moments of gratitude can be uplifting. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, the support you have, and the moments that bring a smile to your face.

8. Be Gentle with Yourself

Coping with cancer during the holidays is a unique experience. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge your emotions. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions – sadness, hope, nostalgia – and allow yourself the space to process them.

9. Seek Emotional Support

If you find yourself struggling emotionally, consider seeking emotional support. Counseling, support groups, and connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can provide comfort and understanding.

10. Focus on the Meaning

Ultimately, the holiday season is about connecting with loved ones and cherishing meaningful moments. Focus on the essence of the season – love, gratitude, and connection – and find solace in those moments.

The holiday season may bring its share of challenges for cancer patients, but it also holds opportunities for meaningful connections and moments of joy. By prioritizing self-care, communicating openly, and embracing new traditions, you can navigate this season with resilience and grace. Remember that you are surrounded by a community of support, and your strength shines even brighter during this time. May your holiday season be filled with moments of warmth, connection, and the knowledge that you are cherished and valued.

Cancer Awareness

November 15, 2023

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Page Title: Benefits of Breast Conservation Therapy

Meta Description: Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT), offers hope to patients by preserving the breast while effectively treating cancer. Also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, involves surgically removing the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue.

At Alliance Cancer Care we aim to raise awareness and understanding of various cancer types to encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. To fight cancer we deliver radiation treatment using state-of-the-art technology and machinery to deliver high quality treatments to provide a customized treatment plan for an individual’s unique needs.

By exploring the significance of ribbon colors for cancer we can bring awareness to the community. Each ribbon color symbolizes a specific cancer, and together, they represent the diverse range of individuals affected by this disease. Join us in the fight against cancer by learning about these ribbons and the hope, support, and unity they represent.

Pink Ribbon – Breast Cancer

The pink ribbon is perhaps the most well-known cancer awareness ribbon. It symbolizes breast cancer awareness. Together, we advocate for early detection, support patients, and strive for a cure.

Blue Ribbon – Prostate Cancer

The light blue ribbon is the emblem of prostate cancer awareness. Let’s spread knowledge about early detection and the importance of regular screenings for all the men in our lives.

Lavender Ribbon – All Cancers

Lavender represents general cancer awareness. This color acknowledges all cancer types and the ongoing efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease. Together, we support everyone affected by cancer.

Orange Ribbon – Leukemia

The orange ribbon signifies leukemia awareness. Let’s stand together to support those battling blood cancers and work towards advancements in treatment.

Purple Ribbon – Pancreatic Cancer

The purple ribbon is the symbol for pancreatic cancer awareness. Join us in raising awareness about this challenging disease and advocating for research and early detection.

Gold Ribbon – Childhood Cancer

Gold represents childhood cancer awareness. Let’s shine a light on the youngest warriors and support their courageous battles against cancer.

Teal Ribbon – Ovarian Cancer

The teal ribbon is a symbol of ovarian cancer awareness. Together, we promote early detection and provide support to those affected by this type of cancer.

Grey Ribbon – Brain Cancer

Grey symbolizes brain cancer awareness. Let’s increase understanding and support for individuals and families affected by this complex disease.

Red Ribbon – AIDS/HIV

While not a cancer, the red ribbon is often associated with AIDS/HIV awareness. It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight against this global health crisis.

 

By understanding the significance of ribbon colors, we can show our support, encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. Join our team in the fight against this devastating disease. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those affected by cancer.

A Guide for Radiation Patient Caregivers

November 14, 2023

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Meta Description: Being a caregiver to a loved one undergoing radiation therapy is a compassionate and vital role. November is Caregiver Awareness Month, and we want to honor and recognize the fantastic caregivers we see with our patients every day.

Being a caregiver to a loved one undergoing radiation therapy is a compassionate and vital role. November is Caregiver Awareness Month, and we want to honor and recognize the fantastic caregivers we see with our patients every day. Your support plays a significant role in their journey toward recovery. While the experience might feel overwhelming at times, there are ways to navigate this journey with grace and understanding. Listed below are valuable recommendations and resources to help you provide the best care and support possible.

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding the basics of radiation therapy, or any cancer therapy, its potential side effects, and the treatment schedule can help you anticipate and address your loved one’s needs. Attend medical appointments when possible and ask questions to clarify any uncertainties. Good communication with your healthcare team helps everyone!

2. Create a Supportive Environment

Make your home a comfortable and soothing space for your loved one to recover. Consider their preferences, whether it’s having cozy blankets, favorite snacks, or calming music on hand.

3. Be a Good Listener

Radiation therapy can bring about a range of emotions. Be there to listen without judgment and provide a safe space for your loved one to express their feelings and concerns.

4. Manage Practical Tasks

Help with practical tasks such as transportation to appointments, meal preparation, and managing medications. Taking care of these responsibilities allows your loved one to focus on their recovery.

5. Encourage Self-Care

Remind your loved one to prioritize self-care, which might involve resting, staying hydrated, and engaging in gentle physical activity. Offer to participate in activities that bring them joy.

6. Provide Emotional Support

Radiation therapy can be emotionally taxing. Offer words of encouragement, reassure them that their feelings are valid, and be a source of positivity.

7. Advocate for Their Needs

Be an advocate for your loved one’s needs within the healthcare system. If they’re experiencing side effects or have questions, communicate these concerns to the medical team.

8. Connect with Support Groups

Joining a support group for caregivers can provide you with an understanding community and a platform to share experiences, tips, and advice.

9. Seek Respite

Caregiving can be demanding, so it’s important to take breaks when needed. Ask for help from other family members, friends, or professional caregivers to give yourself some respite. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, or you won’t do a great job taking care of your loved ones.

10. Utilize Resources

Various resources are available to support caregivers, including online forums, educational websites, and caregiver support organizations. These resources offer valuable information and a sense of community.

 

As a caregiver to someone undergoing radiation therapy, your presence and support make an incredible difference in their journey toward recovery. Remember that you’re not alone – there are resources and communities that can offer guidance and understanding as you navigate this role. By educating yourself, creating a nurturing environment, and being a source of emotional support, you’re providing a crucial foundation for your loved one’s healing process. Your dedication is a testament to the strength of your bond, and your care plays an essential role in their path to wellness.

The Role of a Radiation Therapist

November 6, 2023

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Meta Description: A radiation therapist is a crucial member of your radiation team who helps ensure that your treatment is safe, accurate, and as comfortable as possible.

It’s Radiation Therapy Week! Facing radiation therapy as part of your cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone on this journey. A radiation therapist is a crucial member of your radiation team who helps ensure that your treatment is safe, accurate, and as comfortable as possible.

Who is a Radiation Therapist?

A radiation therapist is a highly trained medical professional who specializes in administering radiation treatments to patients. Therapists work closely with radiation oncologists and other members of the healthcare team to plan, deliver, and monitor your radiation treatment.

Key Responsibilities of a Radiation Therapist

  • Treatment Planning: Radiation therapists collaborate with radiation oncologists and medical physicists to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Their involvement is often during the time of “simulation” when you are positioned for treatment. This process helps to deliver radiation needed to target the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

  • Treatment Delivery: During each radiation session, the radiation therapist is responsible for positioning you accurately on the treatment table and ensuring that you’re in the right position for the radiation beams to be administered.

  • Equipment Operation: Radiation therapists are skilled in operating complex radiation equipment, called linear accelerators, which deliver the radiation doses according to the treatment plan your doctor designed.

  • Patient Care: They monitor your well-being throughout the treatment, addressing any concerns you might have and ensuring your comfort and safety during the sessions.

  • Communication: Radiation therapists maintain clear communication with you and the rest of your healthcare team. They ensure that you understand the treatment process, schedule, and any potential side effects.

Your Partner in Care

Radiation therapists understand many of the emotional and physical challenges that come with cancer treatment. They are not just skilled professionals; they are compassionate individuals dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Developing a strong rapport with your radiation therapist is essential. They are there to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide reassurance. As you spend time together during your treatment sessions, you’ll likely find that their presence becomes a source of comfort and stability in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.

Radiation therapists are an integral part of your cancer treatment team, offering expertise, compassion, and unwavering support. Their role in delivering accurate and effective radiation therapy is pivotal in your journey toward recovery. Remember that your radiation therapist is dedicated to ensuring your well-being and comfort throughout your treatment. Embrace their guidance and expertise as you navigate this phase of your cancer journey, knowing that you’re in capable hands.

Please thank your radiation therapist this week for what they do!

Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations

November 1, 2023

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Meta Description: Lung cancer has symptoms in its early stages, making screening an essential tool for catching it at a treatable stage.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, when we shed light on the importance of early detection in saving lives. Lung cancer has symptoms in its early stages, making screening an essential tool for catching it at a treatable stage. Below are insights into lung cancer screening recommendations, empowering you to make informed decisions about your lung health.

Understanding Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer screening involves using specific tests to detect lung cancer before symptoms appear. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes and increase treatment options. Two common methods of screening are low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans and chest X-rays. LDCT scans are more sensitive and effective at detecting lung cancer in its early stages.

Screening Recommendations

Lung cancer screening recommendations are generally based on individual risk factors. Current recommendations include:

  • Current or former smokers over age 50 who have a smoking history of 20 pack-years (one pack per day for 20 years, two packs per day for 10 years, etc.) are typically candidates for lung cancer screening.

  • Quit Smoking: If you’re a current smoker, quitting smoking is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of lung cancer. It’s never too late to quit, and your healthcare provider can provide resources to support your journey.

  • Shared Decision-Making: The decision to undergo lung cancer screening should be made through shared decision-making between you and your healthcare provider. Other factors, such as your overall health and exposure to environmental carcinogens, can influence this decision.

Benefits of Early Detection

Early detection through lung cancer screening offers several benefits:

  • Increased Treatment Options: Detecting lung cancer at an early stage allows for a wider range of treatment options, which can lead to better outcomes.

  • Improved Survival Rates: When lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival are significantly higher.

  • Reduced Invasive Treatments: Early-stage lung cancers are more likely to be treated with less invasive procedures, preserving lung function and quality of life.

Taking Action

If you’re at risk for lung cancer, taking action to prioritize your lung health is crucial. Engage in discussions with your healthcare provider about screening recommendations, risk factors, and available resources for smoking cessation.

Lung cancer screening is a powerful tool that can make a significant impact on your health and well-being. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, prioritize your well-being and encourage those around you to do the same – because when it comes to lung cancer, knowledge and early detection are key to saving lives.

To learn more contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

Benefits of Breast Conservation Therapy

October 27, 2023

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Meta Description: Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT), offers hope to patients by preserving the breast while effectively treating cancer. Also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, involves surgically removing the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with advancements in medical treatments, there are now more options available than ever before. One such option, Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT), offers hope to patients by preserving the breast while effectively treating cancer.

Breast Conservation Therapy, also known as lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, involves surgically removing the tumor along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. This approach aims to preserve as much of the breast tissue as possible, often followed by radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells. The breast cancer cure rate with this surgery is equal to that of a mastectomy, or removal of the entire breast. Therefore, bigger is not always better when it comes to breast surgery.

Advantages of Breast Conservation Therapy

  • Breast Preservation: One of the most significant benefits of BCT is the preservation of your breast. This means you will have the contour of the natural breast, the nipple, and normal sensation – all of which are altered with a mastectomy. Keeping the natural breast can have positive emotional and psychological impacts on self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life.

  • Cosmetic Outcomes: BCT strives to maintain the natural appearance of your breast. While there might be some changes post-surgery, the outcome is often more cosmetically appealing than a full mastectomy. If this is not feasible with lumpectomy, mastectomy may be the preferred surgical option. You should discuss these details with  your surgeon on an individual basis.

  • Less Invasive: BCT is a less invasive procedure compared to a full mastectomy, which usually involves the removal of the entire breast. This means a shorter recovery time and potentially fewer post-operative complications. Many times, lumpectomy is an outpatient surgery, and you go home the same day.

  • Minimal Impact on Daily Life: BCT allows patients to resume their daily activities sooner than after a full mastectomy. Recovery time is generally shorter, enabling you to get back to your routines more quickly.

  • Lower Risk of Lymphedema: Lymphedema, heaviness or swelling of the arm and hand, is less likely with BCT compared to mastectomy and lymph node dissection.

  • Effective Treatment: Studies have shown that BCT combined with radiation therapy is just as effective as a mastectomy in treating early-stage breast cancer. Even after mastectomy, there is a chance that breast cancer can return,  usually in the skin covering the breast area. With lumpectomy the chance of cure and cancer recurrence is just as low as with mastectomy. This means you can receive the same level of treatment while preserving your breast.

Patient Candidacy and Considerations

Not all patients are suitable candidates for BCT. Factors like tumor size, tumor location, breast size, genetic predisposition, and patient preferences play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Your healthcare team will guide you in making the right choice for your unique situation.

The Power of Informed Decision-Making

When faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, informed decision-making is paramount. Engage in open conversations with your healthcare provider about BCT and how it aligns with your goals and preferences. You can request a visit with your surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist prior to any treatment to have an outline of treatment recommendations prior to any therapy, to help you have all the information needed to make a good decision. Understanding the benefits, potential risks, and post-treatment expectations will empower you to choose the best path for your journey toward recovery.

Breast Conservation Therapy offers a beacon of hope to breast cancer patients, providing an effective treatment approach while preserving your breast and quality of life. Embrace the possibilities that BCT offers and move forward with confidence, strength, and the knowledge that you’re taking charge of your health and well-being.

To learn more contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

Navigating Breast Cancer Screening

October 20, 2023

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Meta Description: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, occurring in 1 of every 8 women. Importantly, early detection significantly increases treatment success rates with breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive health measures. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, occurring in 1 of every 8 women. Importantly, early detection significantly increases treatment success rates with breast cancer.

Understanding Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening involves using specific tests, typically mammograms, to detect signs of breast cancer before symptoms manifest. Early detection plays a pivotal role in identifying potential issues and providing timely interventions. Breast cancer screening recommendations may vary based on factors such as individual age, family history, and personal risk. However, general guidelines can offer a starting point:

  • Mammography: Women aged 40 and above are recommended to undergo annual mammograms. These X-ray images can detect abnormalities in the breast that might not be found otherwise.

  • Clinical Breast Exams: Women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exams at least every three years. After the age of 40, clinical breast exams should be a part of the annual healthcare routine. Clinical exams involve your healthcare provider carefully feeling the breast tissue for any lumps, skin change, or nipple discharge.

  • Breast Self-Exams: While not a replacement for clinical exams or mammograms, being familiar with your breasts through regular self-exams can help you identify any changes and promptly discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Benefits of Early Detection

Early detection of breast cancer through regular screenings offers numerous advantages:

  • Improved Treatment Options: Detecting breast cancer at an early stage provides a wider range of treatment options, often resulting in more successful outcomes.

  • Enhanced Survival Rates: Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

  • Less Invasive Treatments: Breast cancers detected early are more likely to be treated with less aggressive and invasive methods, preserving breast tissue and quality of life.

Taking Action

Care for yourself by taking action during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

  • Schedule Screenings: If you’re due for a mammogram or clinical breast exam, schedule it promptly. Early detection starts with proactive health measures.

  • Know Your Body: Familiarize yourself with how your breasts look and feel through regular self-exams. Report any changes to your healthcare provider immediately.

  • Share this knowledge with your loved ones and encourage them to prioritize their breast health as well.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that your health is a priority. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection can make a profound difference – reminding us that knowledge and proactive care are key to preserving health and enhancing lives.

To learn more contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

Navigating Breast Cancer Treatment: Exploring Modern Radiation Techniques

October 2, 2023

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Meta Description: Modern radiation techniques have transformed the landscape of breast cancer radiation therapy. Read more for some of the modern techniques offered at Alliance Cancer Care.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience, but medical treatments continue to evolve, offering advanced treatment options that are both effective and patient-friendly. Modern radiation techniques have transformed the landscape of breast cancer radiation therapy, alleviating fears, minimizing side effects, and enhancing treatment experiences.

Modern Radiation Techniques: A Glimpse into the Future

In recent years, radiation therapy for breast cancer has seen remarkable advancements that prioritize both efficacy and patient comfort. Some of the modern techniques offered at Alliance Cancer Care include:

  • 3D conformal radiation: This technique carves radiation away from underlying organs, such as the heart and lungs, delivering more accurate treatment.

  • Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH): For patients with left sided breast cancers, the heart will sit underneath the rib cage. Taking in a breath and holding it for a few seconds while radiation is turned on can move the heart further from the radiation, decreasing exposure and side effects to the heart.

  • Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): IMRT may be used in specific situations where more complex treatment is necessary to provide precise radiation doses to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. This technique may reduce side effects and provide better protection to the heart and lungs.

  • Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): IGRT uses real-time imaging to guide radiation delivery, ensuring that the treatment is precisely targeted. This technique enhances accuracy and minimizes damage to surrounding tissues.

Diminishing Fears: Addressing Common Concerns

1. Pain and Discomfort: Radiation treatment is painless and invisible. But often skin related side effects create tenderness and sensitivity. Modern radiation techniques are designed to minimize discomfort by customizing radiation to each patient’s individual size and shape. Treatment is very fast, often on the order of 5 minutes or less.

2. Skin Irritation: Advances in radiation planning and delivery have reduced skin reactions. Your team will provide guidance on skincare during treatment to minimize any potential irritation and discomfort.

3. Fatigue: While some fatigue is normal, modern techniques help minimize the extent of exhaustion. Managing daily activities and staying well-rested can alleviate this.

4. Long-Term Effects: Radiation oncologists meticulously plan treatments to minimize long-term effects. Advances in techniques have greatly reduced the risk of complications, particularly those to the heart and lungs.

5. Emotional Support: Many cancer centers offer support services, including counseling and support groups, to address emotional concerns throughout treatment. Be sure to ask about resources when you meet with your doctor or nurse.

Embrace Your Strength and Resilience

Facing breast cancer treatment can be challenging, but remember that you’re not alone. Modern radiation techniques have revolutionized breast cancer care, offering precise, effective, and patient-centered treatment approaches. As you embark on this journey, know that the advancements in radiation therapy and your radiation oncology team are on your side, offering precise and targeted treatment while minimizing potential side effects. By embracing these techniques and the support of your oncology team, you’re equipped to face your treatment with strength, resilience, and the knowledge that you’re taking control of your health and well-being.

To learn more contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

BRCA Mutations: The Link Between Ovarian and Prostate Cancers

September 18, 2023

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Meta Description: September is ovarian and prostate cancer awareness month, and there is a unique link- BRCA mutations - between these two cancer diseases.

Cancer can be a complex and frightening word, especially when there’s a family history of the disease. If you or your loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer or carry concerns about your genetic predisposition, understanding your family history and individual risk is crucial. September is ovarian and prostate cancer awareness month, and there is a unique link- BRCA mutations – between these two cancer diseases.

The BRCA Mutation Connection

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that produce proteins that help to suppress the growth of tumors. Mutations, or abnormal changes, in these genes can lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. While these mutations are often associated with breast cancer, they can also play a significant role in the development of ovarian and prostate cancers.

Ovarian Cancer and BRCA Mutations

BRCA mutations, especially BRCA1, have been linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Women carrying these mutations have a lifetime risk of up to 44% for developing ovarian cancer, as compared to the general population’s risk of about 1.3%. Regular screenings and early detection can be life-saving for women with BRCA mutations, as ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in its advanced stages without screening. Many women with a known BRCA mutation may consider having preventative surgery to remove the ovaries after childbearing to reduce their cancer risk.

Prostate Cancer and BRCA Mutations

On the other hand, BRCA2 mutations have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, especially at a younger age. Men with BRCA2 mutations have a two to three times higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those without the mutation. These cancers might also be more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis. Understanding your genetic makeup can help tailor screening and treatment approaches. There are some treatment options that are more effective in patients with BRCA mutations for prostate cancer.

Screening Recommendations

For individuals with a family history of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers or known BRCA mutations, regular screenings and close monitoring are crucial. The recommendations may vary depending on your gender and genetic makeup:

  • Ovarian Cancer Screening: If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or BRCA mutations, your healthcare provider might recommend regular screenings such as transvaginal ultrasound, CA-125 blood test, and pelvic exams. Genetic counseling can help determine the appropriate screening plan for you.

  • Prostate Cancer Screening: Men with BRCA mutations or a family history of prostate cancer should consider starting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing at a younger age (40-45 years) and having regular digital rectal exams. Early detection is key to managing prostate cancer effectively.

Family History: A Crucial Component

Understanding your family’s medical history is vital in assessing your cancer risk. If multiple family members have been diagnosed with ovarian or prostate cancers, or if there’s a history of breast cancer, it’s important to discuss this information with your healthcare provider. Genetic testing and counseling can help you understand your risk and make informed decisions about screenings and preventive measures.

Arming yourself with knowledge about the role of BRCA mutations in linking ovarian and prostate cancers can empower you to take control of your health. Regular screenings, genetic testing, and understanding your family history can make a significant difference in early detection and effective management. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey – your healthcare provider and support networks are here to guide you every step of the way.

To learn more contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

Understanding Prostate Radiation Therapy and Its Effects

September 13, 2023

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Meta Description: At Alliance Cancer Care we treat cancer using radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, which involves the use of targeted high-energy rays to kill prostate cancer cells. Prostate radiation has been used for over 50 years.

A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but medical advancements have opened up a range of treatment options, each with its own benefits and considerations.

At Alliance Cancer Care we treat cancer using radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, which involves the use of targeted high-energy rays to kill prostate cancer cells. Prostate radiation has been used for over 50 years. It’s a common treatment option for prostate cancer, and it can be administered in two primary forms: external beam radiation and internal radiation (brachytherapy).

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

  1. Non-Invasive Treatment: Radiation therapy is a non-surgical approach that doesn’t require any incisions, anesthesia or hospitalization, making it less invasive than surgery.

  2. Targeted Treatment: Radiation therapy precisely targets the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

  3. Preserving Quality of Life: Radiation therapy has the potential to effectively treat prostate cancer while preserving urinary and sexual function, which are often a concern with surgery.

  4. Curative and Palliative Options: Radiation therapy can be used as a curative treatment for localized cancer or as a palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms in advanced cases.

Side Effects and Management

While radiation therapy is generally well-tolerated, there are potential side effects that patients should be aware of:

  • Fatigue: Feeling tired is common during radiation treatment. Rest, maintaining a healthy diet, and light exercise can help manage fatigue.

  • Urinary Symptoms: Increased frequency, urgency, or discomfort while urinating are possible. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help mitigate these symptoms.

  • Bowel Changes: Diarrhea or other bowel changes are possible but usually temporary. A balanced diet and staying hydrated can aid in managing these symptoms.

  • Sexual Function: Erectile dysfunction might occur, but is more similar to the natural aging process. The severity and timeline varies. Discussing this with your healthcare team can lead to solutions.

Anticipated Outcomes

Radiation therapy’s effectiveness depends on several factors, including the stage of cancer, your overall health, and the treatment plan. For localized cancer, radiation therapy has a high success rate in achieving remission or controlling cancer growth. Regular follow-up appointments and prostate specific antigen (PSA) lab testing will help monitor your progress.

Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against prostate cancer, offering advantages such as targeted treatment, preservation of quality of life, and the benefit of non-invasive treatment. While side effects are possible, they are temporary, and your healthcare team will work closely with you to manage them and ensure your well-being throughout the treatment process. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey – lean on your support network and healthcare professionals to guide you through every step of your treatment.

Interested in learning more about Alliance Cancer Care? Contact our care team today at 256-319-5400.

Prioritizing Your Health: Prostate Cancer Screening Recommendations

September 1, 2023

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Meta Description: Prostate cancer screening involves two primary tests: the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).

As September arrives, so does Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and proper screening for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men, so it’s important to understand screening recommendations and take proactive steps to protect your health.

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men. While often slow-growing, prostate cancer can become aggressive and spread if left untreated. But if caught early, cure rates with treatment are very high. That’s why timely detection through screenings is essential.

Screening Recommendations

Prostate cancer screening involves two primary tests: the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).

  • 1. PSA Blood Test: The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in your blood. Elevated PSA levels could indicate prostate issues, including cancer. However, elevated PSA levels are not always indicative of cancer, as other factors like inflammation or an enlarged prostate can also cause PSA elevation.

  • 2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During a DRE, a healthcare professional uses a gloved, lubricated finger to examine the prostate for any abnormalities, such as lumps or irregularities in shape or texture.

Screening Guidelines

Screening guidelines may vary based on individual risk factors and medical history, but here are general recommendations:

  • Age: At age 50, start discussions about the benefits of screening with your healthcare provider. However, if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are of African American descent (who face a higher risk), you should consider starting discussions earlier, around age 45.

  • Shared Decision-Making: Factors such as your overall health, family history, and personal preferences will influence your decision to undergo screening.

  • Frequency: For those with normal PSA levels and no symptoms, screening intervals might be every one to two years. However, higher-risk individuals might require more frequent screenings.

Take control of your health during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and have informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your risk factors, the screening process, and what you can do to maintain optimal prostate health. PSA and DRE are easy screening tools to catch early stage prostate cancers, when treatments are most successful.

Your health is a priority. By understanding the significance of early detection through proper screening, you’re arming yourself with the knowledge to make proactive decisions for your well-being. Engage in open discussions with your healthcare provider, consider your individual risk factors, and take the necessary steps to ensure your prostate health for years to come. Remember, your health matters, and taking action today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Dr. Tres Childs Recognized as the first Center of Excellence for SpaceOAR Hydrogel in Alabama

August 24, 2023

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Meta Description: Dr. Tres Childs Recognized as the first Center of Excellence for SpaceOAR Hydrogel in Alabama. SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel is a device manufactured by Boston Scientific and designed to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the rectum during prostate cancer radiation treatment.

Dr. Tres Childs

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Tres Childs has been designated as the first Center of Excellence for SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel in Alabama! This prestigious recognition highlights our high level of experience in applying SpaceOAR Hydrogel, a device designed to reduce unintentional side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy. Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for American men, and radiation therapy is a common treatment option chosen by over 60,000 patients each year. However, one of the challenges with this therapy is the potential damage to the rectum due to its proximity to the prostate, leading to bowel function issues for patients. The SpaceOAR Hydrogel, manufactured by Boston Scientific, addresses this problem by pushing the rectum away from the prostate during radiation treatment, thereby reducing the radiation dose delivered to the organ and minimizing damage.

We feel incredibly honored to be recognized as Alabama’s first SpaceOAR Hydrogel Center of Excellence. This designation further reinforces our commitment to providing the highest-quality treatment possible for prostate cancer patients in the North Alabama area. By incorporating SpaceOAR Hydrogel into radiation therapy, we aim to preserve healthy tissue and maintain our patients’ quality of life during and after treatment.

The SpaceOAR Hydrogel is primarily made of water and polyethylene glycol (PEG), a safe compound used in various implants. It naturally leaves the body within approximately six months, making it a safe and minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Patients can often return to their normal activities shortly after the implantation.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we don’t just offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel; we also provide SpaceOAR Vue™ Hydrogel, the next-generation version of the device. SpaceOAR Vue Hydrogel can be seen on computerized tomography (CT) scans, eliminating the need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in treatment planning and accommodating patients who cannot undergo MRI. This advanced technology helps us improve contouring accuracy and ensure consistent positioning for patients receiving prostate cancer radiation.

Our commitment to patient care and well-being is unwavering. We understand that receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience, and some patients may hesitate to undergo radiation therapy due to potential side effects. That’s why we integrate SpaceOAR Hydrogel to complement the patient’s radiation treatment, providing reassurance and support in preserving their quality of life.

Clinical data has demonstrated the significant benefits of SpaceOAR Hydrogel, including a reduction in rectal injury, which leads to maintained bowel function and a higher likelihood of preserving urinary and sexual function. This innovative device received 510(k) clearance from the FDA in 2015 and has been used in over 150,000 procedures worldwide.

We are proud to be part of the Alliance Cancer Care team, where we deliver radiation treatment using state-of-the-art technology and machinery to provide high-quality and customized treatment plans for our patients’ unique needs. Our dedicated team of board-certified physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, navigators, nursing staff, and counselors work collaboratively to ensure our patients receive the best care and support throughout their treatment journey.

For more information about Alliance Cancer Care and our cutting-edge radiation treatment options, please contact our caring team at 256.319.5400. We are here to help and support you every step of the way on your path to recovery.

Novalis Certification Award

August 9, 2023

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Page Title: Alliance Cancer Care Receives Novalis Recertification: Continuing Commitment to Elevating Cancer Treatment Standards

Meta Description: Alliance Cancer Care is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Novalis Certification again, signifying our ongoing journey to provide exceptional cancer care using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Alliance Cancer Care is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Novalis Certification again, signifying our ongoing journey to provide exceptional cancer care using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). This certification, developed and managed by a group of international experts in stereotactic radiation, showcases our commitment to delivering the highest quality treatments, incorporating cutting-edge technology, and prioritizing patient well-being.  It also serves as recognition of the dedication and hard work of our entire team, from our talented physicians and medical staff to our administrative personnel, who all contribute to ensuring the highest standards of care. When asking Dr. Gleason about what this recertification means to our company he stated, “We are proud of the quality of our program, again certified by the Novalis experts. We now treat over 400 patients per year with stereotactic radiation; each of these patients receive 1-5 treatments per course. This makes us one of the highest volume community stereotactic centers in the Southeast.” 

Advanced Treatment Capabilities:

The Novalis Certification affirms our commitment to utilizing advanced treatment technologies that enable precise and targeted therapies. At Alliance Cancer Care, we are proud to offer state-of-the-art equipment which allows for highly accurate treatment delivery while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Multidisciplinary Expertise:

Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, neurosurgeons, and radiation therapists, collaborate to provide comprehensive, personalized treatment plans. The Novalis Certification recognizes their expertise and dedication to delivering optimal patient care.

Patient-Centered Approach:

At Alliance Cancer Care, we firmly believe in putting patients at the center of everything we do. The Novalis Certification acknowledges our commitment to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives customized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, preferences, and goals.

Focus on Safety and Quality:

Patient safety and quality care are of utmost importance to us. The Novalis Certification reflects our adherence to rigorous safety protocols, ensuring the well-being and comfort of our patients throughout their treatment journey. We continuously monitor and evaluate our processes to provide the highest standard of care and deliver improved outcomes.

Advancing Cancer Treatment:

Receiving the Novalis Certification places Alliance Cancer Care at the forefront of cancer treatment advancements. This recognition inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, embracing emerging technologies, and exploring innovative treatment modalities. We strive to contribute to the field of oncology by participating in research, clinical trials, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to further improve cancer care outcomes globally.

With advanced treatment capabilities, a multidisciplinary team of experts, a patient-centered approach, and a focus on safety and quality, we are dedicated to elevating the standards of cancer treatment. This certification serves as a source of pride and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, making a positive difference in the lives of our patients and the field of oncology as a whole. “As further evidence of our strong commitment to offer world class care close to home, we plan to add a Varian Edge Radiosurgery system and the latest Brainlab ExacTrac Dynamic system to our tools; installations are expected in 2024.”, according to Dr. Gleason.

To learn more about this certification or to meet with one of our expert physicians please contact our office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

World Lung Cancer Day 2023

August 1, 2023

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Meta Description: More than 230,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States. There are two major subtypes of lung cancer: non-small cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, which account for 76% and 13% of lung cancers in the U.S., respectively

Being that it is World Lung Cancer Day it is important to bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of lung cancer as well as being aware of treatment options. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 230,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States.  There are two major subtypes of lung cancer: non-small cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, which account for 76% and 13% of lung cancers in the U.S., respectively.  Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, with over 21% of cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2022.

The good news is that lung cancer mortality has decreased by about 5% in the past few years.  This is likely a combination of fewer cases of lung cancer combined with improved survival in those patients diagnosed.  Modern cancer care involves testing for tumor-specific markers and mutations, to customize individual patient treatment.  New cancer treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy have resulted in significant improvements in cure rates for lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Screening

In addition, lung cancer screening has resulted in finding lung cancers at earlier stages, when the cancer is more likely curable.  This can also lead to fewer deaths from lung cancer.  National guidelines recommend patients over the age of 50 who have smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes daily for 20 years (20 pack-years) discuss lung cancer screening with their provider.

Lung cancer screening is done with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs yearly.  Sometimes, these scans can detect small nodules in the lungs that may represent early cancers.  Alliance Cancer Care offers qualified patients LDCT lung scans through our Lung Cancer Screening Program.

Treating Lung Cancer with Radiation Therapy

At Alliance Cancer Care we treat using Radiation Therapy which is a common form of treatment and can be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to increase cure rates. Radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option for lung cancer and can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Seventy seven percent of all lung cancer patients would benefit from this treatment according to evidence-based indications. Here are some advantages of Radiation Therapy:

» Radiation therapy is a non-invasive treatment option, typically offered as curative treatment or in combination with chemotherapy.

» Radiation is a quick treatment with minimal or no pain and a short recovery time.

» Since it is non-invasive, radiation therapy is an outpatient treatment.

» Radiation therapy will be targeted to a specific area of the body, which allows for precise treatment of the cancer while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

» It can also be used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer.

Studies have shown that patients treated with radiation therapy have a reduced risk of recurrence and improved survival rates. Lung cancer survivors should continue to receive regular follow-up care, including regular scans, to detect any potential recurrence of the disease.

For more information or to learn more please conact our care team at 256-319-5400.

Dr. Ashlyn Everett Appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor

July 24, 2023

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Meta Description: We are excited to announce that Dr. Ashlyn Everett has been appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). This prestigious appointment is the result of her commitment to training and teaching the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Ashlyn Everett

We are excited to announce that Dr. Ashlyn Everett has been appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). This prestigious appointment is the result of her commitment to training and teaching the next generation of physicians.

VCOM provides comprehensive medical education and commitment to producing exceptional physicians. Medical students receive a broad foundation in primary care medicine, and Dr. Everett will serve to provide students with exposure to the complexities of caring for oncology patients.

Dr. Everett brings her expertise and knowledge to the forefront of patient care and medical education. Her commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in radiation oncology ensures that her students receive the most relevant and cutting-edge knowledge. Her dedication to her patients, coupled with her passion for teaching, is a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact in the field of oncology.

As we celebrate this milestone in Dr. Everett’s career, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact she will continue to make in the field of radiation oncology. Her dedication to her patients and students, along with her continued pursuit of knowledge, will undoubtedly contribute to advancements in cancer care and inspire future generations of medical professionals.

We congratulate Dr. Everett on her achievement and wish her all the best in her endeavors as she continues to shape the future of radiation oncology!

Wellness After Radiation Treatment

June 27, 2023

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Meta Description: Once radiation treatment is completed, it is important to focus on general wellness to help your body heal and regain strength. Here are some tips.

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it can cause a number of side effects, both physical and emotional. Once radiation treatment is completed, it is important to focus on general wellness to help your body heal and regain strength. Here are some tips for promoting general wellness after radiation treatment.

  1. Exercise. Regular exercise can help improve strength, energy, and mood. Start with 10-20 minutes of low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your body allows.
  2. Eat a healthy diet. A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support your immune system and promote healing. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of alcohol.
  3. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help flush out toxins and prevent dehydration. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages per day. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol will tend to make you more dehydrated.
  4. Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and healing. Establish a regular sleep routine, create a sleep-conducive environment without TVs or phones, and avoid caffeine and electronics before bedtime.
  5. Practice stress-reducing activities. Stress can weaken the immune system and interfere with healing. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, prayer or meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  6. Attend follow-up appointments. Follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your progress and address any ongoing side effects or concerns.
  7. Connect with support groups. Joining a support group can provide emotional support and a sense of community with others who have gone through similar experiences.

External vs. Internal Radiation Therapy

June 22, 2023

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Meta Description: There are two primary types of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered in different ways, and the specifics of radiation treatment depend on patient factors and the type and stage of cancer. Radiation therapy has been used to treat cancer for over one hundred years; however, the past twenty years have seen enormous technologic improvements. More precision in treatment allows the radiation oncologist to better target tumors and avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissue, resulting in higher cure rates with fewer side effects.

How Radiation Treatment Works

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells. When the DNA in a cancer cell is damaged by radiation, the cell is unable to divide and grow. The cancer cells die, the body eliminates them, and the tumor shrinks. Radiation therapy can also affect healthy cells, but their health gives them the ability to repair themselves better than cancer cells. The goal of radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The radiation team works together to plan each treatment customized to the patient’s tumor location, body shape, and size. Precisely targeting the radiation to the tumor will minimize damage to the surrounding normal cells.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells. When the DNA in a cancer cell is damaged by radiation, the cell is unable to divide and grow. The cancer cells die, the body eliminates them, and the tumor shrinks. Radiation therapy can also affect healthy cells, but their health gives them the ability to repair themselves better than cancer cells.

  • Fatigue
  • Skin changes, such as redness, itching, and peeling
  • Changes in bowel or bladder function
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hair loss in the treatment area

Side effects of radiation typically improve after treatment ends, but some may take several weeks or months to fully disappear. The radiation oncologist will monitor the patient’s progress and any side effects on a weekly basis.

Radiation Therapy Methods

There are two primary types of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.

Radiation Therapy Method Diagram

Conclusion

Radiation therapy is an effective form of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, improving after treatment ends. Radiation therapy is an important tool in the fight against cancer and can help improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Help Bring Cancer Awareness to our Community

June 22, 2023

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Meta Description: At Alliance Cancer Care we aim to raise awareness and understanding of various cancer types to encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. To fight cancer we deliver radiation treatment using state-of-the-art technology and machinery to deliver high quality treatments to provide a customized treatment plan for an individual's unique needs.

At Alliance Cancer Care we aim to raise awareness and understanding of various cancer types to encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. To fight cancer we deliver radiation treatment using state-of-the-art technology and machinery to deliver high quality treatments to provide a customized treatment plan for an individual’s unique needs.

By exploring the significance of ribbon colors for cancer we can bring awareness to the community. Each ribbon color symbolizes a specific cancer, and together, they represent the diverse range of individuals affected by this disease. Join us in the fight against cancer by learning about these ribbons and the hope, support, and unity they represent.

Pink Ribbon – Breast Cancer

The pink ribbon is perhaps the most well-known cancer awareness ribbon. It symbolizes breast cancer awareness. Together, we advocate for early detection, support patients, and strive for a cure.

Blue Ribbon – Prostate Cancer

The light blue ribbon is the emblem of prostate cancer awareness. Let’s spread knowledge about early detection and the importance of regular screenings for all the men in our lives.

Lavender Ribbon – All Cancers

Lavender represents general cancer awareness. This color acknowledges all cancer types and the ongoing efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease. Together, we support everyone affected by cancer.

Orange Ribbon – Leukemia

The orange ribbon signifies leukemia awareness. Let’s stand together to support those battling blood cancers and work towards advancements in treatment.

Purple Ribbon – Pancreatic Cancer

The purple ribbon is the symbol for pancreatic cancer awareness. Join us in raising awareness about this challenging disease and advocating for research and early detection.

Gold Ribbon – Childhood Cancer

Gold represents childhood cancer awareness. Let’s shine a light on the youngest warriors and support their courageous battles against cancer.

Teal Ribbon – Ovarian Cancer

The teal ribbon is a symbol of ovarian cancer awareness. Together, we promote early detection and provide support to those affected by this type of cancer.

Grey Ribbon – Brain Cancer

Grey symbolizes brain cancer awareness. Let’s increase understanding and support for individuals and families affected by this complex disease.

Red Ribbon – AIDS/HIV

While not a cancer, the red ribbon is often associated with AIDS/HIV awareness. It’s a reminder of the ongoing fight against this global health crisis.

 

By understanding the significance of ribbon colors, we can show our support, encourage early detection, and stand united against all forms of cancer. Join our team in the fight against this devastating disease. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those affected by cancer.

 

Alliance Cancer Care Teams

Warrior Wig Room

June 22, 2023

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Meta Description: At Alliance Cancer Care we have a dedicated Wig Room for our patients where you can choose from a wide variety of wigs, hats, and scarves so that you can feel like yourself again.

Our team is committed to guaranteeing that you experience a remarkable transformation, both in appearance and well-being, throughout your treatment.

 

Cancer treatment often brings forth a range of hurdles, and the prospect of hair loss can be yet another obstacle to face and conquer. At Alliance Cancer Care we have a dedicated Wig Room for our patients where you can choose from a wide variety of wigs, hats, and scarves so that you can feel like yourself again.

Looking for A Wig?

Download our form below to get started or contact Melody Delany at mdelaney@alliancecancercare.com or 256-377-9551. Currently our Warrior Wig Room is situated at our Singing River Cancer Center in Florence, where we deliver exceptional care. Excitingly, we have embarked on an expansion journey that will bring even more advancements to our other facilities!

Download Now 

Have Donations?

We appreciate you thinking of Alliance Cancer Care! Pleaese contact Melody Delany at mdelaney@alliancecancercare.com or 256-377-9551.

Wig room 2

SpaceOAR Hydrogel with Dr. Childs

June 14, 2023

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Page Title: SpaceOAR Hydrogel - 1st in Alabama

Meta Description: Learn more about prostate cancer and how SpaceOAR Hydrogel can lessen the impact of radiation treatment.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me, SpaceOAR, hydrogel, prostate cancer, prostate treatments

SpaceOAR Hyprogel with Dr. Childs

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvkqbie474M

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/003c09cc-b9fc-479f-8515-5203fbd2029b

SpaceOar Hydrogel

June 7, 2023

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Meta Description: About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. When confronted with treatment options, most are unsure or confused about how different therapies will affect their life. We're proud to announce we now offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel, an innovative device aimed at helping to maintain quality of life and minimize side effects of radiation treatment.

About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. When confronted with treatment options, most are unsure or confused about how different therapies will affect their life. We’re proud to announce we now offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel, an innovative device aimed at helping to maintain quality of life and minimize side effects of radiation treatment.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj26i8WfAk8

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/1832cc91-970b-4822-a98f-fbb7e2773f7e

SpaceOAR Hydrogel

June 7, 2023

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Meta Description: About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. When confronted with treatment options, most are unsure or confused about how different therapies will affect their life. We're proud to announce we now offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel, an innovative device aimed at helping to maintain quality of life and minimize side effects of radiation treatment.

About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. When confronted with treatment options, most are unsure or confused about how different therapies will affect their life. We’re proud to announce we now offer SpaceOAR Hydrogel, an innovative device aimed at helping to maintain quality of life and minimize side effects of radiation treatment.

SpaceOAR Patient Brochure page 1

SpaceOAR Patient Brochure page 2

Esophageal Cancer – What Is It?

April 17, 2023

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Meta Description: Esophageal cancer is relatively rare, making up about 1% of cases of cancer in the United States. There are about 19,000 new cases diagnosed every year. However, esophageal cancer also accounts for 15,000 deaths annually, with relatively poor survival rates at five years.

Esophageal cancer is relatively rare, making up about 1% of cases of cancer in the United States.  There are about 19,000 new cases diagnosed every year.  However, esophageal cancer also accounts for 15,000 deaths annually, with relatively poor survival rates at five years.  Esophageal cancer is more prevalent in men than women, with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 125 for men and 1 in 417 for women.

What is esophageal cancer?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that passes food from the mouth to the stomach.  It often starts in the inner lining of the esophagus and spreads through the wall of the esophagus. There are two types of cancers of the esophagus, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Adenocarcinomas of the esophagus are often associated with obesity and Barrett’s esophagus, a condition of the lining of the esophagus being damaged by acid reflux.  This causes abnormal transformation of the cells in the lower esophagus to better tolerate the harsh acid, but also puts patients at higher risk of cancer.  Esophageal adenocarcinoma is typically found in the lower esophagus near the stomach, also called the gastro-esophageal junction or GE junction.  Squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus is associated with heavy alcohol use and tobacco smoking.  These chemicals are known to cause damage to cells in the body, and increase the risk of esophageal cancer, also.

What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Food getting stuck
  • Hoarseness
  • Weight loss
  • Low appetite
  • Feeling full before completing a meal

What testing is done to diagnose esophageal cancer?

If esophageal cancer is suspected, your doctor will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who would perform an esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD).  This is a test done under anesthesia, where a camera is inserted through the mouth and passed into the esophagus and stomach to look for abnormalities.  If a cancer is suspected, a biopsy, or sample of the abnormal area, is obtained for testing. If the biopsy confirms cancer, it will also specify which type. Then, your doctor may order additional testing.  Typically a CT and/or PET-CT is obtained for the evaluation of the cancer, and if it has spread to any lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This will allow your doctor to determine the stage of the esophageal cancer and then recommend treatment.

What are treatment options for esophageal cancer?

Treatment for esophageal cancer typically involves tri-modality therapy, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.  Some very early cancers may be treated with surgery alone.  Most tumors are treated upfront with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, followed by surgery.  If there is an active tumor found at the time of surgery, you may also be recommended to have immunotherapy.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy both cause side effects during treatment.  Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, and low blood counts, which recover after treatment ends. Radiation therapy may cause fatigue, nausea, difficulty swallowing, food sticking, heartburn, and low appetite, which may lead to weight loss.  Effects on patients’ nutrition are some of the most difficult to overcome during treatment.  Some patients require a stent to be placed into the esophagus to open the narrowing caused by the tumor so food and liquids can pass.  This is usually done before starting treatment.  Other times, a temporary feeding tube is placed, which allows food, medications, and water to go into the stomach or bowel without having to swallow.

Hands

What kind of recovery is involved after treatment?

After chemotherapy and radiation treatment, typically your doctors will give you about 6-8 weeks to recover before surgery.  You may have new CT scans done during this time.  You will meet with a specialized surgeon who will perform your surgery.  Your surgeon will likely have you stay overnight in the hospital several days after surgery to recover and ensure that you are safe to return home.  It often takes many weeks after surgery before you can eat “normal meals” again since your body will need time to recover.

What can you do to move forward into survivorship and maximize a good quality of life?

You should keep all scheduled appointments for follow-up visits and scans as directed by your physicians.  Talk with your physician and healthcare team during appointments letting them know how you have been feeling and report anything that seems different or is concerning to you. As you can tolerate it, increase your physical activity level and strive to be as active as you can.  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and strive to reach a normal body weight.  Avoid or limit intake of alcohol and don’t smoke.

Where can I find more information?

If you were diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact our office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

Dr. McCarty – Doctor’s Day 2023

March 31, 2023

Listen to Dr. McCarty explain what Doctor’s Day means to him. We thank him for always supporting our patients and being a leader in our community! “Every day I have people thank me for the service the team is providing or I’m providing… and it just makes my day so happy that I have people every day who go out of their way to express how much they appreciate what we do.” – Dr. McCarty

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RNU1QNPAfQ

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/a934651b-293e-4f01-9ea4-9d5652bc3ce6

What to Expect: Radiation Therapy Consultation

January 6, 2023

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Page Title: What to Expect: Radiation Therapy Consultation

Meta Description: Learn what you can expect from your radiation therapy consultation at Alliance Cancer Care. Not only will this help you come prepared but will help guide you on questions you would like to be addressed.

Meta Keywords: alliance location, north alabama cancer centers, alliance cancer care, alliance cancer care locations, locations, radiation treatment near me, radiation therapy near me, radiation oncologist near me

Meeting with your radiation oncologist for the first time? Watch Dr. Gleason, Medical Director at Alliance Cancer Care, discuss what to expect during your initial consultation and how to prepare to get the most from your appointment.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zPjjfr4dZQ

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/0214e509-1d51-4525-829a-c4c9ec411ff0

Team Approach to Cancer Care

January 6, 2023

When it comes to fighting cancer, it takes a team of people. At Alliance Cancer Care, you are not alone in the fight. Our Radiation Oncology Care Team, which includes eight knowledgeable and dedicated physicians at our five centers, work together to treat and support you every step of the way. Watch radiation oncologist and Alliance Cancer Care’s Medical Director John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D. talk about how having a variety of physicians’ opinions and experiences can improve the quality of care that patients receive.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eV8BXMKG5U

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/6868fad4-7a42-4002-8d12-69fb52bd19bc

Respiratory Motion Management

January 6, 2023

Cancerous tumors in the lungs and abdomen area may sometimes move as you breathe. To make sure treatment is correctly administered to these tumors, the team at Alliance Cancer Care uses a special treatment technique called Respiratory Motion Management. To learn more about this treatment, watch this video featuring ACC radiation oncologist Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoOjHspjwx8

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/1105841c-dfd9-4ad7-a49b-d7b550d2fd73

Physician Interview: Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, III, M.D.

January 6, 2023

Meet Alliance Cancer Care radiation oncologist Dr. Tres Childs and learn how long he has been in the oncology industry, what types of cancers he specializes in treating, what he loves most about his job, what he enjoys doing in his spare time, and more.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFswq1NQsJw

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/acbbbdf6-1202-4788-85c1-75e54fc11444

Physician Interview: John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D.

January 6, 2023

Meet Alliance Cancer Care physician Dr. John Gleason and watch Dr. Gleason explain what he does in his dual role at ACC as a radiation oncologist and the Medical Director. Dr. Gleason also shares what he loves most about his job and what he enjoys doing in his spare time, when he is not taking care of patients at work.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX7g2uNPW1M

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/925b4ac7-801a-4248-beb5-9fb45e2b90fb

What to Expect: Radiation Therapy Simulation Appointment

January 6, 2023

Before patients can undergo radiation treatment, they will first have a “simulation” appointment. The simulation is the first step in the radiation oncology treatment process. This process allows our radiation treatment teams to precisely identify the area on the body that should receive radiation. Watch Dr. Everett, radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care, share what patients can expect during their simulation appointment.

Video Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BExQ5TCB2k

Freshpaint: https://freshpaint-video.com/25f04e47-b158-4d20-9d39-a17c0df6040b/c8e47a13-84bd-45af-8eb9-0718a5d2d727

When should I be screened for breast cancer?

October 5, 2022

October is breast cancer awareness month.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and it accounts for the second highest number of deaths from cancer in women.  According to the CDC, about 265,000 cases are diagnosed annually and 42,000 women died of breast cancer in the United States in 2019.

You might be wondering if or when you should have a screening for breast cancer.  There are several factors to take into consideration to answer this question.  If you have any symptoms in your breast, including a mass, lump, pain, or nipple discharge, you should have this evaluated immediately.  Any person with symptoms in the breast should have this checked, regardless of age.

What are the screening recommendations for average-risk patients?

For someone at average risk of breast cancer with no symptoms, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends having an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40. A screening mammogram involves an x-ray of the breast tissue to look for any early signs of breast cancer, including calcifications, distortions, or masses in the breast tissue.  If one or more of these characteristics is seen, you may be asked to come back for further evaluation.  This may include additional imaging with magnified mammograms or ultrasound and potentially a biopsy.

What about women who are at increased risk of breast cancer?

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer (first-degree relative: mother, sister, or daughter), a known genetic mutation related to breast cancer, or a personal history of receiving radiation therapy in the chest, you may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age.  In this situation, you and your doctor should consider your family history and risk of having breast cancer when deciding on screening for breast cancer.  There are several calculation tools to help with this, including the Gail model.  This considers your age, your age when you had your first period, your age when you delivered your first child, your family history, any past breast biopsies, and your race or ethnicity.  The Gail model is a tool to estimate your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and will guide the age when you start screening and if you should have anything in addition to a mammogram.

Why is having a mammogram important?

Mammograms have been shown to find breast cancer in earlier stages when the cancer is more likely to be curable.  Many breast cancers are detected by mammograms before your doctor would be able to feel a lump in the breast, or possibly when the cancer is pre-invasive.

Will having a mammogram hurt?

During your mammogram, everything is done to ensure that you are comfortable, but also that the x-ray is of optimal quality.  The majority of women report some discomfort, but no frank pain with having a mammogram done.

I need to schedule a mammogram. What now?

If you need to schedule your mammogram or have further questions about this important screening tool, we recommend you call your primary care physician or gynecologist to have this ordered.

Prostate Cancer

September 29, 2022

By Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, III, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignancy arising from the glands within the prostate itself.  The formal name is usually an adenocarcinoma.  There are others sometimes, but they are much rarer.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

The risk factors of prostate cancer involve anything that can increase testosterone over a long period of time.  Because of this, it also occurs more in African American men and less often in Asian/American and Hispanic/Latino men.  Age is a huge factor.  Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, and it starts to increase significantly after age 50.  Sixty percent of cases are found in men older than the age of 65.  Family history is also important; as are very rare, genetic mutations, such as Lynch syndrome, and mutations of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The symptoms of prostate cancer are rather vague.  You can have changes in the urine stream or sometimes blood in the urine or semen.  You could also have pain in the bones if the cancer has spread to other areas.

What testing is done to diagnose prostate cancer?

Because symptoms are so vague, the best testing to diagnose prostate cancer is to take a PSA. This is a protein that can be detected in the blood, made within the prostate itself, and increases to abnormally high values in the setting of prostate cancer.  Although there are many other reasons besides cancer that can make your PSA rise, if a PSA is elevated above 4.0, your doctor will probably want to do an evaluation and rule out cancer.

Other tests that can aid in the diagnosis include other PSA tests like a total PSA or a percent free PSA.  Digital rectal exams can help also.  Imaging like a CT scan or an MRI or an ultrasound can ensure that the cancer has not spread.  Finally, biopsies under ultrasound or MRI Guidance are required to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

What are treatment options for prostate cancer?

Treatment options are very wide-ranging.  Depending on the risk group of an individual’s prostate cancer, going from very low risk to very high risk, the recommended options of treatment may change.  With very low-risk disease, often observation is all that is recommended.  As you progress up the risk ladder, curative treatment options would include radical prostatectomy, with or without robotic assistance, different forms of radiation therapy; and hormonal therapy or chemotherapy can also be utilized.  There are also other forms of off-label treatments that can be utilized in specific cases, typically in research trials.

What are the side effects of treatment?

The side effects of treatments are greatly determined by the type of treatment that is recommended.  With surgery, the biggest short-term risk is temporary incontinence while the urethra heals.  With radiation, the largest side effects include irritation to the urethra, bladder, and rectum that gradually resolve after treatment.  With both forms of treatment, erectile dysfunction may be a risk.  These side effects are worth discussing in great detail with your doctor before choosing a treatment regimen for your cancer.

What kind of recovery is involved after treatment?

Recovery will be different depending on what kind of therapy is utilized for treatment.  With definitive surgery, a catheter is left in place for a few days while the urethra heals.  Urinary function improves as the sphincter muscles regain control, especially with Kegel exercises. With radiation, the irritation of the bladder, urethra, and rectum gradually increases over several weeks of treatment and then resolve over several weeks after treatment is over.

What happens after treatment?

After any kind of definitive treatment is given, the PSA is monitored every three or six months until stability is documented.  Once stability is documented, the interval is stretched out to 6 or 12 months.  Once several years have gone by and the physician is comfortable that the cancer is under control, then usually the PSA monitoring is once yearly.

What happens if the tumor spreads?

Unfortunately, prostate cancer can recur and spread to other organs.  The vast majority of the time it spreads to the bones.  This can present with either an elevated PSA or even bone pain.  If that occurs, physicians usually offer systemic therapy to treat the entire body.  Many times, the cancer can be held at bay for several years, offering good quality of life, often with nothing more than anti-testosterone hormones via either pills or shots.  If bone pain is significant, radiation therapy is often used to decrease pain and improve the quality of life.  There is also a radioactive treatment for patients with a widespread bony disease with prostate cancer.  Your doctor will discuss if this treatment is appropriate in your specific case.

Where can I find more information?

To find more information you can talk to your local oncologist or reference multiple oncology centers of excellence at major academic institutions across the country.

If you were diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact our office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

Human Resource Professional Day

September 26, 2022

At Alliance Cancer Care, we L-O-V-E coming to work, and for that, we have to thank our exceptional team of leaders in Human Resources.

First, we want to thank our Chief People Officer (CPO), Dr. Harry James McCarty III, for his leadership and care for each individual team member at Alliance Cancer Care. His vision for having, and maintaining, a wonderful place to work is greatly appreciated.

Next, we must thank our Director of Administrative Operations, Erika Moss. Erika dedicates significant time and energy to recruiting, interviewing, and placing our team members in the best positions for success. We appreciate all her work behind the scenes, which makes our team stronger every day.

Next, we would like to welcome our new HR Manager, Korey Vance. Korey started with Alliance Cancer Care recently, and we are looking forward to her energy and excitement at our company.

Finally, we thank Rebecca Patten, our Executive Administrator. Rebecca wears many hats, but is an integral part of our team. She takes care of many of the tedious administrative and human resources tasks that allow our company and employees to serve our patients without stressors.

We are thankful for the leadership and dedication of our HR team in making Alliance Cancer Care a great place to work, and a great place to serve our patients.

Endometrial Cancer

September 21, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care, and Gabrielle Hawkins, M.D., obstetrician-gynecologist at Tennessee Valley Gynecologic Oncology

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in women.  The endometrium is the layer of tissue lining the uterus, which is the organ where women carry babies.  The endometrium can develop abnormal and cancerous cells.

What are the risk factors for endometrial cancer?

Risk factors include being female, increasing age, obesity, some medications taken for breast cancer treatment, excess estrogen exposure, and some inherited genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome.

What are the symptoms of endometrial cancer?

Common symptoms of endometrial cancer are spotting or bleeding between periods or after menopause.  Some patients may have pain in the pelvic area or pain with sexual intercourse.

What testing is done to diagnose endometrial cancer?

If your doctor suspects endometrial cancer, you will likely have an endometrial biopsy and/or transvaginal ultrasound.  The ultrasound looks for thickening in the endometrium or lining of the uterus.  An endometrial biopsy is performed in the clinic and then reviewed by a pathologist to look for cancerous cells.  If your doctor suspects endometrial cancer but your biopsy is negative, you may have a procedure called a dilatation and curettage (D&C).  This is a surgical procedure for sampling the endometrial tissue to look for signs of cancer.

What are treatment options for endometrial cancer?

SURGERY – Standard treatment for endometrial cancer involves surgery.  You should have surgery with an experienced surgeon, typically a gynecologic oncologist, who is a specialist in gynecologic cancers.  Surgery involves the removal of the uterus and cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for a total hysterectomy.  Your surgeon may also take a sampling of lymph nodes, called a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

After surgery, a pathologist will look at your cancer under the microscope to determine the final stage and grade of your cancer.  The stage of cancer is determined by how deep the cancer has invaded, or if it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.  The grade of your cancer is a measure of how aggressive it looks under the microscope.  Higher-stage or more aggressive tumors will require additional treatment.

Based on the stage and grade of your cancer, your doctor may recommend additional treatment(s).  You may be recommended to have vaginal brachytherapy, external beam radiation treatment, or chemotherapy.  Some patients will receive a combination of these options.

VAGINAL BRACHYTHERAPY – Vaginal brachytherapy is a unique form of radiation treatment specific to endometrial cancer.  Endometrial cancer most often comes back in the vagina after surgery; therefore, we recommend brachytherapy to decrease the risk of recurrence for certain patients.  This form of treatment is delivered by a radiation oncologist.

EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION TREATMENT – External beam radiation treatment is a form of radiation treatment focused on the pelvis to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells after surgery.  This form of treatment is delivered by a radiation oncologist.

CHEMOTHERAPY – Chemotherapy is often given for higher-stage or more aggressive types of endometrial cancer.  Chemotherapy is typically given through an IV and delivers medicine into your bloodstream that circulates throughout the body to kill cancer cells.  This treatment is typically delivered by a gynecologic oncologist, but it can also be given by a medical oncologist.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Side effects of treatment are variable depending on the type of treatment you receive.

SURGERY – Side effects of surgery are related to the operation itself.  Some pain after surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medications.  Other possible side effects include fatigue, incision problems, fevers, nausea, constipation, blood clots in the legs or lungs, or swelling in the legs, also called lymphedema.

RADIATION – External beam radiation therapy is a painless treatment.  The treatments are typically delivered once daily, Monday through Friday over several weeks.  Treatments are given in small “doses” to minimize side effects; however, you are likely to have some side effects, which gradually build up during treatment.  Patients commonly experience fatigue, burning with urination, and diarrhea with this treatment.  You will not lose your hair, have extreme nausea or vomiting, or have low blood counts.

BRACHYTHERAPY – Vaginal brachytherapy for endometrial cancer typically causes some burning with urination on the day of and possibly the day after treatment.  Long-term, vaginal brachytherapy can cause vaginal dryness and scarring called fibrosis.  Fibrosis can lead to narrowing of the vaginal canal, and painful intercourse if not managed appropriately.  Your doctor will discuss how to prevent fibrosis, and maintain normal function after treatment. 

What kind of recovery is involved after treatment?

Recovery from treatment depends on the type of treatment you receive.

SURGERY – Recovery from surgery is about 6-8 weeks.  There will be restrictions on how much you are allowed to lift following surgery, but the exact amount and timeframe are usually surgeon/practice specific.  Most surgeons also recommend “pelvic rest” or nothing in the vagina after surgery, to allow the incision at the top of the vagina to heal.  You will have an individualized discussion with your surgeon about the timing for returning to work, but, on average, this can be 4-6 weeks after surgery.  Additionally, fatigue is a symptom that can linger after major surgery, but resting when needed typically relieves this symptom.

EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION – Recovery from radiation treatment typically takes about 4-6 weeks.  Side effects typically build up throughout radiation, and then take a few weeks to resolve.  You will likely be back to your usual activities about a month after you complete radiation.

BRACHYTHERAPY – If you are receiving brachytherapy alone, most patients have minimal recovery time.  Many patients continue normal activities, and have no “recovery time.”

What happens after treatment?

After you complete your treatment course, you will be monitored very closely by your team of doctors.  You will likely have a doctor visit for a pelvic exam every 3 months, which is the most important method to detect if cancer has come back.  Your doctor may choose to order a scan, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan.

You will continue to see your doctor at regular intervals until around 5 years, at which time, you can resume annual visits.

What happens if the tumor comes back or spreads?

If your cancer comes back or spreads, there are likely treatment options available to you.  This is a highly personalized situation, but treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or brachytherapy radiation.

Where can I find more information?

If you were diagnosed with endometrial cancer and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact Dr. Hawkins’s office at 256-265-4600 or Dr. Everett’s office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

Check out these helpful websites:

– The National Cancer Institute’s page on Endometrial Cancer

– The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists page on Endometrial Cancer

Site Spotlight: Clearview Cancer Institute

September 12, 2022

What do patients say about treatment at Alliance Cancer Center at CCI?

– “This is truly the best medical care experience I have ever had, completely exceeding expectations.”

– “All of the staff have been very supportive and compassionate.”

– “The staff is incredible.  They are always friendly and keep you in an upbeat mood.”

– “Caring attitude of everyone from the housekeepers to the doctors.  A high level of knowledge is exhibited by all personnel that I encountered.”

– “Everyone is extremely friendly and tries to make you as comfortable as possible.”

– “Everyone is positive and helpful.  Professional staff.  Personable staff.”

Where is the clinic located? 

– 3601 CCI Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805

– Suite 10

– Enter at the main lobby doors, and then take the hallway to the right to Suite 10.

What is the office phone number?

– (256) 319-5400

Where do I park?

– There is a large surface parking lot around our clinic building.

– Parking is free.

– There are plenty of handicapped spaces at the clinic.

Which doctors typically work at this clinic?

– Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D.

– John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D.

– Harry James McCarty III, M.D.

– Elizabeth Falkenberg, M.D.

– Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, III, M.D.

What staff work at this clinic?

– Front desk:  Tara and Keshia

– Insurance coordinators:  Sherry, Erin W., and Sandra

– Physics:  Mike, Timo, Bart, Vince, and Jamone

– Therapy:

– Chief Therapist:  Erin S.

– Lead Therapist:  Jenny

– Therapy Team:  Zach, Anna, Erin M., Nathan, Sarah, Carra, Jessica, Haley, Joye-Michael, and Kristin

What technology is at this clinic?

– At CCI, we have a state-of-the-art CT simulator and three treatment machines.

– CT simulator:  We have a Siemens large bore CT simulator.  Once in your treatment position, it takes high-quality images that allow your doctor and team to plan your treatment with accuracy and precision.

– TrueBeam:  The TrueBeam is a versatile machine that can treat nearly any type of cancer.  It provides modern radiation treatment individualized to your particular cancer. Treatments last only a few minutes and are delivered with submillimeter accuracy to kill cancer and minimize the amount of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.  The TrueBeam machine delivers three-dimensional conformal treatment, intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT).  These are all sophisticated techniques found at any major cancer treatment center, delivered with the convenience of being close to home.

– Halcyon:  The Halcyon is a modern linear accelerator that delivers very rapid treatment to the most common types of cancer.  Treatments last around one minute, once placed in the correct position, and deliver treatment with submillimeter accuracy to kill cancer and minimize damage to surrounding tissues and organs.  The Halcyon machine delivers three-dimensional conformal treatment, intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

– Bravos:  The Bravos is a high-dose-rate (HDR) afterloader system used for brachytherapy, typically for gynecological cancers.  It houses a radioactive wire that can deliver internal radiation, or brachytherapy, for specific cancer types.

– With each of our machines, we can utilize image-guided radiation (IGRT) to verify proper positioning before delivering radiation treatment.  Read more in Dr. Pearlman’s blog here.

Are there other services provided at our clinic location?

– Yes!  Our CCI location is also home to Clearview Cancer Institute, a large group of medical oncologists.  They provide consultations and infusion services.

– CCI also has an on-site pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology suite, which performs Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET-CT.

Site Spotlight: Crestwood Medical Pavilion

September 9, 2022

What do patients say about treatment at Crestwood?

– “The absolute best care during treatments.  The nicest doctors, nurses, and therapists you could possibly hope to meet.”

– “Kind, understanding, empathetic, smart, knowledgeable.  Highly recommend.”

– “All the radiation staff were incredibly kind, uplifting, and flexible when needing to alter an appointment.”

– “Great people and service.”

– “The entire staff has been very caring and kind.  Thank you all so much.”

Where is the clinic located?

– One Hospital Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801

– First floor, Suite 100

– Enter at lobby level, and then look to the right to see the entrance to our lobby

What is the office phone number?

– (256) 319-5400

Where do I park?

– There is valet parking provided to our patients at no expense to you.

– Otherwise, if you choose to self-park, you may find parking in spaces around the hospital.  Do not park in reserved/ designated parking spaces.

Which doctors typically work at this clinic?

– Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D.

– Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, III, M.D.

– Elizabeth Falkenberg, M.D.

Which staff work at this clinic?

– Front Desk:  Cierra, Lisa, Leanna, Shella, and Rilee

– Administration:  Ashley, Rebecca, Erika, Rick, and Brandi

– Information Technology:  John, Brian, and Jeff

– Therapists:  Brett, Tabitha, and Mike

What technology is at this clinic?

– Halcyon:  The Halcyon is a modern linear accelerator that delivers very rapid treatment to the most common types of cancer.  Treatments last around one minute, once placed in the correct position, and deliver treatment with submillimeter accuracy to kill cancer and minimize damage to surrounding tissues and organs.  The Halcyon machine delivers three-dimensional conformal treatment, intensity modulated radiation treatment (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Are there other services provided at our clinic location?

– Yes.  Crestwood Medical Pavilion has other doctors’ offices on floors above our clinic. Clearview Cancer Institute has a clinic and laboratory located on the fourth floor of this same building.

– Our office also connects directly to Crestwood Hospital.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy: What Is It and When Is It Used?

September 6, 2022

By Harry James “Jim” McCarty, III, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

What is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)?  Well, first things first, androgens are a class of steroid hormones the body makes naturally.  Androgens are made by the testicles or the ovaries, as well as the adrenal glands – so both males and females produce androgens.  Males simply produce them at higher levels.  The most common androgen is testosterone, although there are others (like DHEA and DHT).

In the same way that the female hormone estrogen can stimulate breast cancers to grow, the male hormone testosterone can stimulate prostate cancers to grow.  And in the same way that doctors may prescribe treatments to block estrogen in women with breast cancers, doctors may prescribe treatments to block testosterone in men with prostate cancer.  Blocking testosterone deprives the body of that specific androgen – and is therefore called androgen deprivation therapy.  We will routinely also call it hormone therapy (although technically ADT is really an anti-hormone therapy).

Because testosterone can make prostate cancers grow – blocking testosterone acts to keep prostate cancers from growing.  It doesn’t actually kill the prostate cancer cells, it just puts them into a sort of hibernation.  This can weaken the cancer cells in such a way that radiation treatment is more effective.  Unfortunately, like any medication regimen, ADT can have side effects.  The most common side effects we see include:

  • Hot flashes (like when women have menopause and changes in their hormone levels). These can happen more often at night, so men are having to turn on a fan or take off sheets or covers.  Hot flashes are usually brief and relatively mild – so they are not usually a big hurdle.  They are typically just more of an irritation.  There are treatments that can help make hot flashes less bothersome.
  • Erectile dysfunction (because testosterone is part of the system that helps produce erections). This ED is typically temporary, lasting for as long as the hormone therapy does, plus a few months after treatment while the testosterone levels are returning to normal.  For better or worse, while men are getting ADT, they typically are not trying to get erections, because the hormone therapy also dramatically lowers the sex drive (libido).
  • Decreased muscle mass / increased fat deposits. This doesn’t always happen, but because testosterone helps build and maintain muscle mass, when testosterone isn’t there, men have a harder time keeping as much muscle.  Men can develop a bit of a “pear-shaped” body distribution, including some chance for breast swelling or tenderness, or more of a “beer belly” appearance.  Again, this is not typical but certainly can happen, especially with longer periods of hormone therapy.
  • Generalized loss of energy or endurance.
  • A chance for thinning of the skeleton (osteopenia) with long-term ADT.

Because ADT does have side effects, we don’t use this hormone therapy for all patients with prostate cancer.  In the most generic sense, if someone has low-risk prostate cancer (i.e., a PSA<10 and a Gleason Score<7*), then we typically don’t use ADT.  If someone has unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer (e.g., a PSA of 10-20, or a Gleason Score of 4+3=7), then we would typically do 6 months of ADT.  If someone has high-risk prostate cancer (e.g., a PSA > 20 or a Gleason Score of 8-10), then we will often do 2-3 years of ADT.  In this situation, studies have shown that there is a benefit to starting hormone therapy about 2 months before starting radiation.  Think of the ADT as starving the prostate cancer before we come in with radiation to kill off the prostate cancer cells.

If someone has had their prostate cancer removed surgically with prostatectomy but has a rising PSA after surgery, we will often treat them with radiation after surgery for a rising PSA.  In those post-operative cases, we will also sometimes use hormone therapy along with the radiation (e.g., if the PSA or Gleason score was more elevated, or if the cancer had spread to lymph nodes).

If someone has had radiation in the past but then has a rising PSA after radiation, we will typically use hormone therapy as the next mode of treatment.  Also, if someone has had their prostate cancer spread (metastasize) to other locations, we will typically use ADT.  In these last two settings (rising PSA after radiation and/or metastatic), we will often keep the patient on hormone therapy indefinitely – or use “pulse hormone therapy”, where the patient has some time on the ADT, and then some time off the ADT, but with a plan to resume ADT if the PSA becomes more elevated.  Finally, if someone is not going to receive radiation therapy or surgery at all, we will occasionally use just hormone therapy.  Depending on the situation, hormone therapy alone can often control prostate cancer for several years.  If we are seeing an elderly patient, 4-5 years may be long enough for them to live their natural life, without having any additional treatment for their prostate cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy is typically given as a 3-month or 6-month injection.  Doctors will very typically prescribe an oral / pill version before the first injection.  The pill form sort of helps the body prepare for the changes in hormone levels that happen with the injection.  Also, over the last 4-5 years, there have been several “second generation” hormone therapies that have been approved.  The most typical pattern is to start with traditional ADT, and if/when that therapy stops working, we will switch to the second-generation, modified hormone therapies.

To summarize, Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is an anti-testosterone therapy, which weakens prostate cancer cells and slows prostate cancer growth.  While ADT is not used in all cases, it is a very effective tool in the toolbox for many cases of prostate cancer. Please discuss ADT in depth with your doctor to determine if this is a recommended treatment for you.

Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?

August 31, 2022

By Richard Pearlman, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and it accounts for the second highest number of deaths from cancer in men.  According to the CDC, 31,636 men died of prostate cancer in the United States in 2019.

You might be wondering if you should be screened for prostate cancer.  There are differing opinions on who should be screened, how often, and at what age, but most organizations support a patient-centered approach in which men discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening before engaging in a screening program.

Prostate cancer screening is primarily performed using a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.  PSA is a marker for both prostate cells and prostate cancer.  If this blood test is elevated for your age group, then it could represent possible prostate cancer and would require further workup to confirm if prostate cancer is actually present.

Over the past several years, there has been some controversy regarding prostate cancer screening recommendations.  The primary issue is that prostate cancer severity can range from a relatively benign disease to a very aggressive disease.  As a result, many men will live with prostate cancer that never spreads, and they will eventually pass because of some other condition or disease.  On the other hand, prostate cancer will spread in some men and could shorten their lifespan.  Because some disease is not aggressive, there is concern that these men may be over-treated.  There is also concern that PSA testing may lead to further workup, such as a biopsy, which can cause pain or side effects.  In addition, the knowledge of having a cancer, even if it is not aggressive, can be disturbing to some patients.  While these are arguments in favor of potentially foregoing prostate cancer screening, on the flip side, some men will die from prostate cancer, and identifying them and treating them may lead to improved survival and quality of life.

Another question might be at what age a man should begin screening for prostate cancer if he would like to have prostate cancer screening.  Again, there are several different recommendations, but there is an age range at which prostate cancer screening is most effective.  The USPSTF (United States Preventative Services Task Force) recommends men from the age of 55-69 to discuss screening with their physician.  The NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) recommends screening for ages 45-75 for average-risk patients.  It remains unclear what the ideal age to begin prostate screening is and the age to discontinue testing.  NCCN experts were unable to agree on an age to discontinue screening, but they do agree that men with a life expectancy of fewer than 10 years should not undergo screening.

The previous discussion has focused on men who are at average risk for prostate cancer.  There are groups of men who are thought to have a higher risk of prostate cancer or potentially more aggressive disease.  Men with a family history of prostate cancer (first-degree relative: father, son, or brother) and men of African ancestry have a higher risk of more aggressive prostate cancer.  A smaller group of men may have a heritable genetic mutation in their family, which may lead to a higher risk of prostate cancer.  Men in these groups are recommended to undergo initial screening at age 40 rather than 45 per the NCCN.

While there remains significant discussion regarding how best to approach prostate cancer screening for men, there is evidence that prostate cancer screening may reduce prostate cancer-related death by identifying the disease in the earlier stages at which time it can be treated curatively.  Men who wish to undergo prostate cancer screening should also understand that a less aggressive cancer may be identified, which may not need to undergo immediate curative treatment.  If you wish to proceed with prostate cancer screening or you have further questions about it, I recommend that you discuss your particular situation with your primary care physician to see if prostate cancer screening is right for you.

What is ExacTrac and why does it matter for my SRS treatment?

August 31, 2022

By Vince Ulizio, Medical Physicist at Alliance Cancer Care

For high-dose radiation treatments called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), one extremely important aspect of treatment is positional accuracy.  To safely deliver high-dose treatment, you must be in the exact position intended to hit the tumor and avoid normal tissues.  Our Alliance Cancer Care physicists and therapists run many tests throughout the day, month, and year to ensure that the machine itself and the tools it uses are treating the exact spot as expected.  Even with all these tests, possible patient movement with breathing and swallowing still needs to be accounted for during treatment, so this is where the ExacTrac system is crucial in delivering state-of-the-art radiation treatment.

The ExacTrac system makes submillimeter adjustments that are almost imperceptible.  With the size of some brain lesions, these adjustments may be small, but they can be the difference between an accurate treatment and partially missing the designated treatment area.  ExacTrac will force the alignment to be within 0.5mm, which is about the thickness of a notecard or fingernail, and about ¼ the size of the tip of a pen.  Adjustments even smaller than this can be made and these adjustments are routinely made during treatment.

When we begin your treatment, you will lie down on the treatment table and X-rays are taken to get your position perfect.  Once your initial setup is complete, treatment starts and the table moves and the treatment machine will rotate around you.  These movements can lead to slight position changes that need to be corrected.  Even if the whole system is shown to keep an accurate position while rotating, those tests do not account for all the variables during treatment.  With the combined effect of machine motions and the length of treatment (approximately 20 minutes), your body motion is inevitable.  Therefore, these changes also need to be adjusted to keep your treatment on target.  We use constant imaging and adjustments with ExacTrac to keep your treatment safe and effective.

The ExacTrac system allows us to take images at any time during radiation treatment and makes tiny adjustments as necessary to keep the tumor perfectly in position for accurate radiation.  ExacTrac images are performed immediately before radiation is turned on for treatment, so we have confidence you are positioned correctly.  The system can also image during your radiation treatment.  While the radiation is being delivered, a quick confirmation image or multiple images can be taken to double-check that no movements have occurred.  If your positioning is not accurate, the radiation will turn itself off to prevent incorrect treatment.

The system also monitors the BBs that are attached to your mask, as an additional way to track your position at all times during the treatment session.  This system can also turn off the radiation if movement is detected.  Your therapists have a monitor on their computer screen, which can indicate the direction of the shift and the absolute measurement in millimeters.

Many studies have shown that the longer the treatment session takes (the longer you are on the treatment table) the more motion occurs, and thus the more corrections that would be needed.  The ExacTrac system keeps treatment times short by performing very quick alignment images.  Without this system, we would have to perform longer imaging techniques, with less confidence that nothing has moved between that image acquisition and the radiation treatment completion.

ExacTrac also comes with a specialized mask system that differs from other treatment types. The mask is designed for alignment that is more accurate and enhances patient comfort, which leads to less movement during treatment.  It also has special parts that allow small adjustments to help the mask fit as well as possible.

This system is designed to work for areas that receive very high dose treatments.  The main sites that are utilized with ExacTrac are sites within the brain and sites within the vertebral bodies of the spine.  These areas can be treated with very high doses and often within just one treatment session, increasing the importance of positional accuracy.  The ExacTrac system is especially good at imaging bony anatomy, so alignment is performed using the skull and the vertebral bodies.

This system helps us to deliver accurate and safe high-dose radiation treatments to patients in a relatively quick manner, but our technology and equipment are always improving.  Our next set of upgrades will make treatment accuracy even better, with a system for 4D thermal tracking of the patient’s heat signature, or external body.  This will allow even more accurate positioning and data to ensure the tumor is in the correct location.  These upgrades potentially lead to smaller volumes of treatment as well, since the positioning is so accurate, and this ultimately leads to less normal tissue being irradiated and even safer treatments.

How We Use Secondary Imaging in Radiation Oncology

August 16, 2022

By Bart Lynch, Medical Physicist

If it is recommended that you undergo radiation therapy, one of your next appointments is for CT simulation.  Most patients receive a computed tomography (CT) scan, or treatment planning CT.  The images from the CT scan are then used for target identification, treatment planning, and dose calculation.  Depending on your specific type of cancer, your physician might request that other imaging, such as an MRI or PET-CT, be performed.  These secondary imaging modalities can provide additional information about the tumor’s position, allowing your physician to target the tumor better and spare normal tissue. Dr. Everett describes the types of scans for cancer patients here.

PET scans

PET, which stands for positron emission tomography, is a functional imaging technique. Functional imaging focuses on detecting changes in biological processes, such as metabolism, blood flow, or absorption.  For a PET scan, a radioactive element is attached to a drug, hormone, or chemical, and called a radiotracer.  This is injected into the body and a specified time elapses before a scan is done.  During this time, the injected radiotracer migrates to the site of interest and emitted gamma rays are detected to create an image.  A diagnostic CT scan is often acquired simultaneously to improve the ability to detect the anatomy of where the PET uptake is found.

The PET radiotracer is chosen based on the process within the body that your physician would like to image.  For cancer patients, the radiotracer most often used is F-18 FDG.  Radioactive fluorine (F-18) is attached to a glucose sugar (FDG) absorbed by tissues actively using glucose. For example, the brain, heart, and liver are typically “brighter” on a PET because they use sugar as their primary nutrient.  The kidney and bladder also are “bright” on a PET, because the dye is filtered through the kidney and expelled through the urine.

However, F-18 FDG isn’t the only radiotracer available.  A recently FDA-approved radiotracer allows the imaging of prostate cancer cells.  Gallium-68 is used to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein in prostate cancer cells.  It is used in patients with suspected metastasis before initial treatment and with suspected recurrence based on increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

MRI scans

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging and uses magnets to produce images instead of X-rays.  MRI scans are performed on a certain area of the body, and are not “whole body.”  MRI scans produce excellent soft-tissue images and help look at the brain, liver, breast, pelvis, or muscles.  MRI is often used in conjunction with other imaging types.  For example, since PET scans light up the entire brain, MRI is essential to see the fine detail of the brain and to detect the presence of a tumor there.

MRI uses a strong magnetic field, which causes vibration of the water molecules in the body.  As the magnet turns on and off, the machine measures the “relaxing” of the water molecules back into their normal state.  This produces images that represent soft tissues inside the body.  MRI scans are typically longer scans, and the machinery is very loud.  Be sure to alert your doctor if you have any metal in your body, like a pacemaker or defibrillator, before your MRI scan.

How are these images used?

Your doctor may request a PET or MRI to help with defining the area to treat for your cancer. Once the secondary images (PET or MRI) are acquired, they are imported into our department software for image registration and fusion.  Image registration is the process of aligning the parts of one image to corresponding parts in another, while image fusion relates to the combined display of imaging data.

For example, in the image above, you can find a diagnostic CT on the left, an associated PET scan in the middle, and the fused PET/CT on the right.  The fused image allows your physician to view the same scan’s anatomical and functional imaging results on the CT plan for your radiation treatment.

In the example of a PET/CT, the diagnostic CT is mapped to your treatment planning CT.  The PET information can be used to identify areas of concern, and your doctor can contour, or outline, these areas on the treatment planning CT during the treatment planning process.

These same tools can be used if you require future radiation treatments, either at a new site or at sites that have been treated in the past.  Your old and new treatment planning CTs can be registered and fused to transfer information about your previous treatment onto the new CT scan.  The transferred radiation dose information can be added to the new planned radiation dose, and your doctor will review this information to ensure that your treatment is safe and the normal tissues are spared excess radiation as much as possible.

Secondary imaging can be extremely useful for your doctor in planning your radiation therapy, though it is not required for every case.  Your doctor will discuss your specific treatment plan requirements in detail.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with our team of experts to learn more about radiation, please call us at 256-319-5400, or use our contact form.

National Medical Dosimetrist Day

August 16, 2022

August 17th is National Medical Dosimetrist Day.  A medical dosimetrist is part of the radiation oncology team.  They work closely with your physician and the physics teams to create a treatment plan customized for your particular situation.  While you may never meet a dosimetrist, their role is critical in your treatment.

What does a Medical Dosimetrist do? 

After your simulation or “planning” appointment where a CT scan is usually performed, your dosimetrist works with your doctor to plan your radiation.  Your doctor will contour, or outline, the area where you need treatment for your tumor specifically.  Then, the dosimetrist uses his or her deep knowledge of math, anatomy, and physics, along with special computer software to develop a treatment plan.  Their job is to ensure the target your doctor outlined gets the radiation intended and other nearby organs are not injured.  This is often a process of refining the plan to develop the safest and most effective treatment.  Then, your doctor will review the plan created by the dosimetrists.  If the doctor has suggestions for improvement, the dosimetrist will try to incorporate those into a new treatment plan.  Once your doctor approves your treatment plan, the dosimetrist also facilitates your treatment starting.  They communicate the treatment plan to the radiation therapists who deliver the treatment.

Our Alliance Cancer Care Dosimetry team has six members who together have over 65 years of certified experience.  Today, on National Medical Dosimetrists Day, we are proud and grateful to work with this skilled team of dosimetrists.  They help our doctors deliver radiation with state-of-the-art technology, including IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, and SRS treatments.  Please join us in thanking them for their important role and continued excellence in the field of medical dosimetry.

What is a supplemental cancer policy?

August 14, 2022

A supplemental cancer policy is insurance separate from your health insurance.  It is meant to supplement your income to help with medical expenses not covered by your primary health insurance.

These plans make payments in one of two ways.

The first way pays directly to the provider for your medical expenses.  These payments are based on your expenses pertaining to your cancer treatments.  You are usually able to use your supplemental policy to cover copays, deductibles, and co-insurance from your primary health insurance.

The second way pays a certain amount of money directly to you.  This can include amounts for your diagnosis, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.  The reasoning behind this method of payment is to allow you to decide how best to use the money. If you are unable to work, you might decide it is more important to pay a utility bill or buy groceries with that supplement.

I have a supplemental cancer policy.  What do I need to do to receive a payment?

In order to be reimbursed, you must submit a claim along with additional information as requested by your supplemental insurance company. It typically includes:

  • pathology report
  • imaging reports
  • doctors’ office notes
  • billing statements

You can obtain copies of these documents by asking your providers.  At Alliance Cancer Care, you can ask your nursing team for the required documentation.

Unfortunately, you are unable to get a supplemental cancer policy once you have already received a cancer diagnosis.  If you have one of these policies, it is worthwhile to take advantage of the benefits.  You have paid your premiums for this very reason, and the coverage will most likely alleviate financial worry or stress.

It may also be beneficial to review your policy to see if there are additional ways to receive reimbursement for preventative care.  This can include well-care visits, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc.

If you have questions or need assistance with your supplemental policy, call our office at (256) 319-5400.

What is Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)?

August 10, 2022

By Richard Pearlman, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

At Alliance Cancer Care, we use daily image guidance for many of our treatments.  If you are receiving treatment with us, you are probably undergoing some type of imaging regularly. Image-guided radiation therapy, or IGRT, is a method that uses in-room x-ray or CT to visualize the area that is to be treated.  You may hear us refer to this as “daily alignment,” “setup imaging,” “daily films,” and probably many other variations.  What all of these phrases have in common is that some type of imaging is performed to ensure that the treatment delivered is accurate.

How are the images obtained and used?

Before a treatment, we verify the setup accuracy by performing a cone beam CT, MV, or kv x-ray images.  We use these images, taken at the time of your treatment, to ensure that the target area matches that of the original simulation CT scan from which your treatments were planned. If the two images match, then we know that the treatment delivered will be accurate. If there is any mismatch detected in the setup image, the radiation therapists make small corrections in your position by moving the robotic treatment table, which moves your body into the exact position before treatment starts.  This setup process is most often performed daily, but sometimes, we will do it less frequently, such as every five treatments.

What are the types of images used?

The most detailed type of image is the cone beam CT.  A cone beam CT is very similar to a diagnostic CT, but due to the way it is acquired, it does not have the same image quality as a diagnostic scan.  It also does not use diagnostic protocols or contrast, so its ability to see the tumor being treated is often limited.  Therefore, we usually do not make judgments regarding your tumor’s response to treatment using this type of imaging.  However, we can still use your cone beam CT to check for alignment of soft tissues, such as fat, muscle, and internal organs. We can also check for bladder filling and stool or gas in the bowels.  Patients being treated for prostate cancer are the most familiar with this process since we check a daily cone beam CT to properly align the prostate before treatment, and we also evaluate the bladder to make sure that it is full and that the rectum is empty.

Regarding the two different types of x-rays that can be performed on the treatment machine, there are MV, or megavoltage, and kv, or kilovoltage, images.  These terms reference the energy of the x-rays used to perform each image.  The MV beam uses the same beam for imaging as treatment.  It may have slightly less detail than a kv image due to the higher energy. This is a complicated physics phenomenon of how x-rays of different energies interact with different tissues.  But since the MV image uses the treatment beam, a beam’s eye view of the patient’s positioning can be evaluated. Kv imaging is especially useful when setting up accurately to the bone.  Both kv and MV imaging can be used to take images at 90 degrees to each other, which can be used to align the target area in 3 dimensions vs. 2 dimensions with just one view.  We decide on which of these types of imaging to perform based on the individual clinical scenario.

In contrast to a cone beam CT, which shows both bone and soft tissue, MV and kv images show bone more than soft tissue.  You might wonder, “Why don’t we use a cone beam CT for all of our treatments?” This is a good question.  Firstly, not all treatments require the level of soft tissue detail provided by a CT.  If we are treating cancer in a bone, it is not necessary to have the soft tissue detail.  Secondly, a CT takes more time to acquire.  Sometimes, lying on the treatment table can be uncomfortable, especially for people with back or joint pain, or the patient being treated may be very sick, such as an ICU patient.  At times, reducing a patient’s time on the treatment table is a priority.

What is gated imaging?

In addition to the various types of imaging that we described, we can also choose to perform imaging using the fourth dimension of time.  For example, when we treat patients with lung cancer, we often use what we call 4D- or gated imaging, which accounts for the factor of time. Before treatment, we can program the machine to image the patient at certain times, such as during inspiration, expiration, or any time in between.  Using this type of image guidance, we can account for tumor motion and often treat smaller areas of normal tissues.  We can perform this type of imaging by tracking your breathing during the initial planning scan and in the treatment room.  Please watch Dr. Everett’s video for more information.

What is surface guidance?

We also use surface guidance for accurate setup and for detecting motion in our patients before and during treatment.  This process uses an infrared camera system, which is part of the Varian Identify® system.  Learn more about the Identify® system.

Why does image-guided radiation therapy matter?

Image-guided radiation therapy is a technique and technology we use to accurately deliver your treatments regularly.  Various forms of imaging can be performed, such as cone beam CT, MV images, and kv images, and your doctor will select the best option for you based on individual factors about your tumor and your treatment.  Each method has its pros and cons.  In addition to these imaging techniques, we can employ gated imaging, which allows us to align the target area using breath-hold techniques or during specific times while breathing. We use these various techniques when indicated to help us deliver the most accurate treatments possible for our patients.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to learn more from our team of experts, please contact our office to learn more about consultation.

How will I pay for my radiation treatments?

August 8, 2022

Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings with it a multitude of emotions.  Trying to figure out how you are going to pay for your treatments can cause added stress and worry.  Most people have health insurance to help cover cancer treatments and radiation therapy costs, but your policy may not always cover everything.  Alternatively, you may not have health insurance.  When you have a limited income and find out you now have to budget for this unexpected cost, it can be overwhelming.  At Alliance Cancer Care, we are here to help you navigate this difficult time.

What are my options?

There are a few options available to help cover your medical expenses.  It might take a little work to find out if you qualify for a program, but it could cover a majority or all of your costs. Typically, the main consideration for financial assistance is a person’s income.  Here are some options you may find helpful.

  • Medicaid – This is a state-run program, and you can find additional information by visiting the Alabama Medicaid There is a specific program for women with breast and cervical cancers, and you can find guidelines by visiting this website.
  • Cancer Funds and Foundations – Many options are available to help pay certain expenses. Some are specific to your cancer type, while others will help with cancer in general. These are just a few.
  • Financial Assistance – Some hospitals and/or companies provide financial assistance for patients who could not otherwise afford treatment. You may have to ask if this is available. If assistance programs exist, you may have to meet certain qualifications and/or apply for coverage.

Is financial assistance available at Alliance Cancer Care?

Alliance Cancer Care is committed to providing quality health care for our community.  One of the ways we can help is by providing financial assistance to our patients who are without health care insurance coverage or have financial challenges.  Being able to pay for your treatment is not a determining factor in getting the care you need.

If you will be financially responsible for part or all of your treatment, it is our goal to meet with you before you begin treatments to understand your needs and review possible assistance options.  We will review your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your total cost for radiation therapy.  At this time, we can discuss if you qualify for our financial assistance program.  You can also notify your nursing team of any financial concerns when you first meet with your doctor, and we can have our insurance and financial team reach out to you with more information.

What happens if I do not qualify for financial assistance?

Sometimes, we have patients who do not qualify for full coverage through our financial assistance program.  There are still options.  If you are unable to pay your balance all at once or as you receive treatment, a payment plan can be set up with our billing office.

If you have questions about your financial responsibility, you can call our office at (256) 319-5400.  We are glad to help alleviate some of the stress and worry you may be feeling during this journey.

Where is the best place for me to receive radiation treatment?

August 3, 2022

If you are diagnosed with cancer you will likely ask, “Where is the best place for me to receive cancer treatment?” This is a question worth exploring for each patient, as there are very personal considerations when choosing your doctor and treatment team.

Most importantly, you should feel confident and comfortable with your medical team where you choose to have your cancer treatment. Here are some other factors you may consider:

  • Many patients can keep working while receiving radiation treatment, so location and distance from a cancer center are important.
  • Family or Friends Support. Cancer treatment can cause side effects, and having a network of family and friends to assist you is helpful.
  • Medical Expertise. There are many cancer types. If you have a rare subtype of cancer, you may be recommended to seek care with a cancer doctor who specializes in that particular type of cancer.
  • Care and Attention. You want a medical team who listens well, explains treatments clearly and will answer all your questions. You need to have a high level of trust with the person you are entrusting for your care.
  • Insurance coverage. Your medical co-pays, insurance coverage, and overall cost to you are important when considering cancer treatment.

Specific to radiation treatment, there are some additional factors you may want to consider. Radiation therapy requires an expertly trained doctor, who is specially trained in radiation physics and radiation biology to select the ideal radiation treatment plan for you. You also want to know you are receiving the best radiation treatment possible, and important considerations include:

  • Radiation planning technology
  • Radiation delivery equipment
  • Expert medical team and staff
  • State-of-the-art facilities

At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to providing the absolute best in cancer care for our patients. Our group of physicians across North Alabama are board-certified radiation oncologists. We seek to provide our patients with access to the most recent innovations and technological advances in radiation oncology. We are continuously investing in our equipment, software, and training of staff to provide world-class radiation treatment for our communities across North Alabama. We provide radiation therapy in Huntsville, Decatur, and Florence, Alabama, and the surrounding communities.

You still may be wondering, “Is radiation therapy at Alliance Cancer Care the best option for me?”  Below we describe the different advantages of having radiation treatment at Alliance Cancer Care vs. nearby academic centers.

Alliance Cancer Care Advantages

Patient Convenience

Radiation therapy is typically delivered daily Monday through Friday over several weeks. However, radiation treatments are fast, often taking two or three minutes to deliver your treatment. We anticipate you will be able to continue normal activities, including working, during radiation therapy. Therefore, driving a long distance for daily treatments is not feasible for many patients. With five convenient locations, we strive to provide state-of-the-art technology with the convenience of keeping you close to home during radiation treatment.

Timely Consultations

With a cancer diagnosis, you are anxious and ready to know the next steps in your care. We often schedule your initial consultation visit with your doctor within the week of referral.

Peer Review and Chart Rounds

Radiation therapy is complex and requires a team of people to ensure its precision and safety for each patient. We seek to provide radiation at the highest standards of the industry, with modern techniques and technology. To this end, we hold weekly conferences, where each patient’s radiation treatment is reviewed for quality, safety, and efficacy by our team of experts. This ensures the highest level of care for each of our patients across our network of locations.

Tumor Boards

Cancer treatment should be individualized for each patient, so we host weekly tumor boards to discuss patients in a multi-disciplinary setting. Pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and our group of radiation oncologists meet together to discuss your cancer diagnosis, stage, and treatment options to provide a group recommendation specific to your situation.

Weekly On-Treatment Visits

During radiation, you will have weekly visits with your doctor to monitor your progress through treatment and watch for any side effects of treatment. This allows our team to intervene early to minimize the side effects of treatment and improve your quality of life during radiation therapy.

Treatment Types and Technologies

Alliance Cancer Care offers treatment types and technologies on par with our nearby academic centers. At this time, Alliance Cancer Care has the following radiation treatment modalities:

  • IMRT/VMAT – Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). These are sophisticated radiation treatments using tiny beams of radiation with varying intensity to accurately sculpt radiation, giving a higher dose to the tumor and a lower dose to the surrounding organs and tissues, decreasing side effects.
  • SRS/SBRT – Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). This is a radiation technique using a very high-energy beam of focused radiation to treat tumors in 1-5 treatments with minimal margin to lessen side effects.
  • IGRT – Image Guided Radiation Therapy. Our machines take an image before each treatment to allow us to adjust patients’ bodies into the optimal treatment position, providing submillimeter accuracy with treatment.
  • Surface Guided Radiation Therapy. We use the Varian Identify system for surface monitoring of patients before and during treatment, to help ensure the accuracy of treatment.
  • Respiratory Gating – This is a technique sometimes used to deliver radiation therapy to a moving target. If a tumor has significant motion (i.e. a lung tumor), the machine can turn on or off at certain times to limit the amount of normal tissue being radiated. This extends the overall treatment time but may reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues or organs.
  • Brachytherapy – This is a unique form of radiation therapy, often used in gynecologic cancers, where a radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment.

Academic Center Advantages

Multidisciplinary Clinics

Major academic centers can offer multidisciplinary clinics for patients with certain diagnoses. For instance, a patient may be seen at a breast clinic, where she will meet the breast surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist during the same visit. Patients will often have their mammogram and ultrasound on the same day and meet with the breast radiologist, too. This often means that patients are at the clinic for 6-8 hours to complete the entire workup and consultation process. The advantage is patients only have a single visit to meet all their physicians and leave with a plan for their cancer treatment. This multidisciplinary visit is often only conducted at the initial consultation. Follow-up visits are in the individual physician clinics.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we coordinate your cancer care by participating in tumor boards, reviewing and sending records to your other cancer doctors, and discussing any urgent matters with your doctors via telephone.

Clinical Trials

Academic centers are critical for clinical trial development and execution. Clinical trials advance medical treatment, particularly in the field of oncology. Patients with rare types of cancer, recurrent cancer, or metastatic cancer that has failed standard therapies are often ideal candidates to consider enrolling in clinical trials.

At this time, Alliance Cancer Care is not enrolling patients in clinical trials. However, we use data from prior clinical trials that are proven effective to provide our recommendations to our patients. Our team at Alliance Cancer Care is happy to help research available clinical trials and facilitate referral if you are a potential clinical trial candidate.

So What?

Knowledge is power. Now you have information about what factors to consider when choosing your cancer treatment specialists and can make that important decision to start your journey with cancer treatment.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we are committed to providing you the absolute best in cancer care, with the most recent innovations and technological advances in radiation oncology located conveniently close to home.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer and would like to discuss radiation treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact our office today.

World Lung Cancer Day

July 30, 2022

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 230,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States.  There are two major subtypes of lung cancer: non-small cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, which account for 76% and 13% of lung cancers in the U.S., respectively.  Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, with over 21% of cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2022.

The good news is that lung cancer mortality has decreased by about 5% in the past few years.  This is likely a combination of fewer cases of lung cancer combined with improved survival in those patients diagnosed.  Modern cancer care involves testing for tumor-specific markers and mutations, to customize individual patient treatment.  New cancer treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy have resulted in significant improvements in cure rates for lung cancer.

In addition, lung cancer screening has resulted in finding lung cancers at earlier stages, when the cancer is more likely curable.  This can also lead to fewer deaths from lung cancer.  National guidelines recommend patients over the age of 50 who have smoked the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes daily for 20 years (20 pack-years) discuss lung cancer screening with their provider.

Lung cancer screening is done with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs yearly.  Sometimes, these scans can detect small nodules in the lungs that may represent early cancers.  Alliance Cancer Care offers qualified patients LDCT lung scans through our Lung Cancer Screening Program.  If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about lung cancer screening, we have two local screening programs at Huntsville Hospital and Clearview Cancer Institute.

Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, although many patients diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokers and never smoked.  In Alabama, approximately 700,000 (18.5%) of our population are smokers, and this rate is increasing among our teenagers (CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2020).  To help decrease the risk of these very aggressive cancers and improve your overall health, we want to help you or your loved ones quit smoking, and promote a tobacco-free environment in our community.  If you are a smoker or know someone who is a smoker, the time to quit is NOW.  Many programs offer free nicotine replacement to help with quitting.

Our doctors also have some helpful smoking cessation items on our Amazon store, where we also have products recommended to patients receiving radiation treatments.

If you are ready to quit smoking, here are some helpful resources:

– Alabama Quit Now:  1-800-QUIT-NOW

– American Cancer Society Quit for Life:  866-QUIT-4-LIFE

– CDC:  How to Quit Smoking

– Alliance Cancer Care’s Amazon Store

How We Hit a Moving Target in Radiation Therapy

July 26, 2022

Radiation is a treatment that we can focus precisely to kill tumors. We extensively evaluate a tumor’s location and surrounding tissues to ensure that we target tumors accurately and minimize side effects. We also must evaluate the movement of a tumor, to make sure the entire tumor is treated. Many tumors do not move, such as those in the brain, while other tumors, such as prostate cancers, move with changes in the fullness of the bladder and rectum. Before treatment delivery, we use X-rays or CT scans to confirm that the radiation is targeting exactly where your doctor intends, through a process called image guidance.

Some tumors, such as those in the lung, present a unique challenge as they can move much more during treatment delivery. Therefore, we take a special planning CT scan (4-dimensional) that acquires multiple CT images while breathing normally. This essentially creates a video of the tumor’s motion while breathing. This 4D CT scan allows us to accurately visualize the tumor movement and target it.

A common way to treat moving tumors involves designing a plan that includes all tumor movement, in other words, the tumor is treated no matter its position. This is a very common approach for small tumors or tumors without significant motion.

If your physician believes your tumor has excessive movement or is close to normal tissue, they may recommend respiratory gating. This technique involves treating the tumor when it is in a specific location or is moving very little. This technology accounts for tumor movement and can limit the nearby normal tissue irradiated. Your physician will choose if this technique is the best treatment for you during treatment planning. At that time, your doctor and a team of physics specialists will choose a portion of the breathing cycle with the least amount of tumor motion.

If your doctor recommends respiratory gating, during your radiation treatment a marker block is placed on your chest. As your chest rises and falls with breathing, the marker block moves. This movement can be used to track tumor movement in the lungs. Then the treatment machine can be configured only to deliver radiation when the tumor is in a particular position.

Your body positioning and tumor movement are carefully evaluated using CT scans just before treatment delivery. The physician, radiation therapists, and physicists carefully review the images and ensure that the tumor motion and position match your doctor’s plan. Once the position is verified, daily treatment delivery is completed within minutes.

Respiratory Gating is one of the many advanced techniques and technologies that Alliance Cancer Care uses to treat tumors with greater accuracy while minimizing side effects. To learn more, watch our video on Respiratory Motion Management.

Top Three Radiation Side Effects

July 22, 2022

By Elizabeth Falkenberg, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

Radiation sounds scary even before the doctor begins to talk about side effects. Will I glow in the dark? NO, but that would be cool! Radiation is an x-ray treatment, designed to target a particular area of the body. In contrast, chemotherapy is a medication that is given by IV or mouth and goes all over the body. Side effects are very different with radiation being targeted to one location in the body versus the potential of being all over the body. When your doctor first talks about the side effects of radiation, these are acute side effects – ones that happen during treatment. Here we review the top three acute side effects of radiation and how to manage them.

Fatigue – Radiation therapy causes fatigue by the body releasing proteins called cytokines. Radiation typically does not drop your blood counts to cause fatigue, like some types of chemotherapy that affect the bone marrow. Instead, your body needs to focus its energy to heal the site being treated and releases inflammatory markers. You, the patient, then feel fatigued. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks of radiation to notice fatigue because it is a gradual “build-up” side effect. Most fatigue from radiation therapy is mild. Many patients continue to work full-time and continue their previous exercise regimen.

If you experience fatigue during treatment, try to do your normal activities but take breaks to rest. Some patients need to go to sleep earlier at night. Other patients just need 30-40 minutes to rest, and then they feel like getting up and back to normal activities. We suggest daily exercise to increase function and decrease fatigue, as exercise decreases inflammation in the body and can improve quality of life. We also recommend staying well-hydrated during radiation.

Redness/rash/sunburn of the skin – Radiation may cause skin changes, but these are only seen where the beam of radiation is going. These changes are also gradually “building up” during radiation treatment. Redness or sunburn in the skin at the end of radiation is only a side effect, as the x-rays do not work by “burning” the cancer. Radiation x-rays work at the cellular level to cause a break in the tumor cells’ DNA so the tumor cell cannot grow or replicate. The redness or darkening of the skin near your tumor and treatment site is the reaction of the skin, and then these normal cells heal slowly over time, similar to a sunburn at the beach. We usually treat skin redness with moisturizing lotions and then treat itching or rash with a steroid cream. Gentle massage with lotion can help preserve the elasticity of the skin as it heals. Your hair, which is part of the skin, may fall out in the location of the radiation changes. This is sometimes temporary and sometimes permanent.

Diarrhea/nausea– Again, radiation causes side effects specific to the location of the treatment. Patients who are receiving treatment to the pelvis for prostate cancer, rectal cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and others can experience diarrhea. If you are receiving chemotherapy at the same time, diarrhea can be exacerbated. We usually recommend using Imodium for diarrhea, or your doctor can prescribe something stronger if needed. Gas-X can help with symptoms of bloating and gas. If the radiation therapy is delivered to the abdomen or stomach area, this can cause mild nausea or reflux. We recommend anti-acids and nausea medicine daily before treatment to help prevent nausea if you experience it after the first couple of treatments.

Your doctor will discuss side effects relevant to the area of the body that will receive radiation therapy. Always ask questions if you are unsure if the symptom you are having is due to your radiation treatment.

Physician Spotlight: John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D.

July 19, 2022

John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D.

What is your role at Alliance Cancer Care, and how long have you worked here?

I am currently the Medical Director at Alliance Cancer Care. I have worked here for over nine years, and my most important role here is practicing as a radiation oncologist. I see patients in the clinic every day and evaluate whether or not radiation would be indicated based on looking at their imaging, biopsies, and physical examination, among other things. If patients do need treatment, we obtain specialized imaging to map the treatment, and I am responsible for outlining the target areas that we want to treat. I then help the dosimetry and physics teams come up with a treatment plan to accurately shape the radiation dose to the target and limit the dose to surrounding structures.

I am fortunate to follow patients weekly during their treatment course to make sure they are tolerating treatment appropriately, and address any concerns or side effects that may develop. Afterward, I play a role in monitoring patients as they recover. In some cases, we follow patients for years, seeing them back periodically for imaging, exams, and labs.

As Medical Director, I am fortunate to have a group of physicians that I work with who are passionate about delivering modern, state-of-the-art radiation care. I help gather the most recent information to make sure that we have appropriate and updated policies and procedures to offer the best quality of care to patients in our community. I also act as a liaison between physicians and other teams across our company, including radiation therapists, physicists, dosimetrists, and nurses. I also work with our surrounding teammates, and our other physician colleagues in the community, to help to coordinate patient care.

What type of cancers do you treat?

Like the other members of our group, we all treat a broad variety of cancers, as well as some benign conditions. Certain cancers are very common, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers, which we all evaluate and treat. Because of my particular interest in certain types of radiation, including stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), I see a slightly higher proportion of patients with brain tumors and lung tumors. I also have a busy practice of patients with head and neck malignancies.

What do you love most about your job?

It’s a privilege to take care of people who have cancer. It’s a scary thing for anyone to find out that they have cancer. Every day I come to work and try to help someone who is going through the most challenging thing in their life. That is incredibly rewarding.

From an intellectual standpoint, I am always seeing new and different things. So being able to use my mind to approach a problem, and work to find a solution to help the patient is a great combination of using my intellectual curiosity and helping patients here in our community.

What do you love to do outside work?

Like a lot of husbands and fathers, I spend a lot of time outside work with my children and wife. When I have alone time for myself, I like to read. My favorite genres are history and historical fiction. I also like to hike, and we have a lot of good hiking trails close to home in North Alabama. I also like sports, and follow both professional and college sports.  My favorite team is the North Carolina Tarheels.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a big dog person and have always loved animals, even as a kid. I had to fight to convince my parents to let me have my first dog when I was 11 or 12 years old. My wife and I have had several dogs, and I currently have two rescue dogs. One is 11 pounds, and one is 45 pounds, which we found on the side of the road in North Carolina when we were traveling for a friend’s wedding. I am an animal lover and love playing with my dogs outside work.

What is one piece of advice you want patients to know coming to Alliance Cancer Care for their radiation treatment?

We want all our patients to be comfortable in the environment and comfortable with us, the physicians. We want patients to be confident that they understand why they need treatment, and what to expect. It can be useful to write down questions in advance of your first consultation, and make sure you ask those questions. It’s our job to answer them. I’ve told many patients that if they didn’t have questions, they could replace me with a robot. That’s the human side of what we do, and we enjoy explaining to you why we are doing what we are doing and making sure we address any concerns about your cancer and treatment. Ask questions early and often. Make a list of questions so you remember what you’d like to ask.

Why do Dr. Gleason’s nurses value working with him?

“It is a daily joy to work alongside Dr. Gleason in taking care of our patients. His expertise, knowledge, and ethics are unmatched. I never question the quality of care our patients receive, making it so easy to support him.”

What do patients say about Dr. Gleason?

“Dr. Gleason is extremely knowledgeable and his staff is extremely nice.”

“Dr. Gleason and his entire staff are both highly competent and extremely caring.”

“Dr. Gleason and the entire team are the creams of the crop.” 

Learn more about Dr. Gleason.

Get a LEG up on Sarcomas

July 19, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. This is a rare tumor that often occurs in the leg. Learn more about this tumor type and its treatment options.

What is sarcoma?

Sarcomas are a rare group of malignant cancers that develop in the soft tissue of muscles, cartilage, fat, blood vessels, or the bone. There are more than 60 subtypes of sarcoma, which vary on a spectrum of non-aggressive to very aggressive. There are only about 13,000 new cases of sarcomas each year in the United States, including pediatric and adult cases.

Sarcomas often arise in the musculature in the extremities or the torso. The most common location for sarcoma is the femur, which is the large bone of the thigh. However, some types of sarcomas (leiomyosarcoma) are more commonly found in the abdomen. The most common types of sarcomas in adults include undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, liposarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma. These names reflect the origin of the tumor as determined by a pathologist.

These types of tumors can be locally destructive, but can also spread commonly to the lungs. They uncommonly involve lymph nodes, as other cancer types often do.

What are the risk factors for sarcoma?

Unlike other common cancers, smoking and lifestyle have not been linked with increased risk of sarcoma. Patients with a history of lymphedema, chemical exposure, and prior radiation therapy (typically more than 10 years prior) are at increased risk of developing sarcomas. There are also some familial cancer syndromes associated with sarcomas:

  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Garner syndrome
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome
  • Werner syndrome
  • Gorlin syndrome
  • Tuberous sclerosis

What are the symptoms of sarcoma?

Roughly 50% of sarcomas develop in the arms or legs. The majority of patients notice a painless lump or mass in the arm or leg that grows over several weeks to months. In the case of sarcomas that start in the abdomen, there are usually few symptoms until the tumor grows large enough to cause stomach distention, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, bowel habit changes, or blood in the stool.

What testing is done to diagnose sarcomas?

If sarcoma is suspected, your doctor will order testing to help with the diagnosis. Imaging studies including ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI are often performed to define the size of the mass and its characteristics. CT scans of the chest are often performed to ensure that the cancer has not spread to the lungs. An MRI is typically required for sarcoma imaging. This gives fine detail of the soft tissue surrounding the tumor and the tumor itself to help in planning treatment recommendations.

Once imaging is performed, and sarcoma is suspected, your doctor will likely order a biopsy. This is a very important step. Your biopsy should be done by a well-trained surgeon to ensure the highest success with the treatment of the sarcoma. Biopsies that are not done with proper attention to technique can lead to tumor spread and possible problems with treatment later on.

What are treatment options for sarcomas?

Sarcomas are typically treated with surgery, with or without additional radiation treatment. Most forms of sarcoma are not very sensitive to chemotherapy, though chemotherapy may be required in some situations with very large tumors.

You should talk with your doctors about whether you should have surgery or radiation first. For sarcoma in the leg or arm, radiation therapy is often given before surgery to improve treatment success. Radiation given before surgery for tumors in the extremities has a few advantages:

  • Your doctor can see the tumor well and can treat a smaller area.
  • Your doctor may use a lower dose of radiation pre-surgery, leading to fewer long-term complications such as fibrosis (scarring) and lymphedema (swelling).
  • There is less risk of a positive margin (tumor being left behind) with radiation given upfront.

Radiation therapy given before surgery does increase the risk of wound healing after surgery.

Surgery for sarcomas involves a “wide local excision” to remove all the tumors with a rim of normal tissue. This should be performed by an experienced surgeon for the best outcome.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Radiation

Side effects from radiation treatment may occur during treatment or after treatment. Radiation treatment typically causes side effects while on treatment, including fatigue and skin changes like a light sunburn. This can cause itching, tenderness, darkening, or stiffness in the skin. These side effects gradually increase during treatment and improve after radiation ends. However, some of the effects of radiation may linger, including stiffness of the skin or muscle. After radiation treatment, some patients also experience swelling in or below the area treated with radiation. This is called lymphedema, and many patients experience heaviness, tenderness, firmness, or swelling. Lymphedema is often not completely reversible, but it can be improved with physical therapy, massage, and compression garments.

Surgery

Risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, and scarring. In addition, surgery may lead to increased weakness of the area, depending on the amount of muscle and tissue that must be removed during surgery. Physical therapy can help recover from surgery.

What kind of recovery is involved after treatment?

When radiation treatment ends, it typically takes about 4-6 weeks for the skin changes to heal. This is about the timing when patients are seen by their surgeon for consideration of their cancer surgery (if not done before radiation).

After surgery, patients typically have a period of 4-6 weeks needed for healing of the scar before resuming normal activity. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions after surgery for recovery.

Physical therapy can be an important aspect of recovery after either surgery or radiation treatment.

What happens after completing all treatment?

After completing treatment for sarcoma, your doctor will schedule you for regular check-ups. You will typically see your doctor(s) every 3-6 months, possibly with scans done every 6-12 months. Your doctor will monitor both for side effects related to treatment, as well as for any return of cancer.

If you have side effects related to stiffness in the muscle or lymphedema, your doctor can address those at your follow-up visits. Your doctor will likely recommend physical or lymphedema therapy to help with these issues, as needed.

What happens if the tumor returns or spreads?

Most commonly, sarcoma returns at the site where it started. If it spreads, the most likely place it spreads to is the lungs.  In either situation, your doctors will make an individualized treatment plan with you based on your prior treatment, the characteristics of your cancer, and your overall health status.

Where can I find more information?

American Cancer Society

National Cancer Institute

If you were diagnosed with sarcoma and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact our office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

Site Spotlight: Singing River Cancer Center

July 11, 2022

Where is the clinic located? 

– 180 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, AL 35630

– Suite A

– Enter the lobby, and our clinic is on the right side of the building

What is the office phone number?

– (256) 760-1150

Where do I park?

– There is a free, large parking lot attached to the building.

– There are also plenty of handicapped spaces provided.

Which physicians and nurses typically work at this clinic?

– Dr. Richard Pearlman and nurse Sharon

Which staff work at this clinic?

– Physicist/ Dosimetrists Andrew and Michael

– Radiation Therapists Al, Mallory, Brittany, and Jeff

– Front office staff Molly, Kelly, and Melanie

What technology is at this clinic? 

– At Singing River Cancer Center, we have a CT simulator and a TrueBeam linear accelerator.

– The simulator is a GE large bore CT simulator that coordinates with our Identify System.  Once in your treatment position, it takes high-quality images that allow your doctor and team to plan your treatment with high precision.

– The TrueBeam is a versatile machine that can treat any type of cancer.  It provides state-of-the-art radiation treatment individualized to your particular cancer.  Treatments last only a few minutes, and are delivered with submillimeter accuracy to kill cancer and minimize the amount of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

– The TrueBeam machine delivers three-dimensional conformal treatment, intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic radiation therapy or radiosurgery (SBRT or SRS).  These are all sophisticated techniques found at any major cancer treatment center, delivered close to home.

– We use image-guided radiation (IGRT) to verify proper positioning before delivering radiation treatment each day.

– We also use the Identify System to provide additional patient safety and treatment accuracy. Please read more about this system on our blog.

Are there other services provided at our clinic location?

– Yes.  The Singing River Cancer Center is also home to Clearview Cancer Institute and Clearview Diagnostic Imaging.  You can have your labs, scans, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment all performed in the comfort of our new state-of-the-art building.

What sets Singing River Cancer Center apart in the Florence community?

– Tumor boards – Alliance Cancer Care hosts a weekly tumor board, where we discuss our patients in a multi-disciplinary group of physicians to ensure the best treatment plan for our patients.  Primary care providers, specialists, and oncologists are all invited to discuss the patient care plan.

– Peer review – Alliance Cancer Care holds weekly peer reviews, where every radiation treatment plan is reviewed and evaluated by multiple physicians, ensuring the highest quality radiation for all our patients.

– Identify System – Alliance Cancer Care is the first to use the Identify System in North Alabama. This system improves patient safety and treatment efficiency.  Read more here.

What are patients saying about Singing River Cancer Center?

– “The personnel are friendly, helpful, and caring.  They work closely together to plan your treatment.”

– “The staff is caring and understanding of how you feel.  Staff and doctors are always ready to help.”

– “We had a great experience here and I would recommend it.”

– “Everyone is very friendly.  Appointments for treatment are on time.  I couldn’t be happier.”

To take a virtual tour of Alliance Cancer Care at Singing River Cancer Center, please watch our video.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

July 1, 2022

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Page Title: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

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By Elizabeth Falkenberg, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

A new cancer diagnosis is frightening and most patients do not know what to expect.  Hearing the word “cancer” will likely start your thoughts racing with questions like, “Will I die? What will my family do? What is the first step in treatment?” Then, a whirlwind of tests and doctor’s appointments often adds to your anxiety, stress, and often confusion.

One of the most important steps you can take in your care is asking the right questions to your doctor to educate yourself and become informed.  This can help to relieve your stress and allow you to gain control of your cancer journey.

Here are some key questions to ask your doctor:

  1. What type of cancer do I have? Can I have a copy of my pathology report? Is there information I can read or a particular website that can give my family and me more information about my cancer?
  2. Exactly where in my body is my cancer located? Has this cancer spread to any other areas? What is the stage of my cancer? What is the prognosis?
  3. Will I need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination? What is the game plan for treating this cancer? What options do I have for different treatments?

If you need chemotherapy or radiation therapy:

  1. How long will each treatment last? How often will I receive treatment? How many treatments will I need? What is the goal of my treatments?
  2. Will I be able to work during treatments?
  3. What are the main side effects of treatment? Is there anything I can do to prevent side effects or help keep myself healthy during treatments?
  4. What number should I call or whom should I email with questions about my treatments? Is there an emergency phone number?

Other general questions:

  1. Do I need genetic testing?
  2. Whom should I speak with about my insurance questions?
  3. Is there a social worker to help me with support services?

Communication with your cancer care team is very important. It is always helpful to have someone else with you to take notes during an appointment. We encourage you to bring written questions to your appointments so you can have your questions answered. Most side effects can be managed if you know what to expect. Once you learn more information about your cancer and your treatment plan, hopefully, your fear and stress will decrease and you will be more successful in navigating through your treatment process.

If you have questions about your cancer diagnosis or treatment options, please reach out to our team of experts today.

Behind the Scenes of Radiation Treatment Planning

June 29, 2022

By the Alliance Cancer Care Physics Team

Our team at Alliance Cancer Care (ACC) helps guide you through your cancer treatment journey every step of the way.  We use innovative technology to make your treatment fast, accurate, and beneficial to your health.  You will meet our front-line radiation oncology team during your treatment, including your physician, nurses, and therapists.  Some ACC team members work in the background to ensure that your treatment is successful.

What is a Medical Physicist?

A medical physicist is an essential behind-the-scenes role in radiation treatment.  The medical physics team at ACC maintains the functionality of the treatment machines, ensures the delivered dose aligns with the original physician-approved plan, ensures protection to radiation-sensitive areas of the body, and maintains a protected medical environment for our patients and staff.  In essence, the physics team is an interdisciplinary resource in your radiation planning team and ensures safety by inspecting daily treatments to ensure all system components are communicating effectively.  Physicists’ involvement in your treatment journey provides a safe, comfortable, and accurate treatment most beneficial to your health.

What is Quality Assurance?

Quality assurance is testing to ensure that your radiation plan is delivered to you exactly as intended.  This requires extensive testing of each component of the process, especially our machines, which are called linear accelerators.  This is a job supervised or performed by our physics team.

We thoroughly test the linear accelerators in our clinics to meet the professional standard set by the American Associate of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) on a daily, monthly, and annual basis.  Before any patient treatment, the radiation therapists test every linear accelerator’s ability to produce radiation with various characteristics in an acceptable tolerance to ensure a successful day of patient treatments.  The medical physics team then tests the mechanical, safety, and dose delivery features of all machines monthly.  The applied tests further check all major components that play an active role in delivering precise radiation.  The mechanical components are thoroughly checked to ensure they are moving with millimeter accuracy.  We systematically crosscheck subtle motions of internal parts that alter the radiation field with expected treatment standards and we meticulously measure the linear accelerator’s radiation output.  Finally, we perform major annual exams on all treatment machines testing the behavior of radiation delivery compared to measurements we collected when the machine was first installed.  The ACC physics team accurately tests all machines you see throughout your cancer treatment to meet our highest expectations.

We also have special processes to ensure that each patient is receiving treatment that is safe and effective.  This involves reviewing your plan to check that radiation is going into the tumor or target, and that we are avoiding normal tissues.  In some cases, we perform testing using an individual patient’s treatment plan to ensure that the machine output matches our intended radiation dose.  This process is part of the reason for the delay between your simulation, or planning session, and your first day of treatment.  Depending on the complexity of your treatment, this process may take several days.

Why Does This Matter?

Although you may not see a physicist at your treatment, you may rest assured that the medical physics team is always working to ensure your well-being and safety as our top priority.  Our passion to deliver a unique and beneficial treatment for each patient is only surpassed by our mission to provide compassionate care with state-of-the-art technology in your fight against cancer.  Hearing the energetic ringing of a bell and cheers and claps when you finish treatment is our true reward and greatest joy.

Cost of Radiation Treatment

June 29, 2022

How much will it cost for my radiation?

This is a question most of our patients ask.  Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is scary, and you are likely concerned with not only your physical health but your financial health and how the treatment will affect your family now and in the future.  We agree this is an important question for you to ask and have answered before you receive radiation treatment.  That said, this is an incredibly complex question to answer.  Because several factors influence the cost of radiation, the answer is ultimately different for each patient.  This blog post lays out all those variables.  Our commitment to you is that we will work with your insurance company to help get your therapy approved and make sure you are aware of the financial obligations you may have prior to your treatment starting.  We hope that these conversations will set your mind at ease so that you can focus on your treatments and getting better.

How do we figure out what the treatment costs?

Many factors will be considered when figuring out the cost of your radiation treatment.  What kind of cancer do you have and how is it best treated?  Do you have insurance?  If so, what does your policy cover for radiation therapy?  Does your policy have a co-insurance or a daily copay?  How much does your insurance allow for radiation costs?  In this blog, we strive to explain all these variables and remain available to answer any questions you may have.

Each cancer is evaluated by type, site, and severity to determine the best course of treatment.  When it comes to radiation treatments, your radiation oncologist is going to plan the radiation treatment most beneficial for you.  Some treatment types cost more than others.  The number of treatments also influences the cost of treatment, with the number of treatments required ranging anywhere from a single treatment to 45 treatments.  There are also different types of radiation treatments, with varying complexity.  These factors affect your cost.

Depending on all the factors just described – the type of cancer, type of treatment, and the number of treatments needed to treat the cancer, the price varies for each patient and situation.  Once the physician develops your treatment plan, we work with your insurance to determine what they will cover and whether there will be any out-of-pocket expenses for you.

How We Figure Out What Your Insurance Covers

Two terms we previously mentioned will determine how much you will be responsible for once your primary insurance has paid its portion for your radiation.

Co-insurance: This is a percentage of the total amount you are responsible for paying after you meet your deductible.  For example, if your policy has a deductible of $1,000 and pays 80% of the total cost once you meet your deductible.  You would be responsible for the first $1,000 and then 20% of the remaining cost.  Let’s say your treatment costs $11,000.  You pay $1,000 for your deductible, leaving $10,000.  Your plan would pay $8,000 (80%), and you would pay $2,000 (20%).  You would be responsible for a total of $3,000.

When you start radiation treatment, you may have already met your deductible through surgery, chemotherapy, or other medical services.  If this is the case, your insurance would immediately begin covering their portion of treatment costs.  Using the same numbers above, if your treatment costs $11,000, your insurance would pay $8,800 (80%), and you would be responsible for a total of $2,200 (20%).

Daily Copay: If you have a daily copay, it means that you will be responsible for a copay each time you come in for treatment.  This may be the same amount as your office visit copay, but sometimes it is different depending on the insurance plan.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum: This is the maximum amount you have to pay during your plan year. Take the same example from above.  If your Out of Pocket Maximum is $2,500, you would only have to pay $2,500 of the $3,000 you were originally paying.  Your insurance would then cover costs beyond the Out of Pocket Maximum.

If you have already had some other medical appointments and diagnostic tests this year, your out-of-pocket maximum may have been reached for the year already.  Take the example from above, assuming you already had other medical expenses.  For example, if your Out of Pocket Maximum is $2,500, and surgery costs you $2,000 you would be responsible for $500 to meet your Out of Pocket Maximum.  Then your insurance would cover the remainder of your treatment costs.

We also see many insurance plans that cover radiation therapy at 100%, so it is worth checking the details of your policy.

Where do we get the amount to charge?

Once your treatment plan is approved by your physician, we submit that plan to your insurance. Each insurance company has a specific amount that they will pay for your type of treatment plan.  This is called an allowable.

So what will my treatment cost?

Depending on treatment type and duration, the total price for a course of radiation therapy can range from $4,500 to $50,000.  For most patients, much of this cost will be paid by your insurance.  The total course of treatment includes:

  • All of your treatments
  • Imaging used throughout your treatment
  • Continuous monitoring by our physicists and physicians
  • Weekly visits with your physician
  • CT Simulation
  • Expertise in planning radiation from our dosimetrists, physicists, and physicians
  • Devices or personalized molds to help keep you in the proper position, during treatment

Paying for Treatment

Our primary goal is to make sure you are receiving the best care for your cancer.  If you have payment concerns, our office will work with you to design a plan to pay for your portion of the treatment costs.  There are several options available.

  • Pay as you go. This would be for patients who have a daily copay, not co-insurance.
  • Have it billed to you and pay when you receive the bill.
  • Have it billed to you and set up a payment plan with our billing company.
  • Apply for financial assistance through Alliance Cancer Care, which is based on your income level. This is also an option for patients who do not have insurance.

Our goal is to meet with patients who may have financial responsibility before treatment begins.  We will review your benefits and provide you with an estimated total cost and total out-of-pocket cost.  If you have questions about your financial responsibility or insurance, please contact our office at 256-319-5400.

Site Spotlight: Blackwell Medical Tower

June 21, 2022

Where is the clinic located? 

– 201 Sivley Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

– Ground floor, Suite 10

– Enter at the lobby level from the parking garage, and then take the elevator or stairs to the first floor.

What is the office phone number?

– (256) 319-5400

Where do I park?

– There is a parking garage attached to our clinic building.  Enter the garage from Sivley Road, between Gallatin Street and Montgomery Street.

– You will receive a token in our office to exit the parking garage free of charge.

Which physicians and nurses typically work at this clinic?

– Dr. Ashlyn Seeley Everett and nurses, Maija and Brittany

– Dr. John Francis Gleason, Jr. and nurses, Sarah, Paige, and Brooke

– Dr. Harry James McCarty III and nurses, Stephanie, Vanessa, and Tamara

Which staff work at this clinic?

– Front desk receptionist, Bailey, and radiation therapists Mike, Carra, Michael, Ashley, and Yolanda

What technology is at this clinic? 

– The Versa HD by Elekta is a sophisticated linear accelerator used to deliver radiation treatment.  The Versa HD is a versatile machine that can treat any type of cancer.  It provides state-of-the-art radiation treatment individualized to your particular cancer.  Treatments last only a few minutes, and are delivered with submillimeter accuracy to kill cancer and minimize the amount of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

– The Versa HD machine delivers three-dimensional conformal treatment, intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic radiation therapy or radiosurgery (SBRT or SRS).  These are all sophisticated techniques found at any major cancer treatment center, but delivered with the convenience of being close to home.

– We use image-guided radiation (IGRT) to verify proper positioning before delivering radiation treatment each day.

– ExacTrac radiosurgery system by Brainlab captures images to ensure optimal alignment before and during your radiation treatment, to allow precise tumor targeting and to avoid other non-target areas of the body.

– Our radiosurgery procedures are often done in conjunction with our neurosurgeons, to provide additional expertise in the localization and precision of your radiation treatment.

Are there other services provided at our clinic location?

Yes.  Blackwell Medical Tower is a large medical practice building, hosting multiple other doctors’ offices.  There is a chemotherapy infusion suite used by medical oncology and gynecologic oncology.  There is also a laboratory on the first floor for patients.

– The Blackwell Medical Tower is a hospital-based clinic, so our doctors provide emergency radiation services for inpatients at Huntsville Hospital needing radiation treatment.

Relay for Life Cancer Survivor Dinner

June 14, 2022

Relay For Life

Alliance Cancer Care is proud to be a sponsor of the upcoming Relay for Life Cancer Survivor Dinner.  The dinner, which is co-sponsored by Clearview Cancer Institute, will honor the cancer survivors in our community and our very own radiation oncologist, Dr. Richard Pearlman, will be speaking at the event.  Delicious food by Rhoda P’s Catering and some special door prizes will be given away! If you are a cancer survivor, please come to be honored at the coliseum on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. 

More information and RSVP.

Recommended Cancer Screenings for Men

June 10, 2022

June is Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about health care for men and focus on encouraging men to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease.  The month also encourages the early detection and treatment of diseases, including cancer.

The following cancer screening guidelines are recommended for men at average risk for cancer and without any specific symptoms.  Men who are at increased risk for certain cancers may need to follow a different screening schedule, such as starting at an earlier age or being screened more often.  Those with symptoms that could be related to cancer should see their physician immediately.

Colorectal Cancer

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends regular screenings beginning at the age of 45 with one of six different types of tests:

– Yearly guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)

– Yearly fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

– Multi-targeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA) every 3 years

– Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every 5 years

– CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years

– Colonoscopy every 10 years

All positive tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

Consult your doctor about starting colorectal screening earlier and/or undergoing screening more often if they have risk factors:

– Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps

– Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps

– Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

– Family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome

Lung Cancer

The ACS does not recommend tests to check for lung cancer in people who are at average risk.  However, they do have screening guidelines for those who are at high risk of lung cancer due to cigarette smoking. Screening might be right for you if you meet the following:

– Are aged 55 to 74 years and in fairly good health, and

– Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and

– Have at least a 30-pack-year smoking history, and

– Receive smoking cessation counseling if they are current smokers, and

– Have been involved in informed/shared decision-making about the benefits, limitations, and harms of screening with LDCT scans, and

– Have access to a high-volume, high-quality lung cancer screening and treatment center.

Screening is done with a yearly low-dose CT scan (LDCT) of the chest.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate screening recommendations from the ACS recommend that men discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their care team and make an informed decision about whether to be screened or not.  The discussion about screening should take place at:

– Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.

– Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).

– Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

If you decide to be tested, you should have a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test with or without a digital rectal exam.  How often you are tested will depend on your PSA result and family history.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer.  However, it is one cancer that in most cases can be prevented or detected early.  Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, either by natural sunlight or tanning beds, can lead to skin cancer.  You can do a lot to protect yourself from damaging UV rays and to detect skin cancer early, including:

– Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against UVA & UVB rays) every day

– Avoiding exposure when the sun’s rays are the strongest, from 10 am to 4 pm

– Wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and sunglasses. These can block out some of the sun’s harmful rays.

– Seeking out shade whenever possible

– Not using tanning booths or sun lamps – these are not a safe alternative to the sun.  These emit both UVA & UVB light and greatly increase the risk for all types of skin cancer.

Alliance Cancer Care celebrates the men in our community and we encourage all men to stay up-to-date on their cancer screenings.  If you, or a man you love in your life, have recently been diagnosed with cancer, please contact us today.

How Does Radiation Therapy Work to Treat Cancer?

June 6, 2022

By Richard Pearlman, M.D, radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care


Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, radiation is likely to play some role in treatment. You are probably wondering what radiation is and how it can be used to treat and cure cancer. In this article, I will explain what radiation is and how it works.

When we talk about radiation, we are usually referring to what is called ionizing radiation. Radiation is just another word for electromagnetic radiation, which describes different types of light. Radio waves, microwaves, light we can see, and X-rays are all types of radiation. What makes them different are their energies. Radio waves have very low energy. X-rays have very high energy and cause electrons to be knocked off nearby atoms. These electrons produce the biological and therapeutic effects of radiation.

At this point, you are probably thinking, “that’s interesting, but how do X-rays damage and kill cancer cells?” That is an excellent question. The electrons produced by X-rays interact with the DNA of the cancer cells. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the blueprint of all cells. The DNA tells the cell how to make proteins that are vital to its survival. When a high-energy electron from an x-ray hits the DNA, a break forms due to the damage. The cell may die shortly afterward as a result of damage to the DNA, but more commonly, the cell will continue to function immediately after an x-ray treatment.

Sometimes, we will tell patients that radiation continues to work after treatment. What we mean by this is that the damage caused by the radiation to the cell has already occurred, but the cell has not died yet or the tumor has not shrunk or gone away on imaging yet. It takes time for the effects of radiation to be seen on imaging, which is another topic entirely. When radiation damages DNA, the cell will usually die when it attempts to divide. Cancers grow when cells divide. One cell becomes two cells, and then two cells become four, and then four becomes eight, and so on until billions of cells form a tumor. When cells divide, they have to copy their DNA and properly split it between the two new cells. After damage has occurred to the DNA, when cells attempt to divide, the DNA does not properly separate between the two cells, and the cells die shortly afterward. This process depends on how quickly the cells divide, and it happens over several hours usually.

Now, you might be wondering, “does radiation harm normal cells?” The answer to that question is a little complicated, but it can be broken down into two parts. Firstly, we direct the highest doses of radiation to the cancer to help spare the body’s healthy cells. We achieve this goal through advanced targeting and treatment techniques. Secondly, cells can repair some DNA damage. Cancer cells by their very nature have a decreased ability to repair DNA damage compared to normal cells. That is how they became cancer in the first place. When the DNA of a normal cell is hit by radiation, the damage can sometimes be repaired by the cell. This is primarily why we do daily treatments spread out over several weeks as opposed to delivering the entire treatment at once. By spacing out the treatments, the body’s normal cells can repair DNA damage. The cancer cells lack the proper machinery to repair their own DNA, which makes them more sensitive to radiation. The inability to repair DNA damage helps to improve the therapeutic benefit of radiation while decreasing the side effects of treatment by sparing healthy tissue.

Through advances in physics and biology, we have developed the ability to use radiation to treat and cure several forms of cancer. Radiation is a form of high-energy light that causes DNA damage, which is difficult for cancer cells to repair. DNA is vital to the survival of all cells, and when cancer cells try to divide, the DNA is unable to properly split between the two new cells, causing the cells to die. By precisely targeting the radiation dose at the cancer, we can help spare the body’s normal tissues. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how radiation works. If you would like to learn more, please contact our center to speak to one of our radiation oncologists for suggestions for more in-depth sources related to this topic.

Physician Spotlight: Meet Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D.

June 3, 2022

Meet radiation oncologist Dr. Ashlyn Everett.

What is your role at Alliance Cancer Care, and how long have you worked here?

My name is Ashlyn Everett and I am a radiation oncologist at ACC.  I grew up in Huntsville, then moved away for my medical training for many years.  I have recently moved back to Huntsville to join Alliance Cancer Care, and have been working here for about 2 years now.  I am thrilled to be able to serve my hometown community.

What type of cancers do you treat?

I treat all types of cancers.  Unfortunately, we see cancer occur in all parts of the body, and I enjoy treating patients with cancers in all locations.  Some of our doctors have more interest in certain body sites, but I truly enjoy the challenge of the anatomy and physiology of treating cancers in all locations.

What do you love most about your job?

I love my job.  I love being able to interact with patients and be part of their cancer journey.  The reason I chose to go into radiation oncology specifically was because of the relationship I am able to develop with patients as they are going through cancer treatment.  We get to see our patients once a week while they are going through radiation, and really establish and form a bond and a connection throughout that period of time.

I also love working on a team.  When you come for radiation, you’ll find that you will interact with front office staff, nursing staff, and a special group of people called therapists, who operate our treatment machines.  I really enjoy working with an exceptional group of people at Alliance Cancer Care.

What do you love to do outside work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family.  I really enjoy cooking.  I recently joined a book club because I love to read.  I also taught myself how to sew, so I have been sewing some clothes for my daughter.  But, I really just enjoy spending time with my family and making memories with them.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People would be surprised to learn that I recently learned how to scuba dive.  My husband was in the Navy, and we enjoy taking trips and traveling, and being able to scuba dive. If anyone grew up with me, they know I’m not a very good swimmer, so taking on the challenge of learning to scuba dive was overcoming a fear for me and certainly a big accomplishment that I am proud of. I have actually been able to learn to enjoy and love scuba diving.

What is one piece of advice you want patients to know coming to Alliance Cancer Care for their radiation treatment?

I want patients to know when they come to Alliance Cancer Care for their radiation treatment that it’s okay to be afraid. You receive a lot of information in a short period of time when you receive a cancer diagnosis. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, asking us to repeat information, etc. Our staff is very adept at answering your questions, and deal with patients daily that are going through a similar cancer treatment journey as you. For your family members, and for you the patient, we want you to feel comfortable asking any and all questions knowing that we are here to serve you and to make sure you are comfortable and ready for the next steps in your cancer journey.

I know this is a difficult journey you are starting on, but know that Alliance Cancer Care is here to help take care of you.

Why do Dr. Everett’s nurses value working with her?

“Dr. Everett is kind, comforting, and caring. She always puts patient care first and is always looking for ways to improve the patient experience. She is also a great person to just talk to about life problems.”

What do patients say about Dr. Everett?

“Dr. Everett listened to my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable with my treatment plan before I started radiation.”

“This is truly the best medical care experience I have ever had, completely exceeding expectations!”

Surviving as a Cancer Survivor

June 1, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

With advances in cancer treatment and improvements in screening and early detection, more cancer survivors are alive today in the United States than ever before. The age-adjusted death rate from cancer has decreased by 27% in the past 20 years.1 There are more than 16.9 million people in the US alive today who have been diagnosed with cancer.2 In the month of June, we celebrate our survivors – your courage, strength, and resilience during their cancer journey.

If you are a cancer survivor, congratulations! However, we know you have experienced changes to both your body and mind with cancer treatment. Physical, emotional, and often financial hardships are common after a cancer diagnosis. Often, these will improve with time, and most patients find a “new normal” in their daily lives.

Physical changes

Physical changes and symptoms will vary depending on the type of cancer you have and the specific treatments you received. Radiation therapy side effects will vary significantly from very mild to very severe, depending on your individual situation. Common symptoms you may experience after treatment include:

  • Fatigue
  • Change in diet or appetite
  • Skin changes

If you have these symptoms, please discuss them with your doctor, particularly if they are severe. They typically improve with time, but are also better if you are also taking care of yourself.  This may include:

  • Getting a good night’s sleep,
  • Exercising regularly – try a light exercise like walking
  • Eating a healthy diet high in protein
  • Drinking plenty of water, and
  • Moisturizing your skin.

Be sure to take care of yourself, and allow others to help care for you too.

Emotional changes

Emotional changes are also very common during and after completing radiation therapy. Many patients find that while receiving radiation therapy, the staff members become their friends and the routine of coming for treatment becomes “normal.” Once treatment ends, or around the time of doctor visits or scans, many people may experience:

  • A sense of loneliness or helplessness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

These emotional issues are also important to discuss with your doctor or a trusted friend or family member. Many patients find that a cancer support group, whether online or in-person, is helpful for sharing stories and gaining a new sense of community or belonging. Anxiety and depression are common if patients feel like they are not doing anything to get better. These feelings and emotions are not wrong, and are important for you to feel and experience. You may also want to try journaling, prayer, or meditation to help you process your emotions. If you have anxiety or depression, please consider seeking help from a counselor or talking with your doctor about other treatment options.

While you are on the road to recovery, Alliance Cancer Care wants to support you. Please reach out to your provider if you have any concerns about your recovery from cancer. We encourage you to keep all scheduled appointments to see your doctor, and receive any testing recommended. It is also important to remember that you may still require additional screening tests for other cancers. Finally, it is important to know that your doctors will want to watch for any long-term health issues that may be related to your prior cancer treatment. But most importantly, we want to help you celebrate your journey and celebrate your life!

Alliance Cancer Care will celebrate our survivors this month by hosting a drive-through Survivor’s Day celebration on Friday, June 24, at our Singing River Cancer Center Location. Join us to celebrate your life and recovery from cancer!

Additional Resources:

–National Cancer Institute

–American Cancer Society Tools for Cancer Survivors

–LiveStrong

-National Cancer Survivors Day Website

 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (June 1, 2022) An Update on Cancer Deaths in the United States. gov. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/update-on-cancer-deaths/index.htm
  2. National Cancer Institute – Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. (June 1, 2022) Cancer.gov. https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/statistics#stats

The Identify System

May 27, 2022

Identify System

By Andrew Minetree, physicist at Alliance Cancer Care

At Alliance Cancer Care, we take multiple steps to assure that your treatment is delivered to the highest standard in the industry.  Our focus includes verifying your identity prior to treatment, ensuring you get personalized and customized treatment, and monitoring movement during each therapy session.  We are proud to announce that we have added Varian’s Identify® System to our arsenal of state-of-the-art cancer treatment devices at our Singing River Cancer Center location.

The Identify System improves patient safety in multiple ways to ensure your treatment is delivered precisely and accurately.  The system also improves efficiency, which helps to minimize treatment time.

First, the Identify System uses a palm reader to confirm your identity, as the palm is unique to each person, similar to a fingerprint.  When you arrive for your sessions, this device will read your palm to confirm your identity.

Next, radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology is used for the treatment room setup. RFIDs are attached to each patient’s treatment plan and confirm that your custom therapy mold is selected and placed on the treatment table. Then, you are positioned on the table for treatment. Using Identify’s infrared cameras, your body surface is monitored to make sure you are in the correct position to start treatment. The System has sub-millimeter accuracy, guiding our staff to move you into the exact position required for optimal therapy.  Then, the technology helps monitor body motion that may occur during treatment. The System will alert the therapist if you have moved, allowing the therapist to make adjustments if needed.

Lastly, this technology helps ensure the intended radiation dose is delivered precisely to the tumor and helps to minimize radiation exposure to the surrounding organs and tissues.

At Alliance Cancer Care, our team of board-certified radiation oncologists is committed to providing you with the best technology in cancer care, close to home.  Our investment in the Identify system is one step in our commitment to offering you state-of-the-art cancer radiation treatment, with a collaborative team approach.  We intend to expand this offering to our other cancer care locations in the near future.  To learn more about our services, or request a consultation, please contact us today.

Photo caption:  The Identify System actively monitors your positioning during treatment and will alert the therapist if you have moved.

Brain Tumors

May 19, 2022

By John “Jack” F. Gleason, Jr., M.D., radiation oncologist and Medical Director at Alliance Cancer Care

National Brain Tumor Awareness Month is in May of each year.  Doctors classify brain tumors as either primary or metastatic.  Primary tumors are those that started in the brain or spinal cord. These can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).  Metastatic brain tumors develop when a cancer that started in another part of the body spreads through the bloodstream into the brain.  These metastatic tumors are ten times more common than primary brain tumors.  I wrote a previous blog on the numerous treatments available for patients with metastatic brain tumors that you could review for more details on that subject.  This blog post will be to provide more information on the primary brain tumors not previously discussed.

What are primary brain tumors?

Doctors also refer to primary brain tumors as primary Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors. The CNS includes the brain, spinal cord, and the meninges, which is a protective and supportive layer of tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These primary tumors have started here in the CNS. They are an abnormal growth of cells that can push or invade surrounding normal areas.

How common are primary brain tumors?

According to the National Brain Tumor Society, nearly 89,000 Americans will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 2022 (63,000 will be benign tumors; 26,000 will be malignant tumors).

What is the difference between benign and malignant primary brain tumors?

There are an extremely large number of different types of CNS tumors, likely over 100, so answering questions like this concisely and accurately is challenging. Some generalizations about benign and malignant tumors can be made though. Malignant brain tumors tend to grow faster and have the ability to invade adjacent normal tissues of the brain. Benign tumors tend to grow very slowly and can push on adjacent normal tissues but do not invade them.

What are some of the more common types of primary brain tumors?

Pathologists used to classify these tumors based solely on their appearance when looking at the cells under the microscope. Recent advances in our knowledge of primary brain tumors are reflected in the 2021 release of the WHO CNS 5th edition classification system, which now also uses molecular features to classify the type of tumor. Common examples of malignant primary brain tumors in adults would include glioblastoma (GBM), IDH-mutant astrocytoma, and IDH-mutant and 1p/19q co-deleted oligodendroglioma. In the new system, these tumors also have a numerical grade assigned within their subtype ranging from 2-4. Higher-grade tumors are more aggressive and faster-growing. By far the most common benign primary brain tumor is a meningioma. As you can guess from its name, this type of tumor arises from the meninges (lining around the brain). Other benign tumors we sometimes treat include vestibular schwannomas and pituitary adenomas.

What are the symptoms of a brain tumor?

Some brain tumors are entirely asymptomatic for a long time and may only be diagnosed incidentally on a scan done for some other reason. Other brain tumors do cause symptoms such as frequent headaches, seizures, or a new focal neurologic symptom. Focal neurologic symptoms would include things such as a new arm or leg weakness, a facial droop, worsening coordination, trouble with balance, vision changes, speech difficulties, and memory issues. As you can see, many of these can also be symptoms of a stroke. For that reason, new neurologic symptoms such as these should prompt an immediate evaluation at the emergency department. With modern stroke care, many permanent deficits can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Sometimes the “stroke work-up” in the ER does not show a stroke and instead shows a tumor.

What tests are done to evaluate a brain tumor?

Many patients first have a head CT scan. If anything is abnormal on the CT scan or if the patient’s symptoms cannot be explained by any CT findings, the patient will undergo an MRI. MRI scans are the most sensitive study to evaluate brain tumors and provide much more accurate information about the location and extent of the tumor. Sometimes if the imaging shows a brain tumor, the patient may undergo scans of the remainder of the body (possibly CT scans) to look for other evidence of cancer. As mentioned before, metastatic brain tumors are much more common than primary tumors, so often a source for the brain tumor is found elsewhere (for example, the patient has undiagnosed lung cancer). On the other hand, primary brain tumors do not spread outside of the brain. Some brain tumors are so characteristic on imaging (i.e. meningioma) that the diagnosis is based on imaging alone without a biopsy in many cases. However, we often do not know the type of tumor we are dealing with until surgery is performed and a pathologist can look at the tissue under the microscope and perform additional molecular tests as indicated.

What are the treatment options for primary malignant brain tumors?

Patients generally undergo surgery first. The purpose of the surgery is two-fold. It is a diagnostic procedure that provides the tissue necessary to know what type of tumor is present and what further treatments are needed. It is also a therapeutic procedure to remove as much of the tumor as is safely possible based on the location. We often talk about the concept of maximal safe resection, which could mean a small biopsy alone, removing a portion of the tumor, or removing all visible tumor entirely depending on the location in the brain. Some parts of the brain are too sensitive to remove a portion without leaving patients with significant long-term problems, such as paralysis.

Once we know the type of tumor and the extent of resection, we can determine whether any additional treatments are necessary. Some more favorable low-grade tumors that are completely resected can be observed closely without further treatment. Other types of tumors may warrant either radiation and/or chemotherapy after surgery.

Radiation for primary malignant brain tumors is generally delivered with fractionated treatment over 5-6 weeks (25-30 sessions). These treatments do not target the entire brain. Treatments are instead accurately shaped and targeted to the area around the known brain tumor and/or surgical cavity. Some patients will also receive chemotherapy along with radiation. The drug most commonly used is called temozolomide, which is an oral pill taken at home. Tumor-treating fields (TTF) is a treatment type sometimes employed in the treatment of high-grade gliomas after surgery and radiation. TTF involves a wearable device that administers mild electrical pulses through the scalp that cannot be felt by the patient but can interfere with the cell division of the tumor cells.

What are the treatment options for benign tumors of the brain?

There are many different types of tumors and situations so it is difficult to generalize in a short response. Most small asymptomatic benign neoplasms can be observed with serial MRI scans. Many of these will never grow enough to become symptomatic and require treatment. Some benign tumors do require treatment either because of symptoms being caused due to a tumor in a given location and/or the size of the tumor means the likelihood of developing symptoms at some point is high enough that we need to act. Some benign neoplasms are surgically resected and do not require any post-operative radiation. Other patients may be treated with radiation instead of surgery because the location of the tumor or the patient’s other health problems make surgical resection high risk.

We treat many benign neoplasms with a type of radiation called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). These treatments are delivered using sub-millimeter accuracy and precision so we can safely deliver all the treatment in only 1-5 sessions, which are done as an outpatient and do not require any anesthesia or incisions. We do still sometimes use fractionated treatment over 5-6 weeks for benign tumors if the target is too large and/or very close to a sensitive normal structure. To make it a little more complicated, there are also situations where patients have surgery and then still undergo radiation after surgery to minimize the risk of regrowth based on certain pathologic features or imaging findings. These are all situations to discuss with your healthcare team.

What happens after the completion of all planned treatment?

The follow-up for patients with brain tumors includes periodic neurologic exams with their radiation oncologist and/or neurosurgeon. There is also periodic imaging, generally with MRI scans of the brain. The frequency of the scans and follow-up depends on the type of tumor. For malignant brain tumors, patients may undergo these evaluations every 2-3 months. For benign tumors, imaging every 12 months is often sufficient.

Where can I find more information?

The following links have additional useful patient information on this subject and provided some of the statistics for this post.

https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/adult-brain-treatment-pdq

https://braintumor.org/brain-tumor-information/brain-tumor-facts/

If you were diagnosed with a primary or metastatic brain tumor and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact our office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

What Are Late Radiation Side Effects?

May 17, 2022

By Harry James McCarty III, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

Radiation is more likely to damage and kill cancer cells than normal cells.  This is really why we can use radiation as a cancer treatment in the first place.  We could spend an entire blog topic discussing why radiation has a much greater effect on cancer cells relative to normal cells.  In fact, there are entire books written on that subject.  While radiation kills more cancer cells than normal cells, radiation nonetheless can have detrimental side effects on normal tissues.  In the most general sense, radiation oncologists divide these normal tissue side effects into acute side effects (for example, those occurring during, or in the days and weeks after radiation) and late side effects (for example, those occurring six months and beyond after radiation).

For any course of radiation therapy, the side effects are typically limited to the area being treated with radiation.  For example, women being treated for breast cancer will typically have the skin at the breast become pinker or darker or drier during the course of radiation.  Men being treated with pelvic radiation for prostate cancer may have increased urinary frequency.  These acute side effects are typically mild and temporary – and are quite common.  Late side effects are much less common, but they can be longer-lasting or even permanent.  Because of this, we worry as much (or more) about late side effects as we do acute side effects.

As an example, take someone who is being treated with radiation for esophageal cancer.  During the course of their radiation, normal esophagus cells may be unable to repair radiation damage and may die off in the process.  This can leave the esophagus without its full lining intact, and patients can feel a sore throat, especially with swallowing.  But soon after radiation, new cells are made to line the esophagus, and the difficulty swallowing resolves.  Some areas of the esophagus, however, may have enough cells die off, that the body will turn that area into a scar.  This scarring process (fibrosis) may occur over months.  In this way, someone may have a sore throat during radiation (acute radiation esophagitis) and someone else may have a sense of food hanging up six months after radiation (late radiation fibrosis).

Several things can lead to late radiation toxicity.  For this part, just know that the unit of radiation given through a course of radiation is described by the standard metric measurement called Gray (abbreviated Gy).  In the most general sense, acute radiation toxicity is more likely related to the total dose of radiation (e.g., 70 Gray over seven weeks may be associated with more acute toxicity than 60 Gray over six weeks).  While late toxicity may be more associated with the radiation dose on any given day (e.g., 4 Gray each day may be associated with more late toxicity than 2 Gray each day).  In other words, acute toxicity is felt to be more related to total dose, while late toxicity is felt to be more related to daily dose.  Planning radiation then is a careful balance between having enough total dose to kill tumor cells without excessive acute toxicity, and completing the radiation in a timely and convenient fashion without excessive late toxicity.

Luckily, we have study after study that has helped us find those balancing points, such that we have good evidence to support picking a daily dose and a total dose that maximizes our chance for controlling the cancer, while minimizing the chance of both acute and late toxicity.  If you have ever wondered how your doctor came up with the radiation dose and the number of treatments for the course of radiation for you or a loved one… this is how.  In all frankness, it’s a little more complicated than this.  We have tables and tables of “dose constraints” for the normal organs we are trying to avoid.  For any given organ, we can estimate the risk of acute and/or late toxicity for any given dose across any specific volume of that organ.  In this way, we can design the X-ray beam angles and sizes and shapes in a way that maximizes our coverage of the target, while respecting the tissue tolerances of the normal tissues.

If you take anything away from this, just know:  for the last hundred years, radiation oncologists have worked very hard to figure out the best dose per day and the best total dose to maximally cover the tumor while minimizing both acute and late toxicity.

Esophageal Cancer

April 27, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

Esophageal cancer is relatively rare, making up about 1% of cases of cancer in the United States.  There are about 19,000 new cases diagnosed every year.  However, esophageal cancer also accounts for 15,000 deaths annually, with relatively poor survival rates at five years.  Esophageal cancer is more prevalent in men than women, with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 125 for men and 1 in 417 for women.  You can read more about esophageal cancer here.

What is esophageal cancer?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that passes food from the mouth to the stomach.  It often starts in the inner lining of the esophagus and spreads through the wall of the esophagus. There are two types of cancers of the esophagus, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Adenocarcinomas of the esophagus are often associated with obesity and Barrett’s esophagus, a condition of the lining of the esophagus being damaged by acid reflux.  This causes abnormal transformation of the cells in the lower esophagus to better tolerate the harsh acid, but also puts patients at higher risk of cancer.  Esophageal adenocarcinoma is typically found in the lower esophagus near the stomach, also called the gastro-esophageal junction or GE junction.  Squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus is associated with heavy alcohol use and tobacco smoking.  These chemicals are known to cause damage to cells in the body, and increase the risk of esophageal cancer, also.

What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer may cause symptoms of difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, hoarseness, weight loss, low appetite, or feeling full before completing a meal.

What testing is done to diagnose esophageal cancer?

If esophageal cancer is suspected, your doctor will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who would perform an esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD).  This is a test done under anesthesia, where a camera is inserted through the mouth and passed into the esophagus and stomach to look for abnormalities.  If a cancer is suspected, a biopsy, or sample of the abnormal area, is obtained for testing. If the biopsy confirms cancer, it will also specify which type. Then, your doctor may order additional testing.  Typically a CT and/or PET-CT is obtained for the evaluation of the cancer, and if it has spread to any lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This will allow your doctor to determine the stage of the esophageal cancer and then recommend treatment.

What are treatment options for esophageal cancer?

Treatment for esophageal cancer typically involves tri-modality therapy, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.  Some very early cancers may be treated with surgery alone.  Most tumors are treated upfront with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, followed by surgery.  If there is an active tumor found at the time of surgery, you may also be recommended to have immunotherapy.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy both cause side effects during treatment.  Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, and low blood counts, which recover after treatment ends. Radiation therapy may cause fatigue, nausea, difficulty swallowing, food sticking, heartburn, and low appetite, which may lead to weight loss.  Effects on patients’ nutrition are some of the most difficult to overcome during treatment.  Some patients require a s​tent to be placed into the esophagus to open the narrowing caused by the tumor so food and liquids can pass.  This is usually done before starting treatment.  Other times, a temporary feeding tube is placed, which allows food, medications, and water to go into the stomach or bowel without having to swallow.  To learn more about nutrition during and after esophageal treatment, visit The American Cancer Society’s nutrition website here.

What kind of recovery is involved after treatment?

After chemotherapy and radiation treatment, typically your doctors will give you about 6-8 weeks to recover before surgery.  You may have new CT scans done during this time.  You will meet with a specialized surgeon who will perform your surgery.  Your surgeon will likely have you stay overnight in the hospital several days after surgery to recover and ensure that you are safe to return home.  It often takes many weeks after surgery before you can eat “normal meals” again since your body will need time to recover.

What happens after treatment and surgery?

After surgery, your medical oncologist may recommend you receive immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is an infusion in the vein that “wakes up” your immune system to fight the cancer. In patients with active tumors found at the time of surgery, immunotherapy helped patients live longer without cancer.  After surgery, you will have periodic scans and possible repeat EGD to confirm there is no evidence of cancer.

What can you do to move forward into survivorship and maximize a good quality of life?

You should keep all scheduled appointments for follow-up visits and scans as directed by your physicians.  Talk with your physician and healthcare team during appointments letting them know how you have been feeling and report anything that seems different or is concerning to you.  You may want to keep a journal between visits so that you can remember important information you want to share or questions you may want to ask.  As you can tolerate it, increase your physical activity level and strive to be as active as you can.  Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and strive to reach a normal body weight.  Avoid or limit intake of alcohol and don’t smoke.

What happens if the tumor spreads?

If the tumor spreads beyond the esophagus or lymph nodes, the cancer is considered metastatic. By definition, this is Stage IV cancer.  This likely means that the cancer is not curable, but remains very treatable.  Chemotherapy is the main treatment for cancers that have spread, since it goes into the bloodstream and travels through the body.  Radiation therapy may be used in circumstances where a tumor is causing pain or other symptoms.

Where can I find more information?

If you were diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would like to discuss treatment with one of our expert physicians, please contact our office at 256-319-5400 to schedule a consultation.

Head and Neck Cancer

April 13, 2022

By Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, III, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.  Most head and neck cancers form in the lining of the mouth, throat, or voice box and are typically squamous cell carcinomas, although there are other less common types.  This group of cancers are strongly associated with tobacco use, alcohol use, and the human papillomavirus (HPV virus).

In 2021, there were an estimated 54,000 new cases of head and neck cancers diagnosed in the United States.  Over 10,000 people died from this type of cancer.  Head and neck cancers are more common in men than women and are often diagnosed in patients over 50 years old.

Symptoms of head and neck cancer may include a lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, and pain in the mouth, throat, ear, or neck.  The most common group of head and neck cancers occur in the oropharynx, which is an area in the head and neck that includes the soft palate, base of the tongue, and tonsils.  The HPV virus very frequently causes these tumors.  There is now a vaccine that will likely prevent this type of cancer (and female cervical cancer) and is recommended for men and women up until age 45. Read more about HPV vaccination here.

What happens when I am diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer?

If your doctor suspects you have a head and neck cancer in the oropharynx, you will likely be recommended to have a biopsy.  A biopsy is when a doctor takes a piece of tissue from the tumor in your body to test for cancer.  If the biopsy shows cancer, you will have scans to help with evaluating the spread of the cancer.  Your doctor(s) will then be able to help determine your stage of cancer and the appropriate treatment recommendations.

The stage of cancer is determined based on the size of the “primary cancer,” which is where the cancer initially started, and if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.  This step is very important before recommending treatment.

What are treatment options for oropharyngeal cancer?

Your doctors will evaluate your specific cancer type, stage, and your overall health status to determine the best treatment for you.  Treatment for head and neck cancers may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.  In the early stages of oropharyngeal cancer, either surgery or radiation alone may be sufficient to provide very high rates of cure.  In more advanced stage cancer when the cancer is more extensive, treatment likely combines either surgery with radiation or chemotherapy with radiation.

What type of side effects occur with oropharyngeal cancer treatment?

Side effects depend greatly on the type of treatment and the size of the tumor.  Surgery may alter the ability to swallow and can cause swelling in the neck called lymphedema.  Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and taste loss during treatment, which will recover slowly over time.  Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, nausea, and low blood counts, which recover after treatment ends.  Some patients require a temporary feeding tube during treatment, which allows food, medications, and nutrition to go into the stomach without having to swallow.

What kind of recovery is involved after treatment?

If surgical treatment is recommended, your surgeon will discuss planned surgical approaches with potential complications, as well as the benefits of surgical therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy with the intent of cure.  Most patients are healed within four weeks and ideally begin radiation therapy six weeks after surgery if indicated.

Recovery from radiation is slow.  Radiation side effects take several weeks to develop to their peak, and similarly, they take several weeks to improve and completely resolve.  During and after radiation treatment, patients may meet with a speech and language pathologist, who is an expert in teaching exercises to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and throat to improve speech, tongue mobility, and swallowing.  Patients may also find physical therapy helps to reduce lymphedema or stiffness in the neck that may develop with surgery and radiation treatment.

Recovery from chemotherapy is similar to radiation treatment.  It takes several weeks for the fatigue to improve and for the blood counts to recover to normal levels.  When this has normalized, patients generally feel more energy and can focus on returning to a “new normal” lifestyle.

What happens after treatment?

After completing treatment for head and neck cancer, your doctors will see you frequently to ensure that the cancer is in remission.  This is also an important time to monitor for side effects of treatment and provide early intervention for improving these side effects.  Over time, these appointments will become less frequent.

Head and neck cancers may be preventable by receiving the HPV vaccine, and by quitting smoking or heavy alcohol use.  If you are interested in the HPV vaccine, please discuss it with your healthcare providers.

 If you struggle with tobacco or alcohol use, here are some resources for you:

– Alabama Quit Now: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

– American Cancer Society Quit for Life:  866-QUIT-4-LIFE

– CDC’s: How to Quit Smoking

– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

– Alcoholics Anonymous

Physician Spotlight: Meet Dr. Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs

April 13, 2022

Dr. Hoyt A. Tres Childs

What is your role at Alliance Cancer Care, and how long have you worked here?  What type of cancers do you treat?

I’m one of the radiation oncologists at Alliance Cancer Care. I have been here for 22 years, which makes me the “old guy” on campus. Because I am the most senior radiation oncologist, I now have a bi-fold job. I am a physician, and I see a lot of patients. I tend to treat prostate cancer, head and neck cancers, and tumors that may require re-treatment. All of our physicians treat any type of cancer, but my practice is concentrated with head and neck and prostate cancers.

My other job is C.E.O of the Alliance Cancer Care, and I help from a business perspective. We oversee the management of the company, and making sure we are growing in the direction that is best to protect and enhance patient care.

What do you love most about your job?

That’s easy. I left electrical engineering because I wanted to work with people. I love the people, I love the patients. I love the empathy and compassion and the “extra” thought that it takes to really take care of someone. Not just do I love providing excellence in patient care, I like to go to the “next level.” I love helping with the psychology, emotional issues, and transportation for treatment. The extra things – that’s what I love.

What do you love to do outside of work?

Anything outside. Hunting, fishing, watching the sunset or sunrise, working in the garden (keeping the weeds out of my blueberries, playing with my kids, bike riding. My list could go on and on.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’ll give you a couple of answers. Many people know I love to hunt, but I am also a “tree hugger”. I really hate to do anything that hurts nature in any way. Also, I have started to cry at sentimental things with my kids and family. I am much more emotional than I ever thought I would be.

What is one piece of advice you want patients to know coming to Alliance Cancer Care for treatment?

I want you, the patient, and I want you, the family, to know to not be afraid to ask the “extra” questions. We are here to help you. We are here to serve you. We want to cure your cancer, but that is a given. The rest of the story is also oh-so-important. How do we help you through this journey and this process, which can be really scary? We won’t know, unless you tell us.

Why do Dr. Childs nurses love working with him?

Dr. Childs treats us more like family than employees, and he gives patients all he has. He is passionate about making sure that everything is right, and as a team, we work very well together to make that happen.

What do patients say about Dr. Childs?

“Dr. Childs explained what to expect so I had few surprises. Everyone was so kind and compassionate, caring and cheerful.”

“Dr. Childs and staff have great synergy. I always feel heard and cared for.”

“I absolutely love Dr. Childs and his staff. Everyone is very professional yet very personal with each patient. You made a negative circumstance a positive and upbeat experience for me.”

Kick Butts Day

April 1, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

What is National Kick Butts Day?  Since 1996, this event has been held to decrease youth smoking rates and advocate for policies to protect our youth from tobacco.  Unfortunately, with the decline of cigarette use, there has been a trend of increasing use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices.  All of these products are addictive and dangerous products, which put our families, friends, and communities at risk of multiple health issues, including cancer.

In Alabama, we have a lot of room for improvement with smoking cessation.  Approximately 700,000 people living in Alabama are smokers (18.5%).  Each year, 8,600 Alabama adults will die from their own smoking.  Smoking now kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car wrecks, illegal drug use, murders, and suicides COMBINED.  In our teenage population, 20% of high school students use e-cigarettes, and 7% use cigarettes.  Approximately 1600 kids under the age of 18 become new smokers daily in Alabama.  This translates to over 100,000 kids who will ultimately die prematurely from smoking.

Smoking is related to many health issues, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Smoking is known to cause head and neck cancers and lung cancer and is strongly associated with bladder cancer and esophageal cancer.  During April, we celebrate head and neck cancer awareness month.  Cancers in the mouth, tongue, and voice box are strongly associated with smoking.  The most effective thing that can be done to prevent cancer is to “Kick Butts” and STOP SMOKING.  Even after a cancer is diagnosed, you can improve your chances of cancer cure by STOPPING SMOKING.  Research supports that patients who continue to smoke during and after cancer treatment have significantly less chance of being alive five years after a cancer diagnosis.

To help decrease the risk of these very aggressive cancers and improve your overall health, we want to help “kick butts” and promote a tobacco-free environment in our community.  If you are a smoker or know someone who is a smoker – the time to quit is NOW.  Some programs offer free nicotine replacement to help with quitting.  Our doctors also have some helpful smoking cessation items on our Amazon store, where we also have products recommended to patients receiving radiation treatments.

If you are ready to quit, here are some helpful resources for helping you “kick butts”:

– Alabama Quit Now: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

– American Cancer Society Quit for Life:  866-QUIT-4-LIFE

– CDC’s: How to Quit Smoking

– Alliance Cancer Care’s Amazon Store

45 is the new 50!

March 20, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

If you are 45 years or older, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now recommends you to have annual colorectal screening.  In 2021, the screening age was lowered from age 50 to age 45 due to an increased number of colorectal cancer cases in younger patients.  These are not cancers in patients with known family history, but the general population.  This means we all need to become more proactive with screening and practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.  Symptoms of colon cancer may include blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, stools that are narrower than usual, and unplanned weight loss.

Here’s the good news: colorectal cancer is highly preventable!  Early detection through prevention and screening is proven to drastically reduce deaths from colorectal cancer.  In 2022, an estimated 151, 030 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, despite this being a preventable cancer.  Over 40,000 lives a year could be saved with early screening and treatment.  Over 90% of patients with colorectal cancer are cured when diagnosed early.

Colorectal cancer typically develops from an abnormal growth in the colon called a polyp.  Over time, polyps can become malignant and develop into cancer.  But screening for colorectal cancer often detects polyps, and through colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they grow into cancers.

Screening tests for colorectal cancer include the fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy, most commonly.  A colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic since polyps and small cancers can often be removed when detected.  Patients with a family history of colon cancer or patients who have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) are known to have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, and screening recommendations may vary.

What are you waiting for?  Contact your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist to schedule your screening today.

Patient Safety Awareness Week

March 14, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

Patient Safety Awareness Week, an annual celebration of patient safety and quality improvement initiatives, takes place this week, March 14-18.  Alliance Cancer Care is committed to providing the North Alabama communities with state-of-the-art radiation treatment.  Our team of physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, and nurses is dedicated to delivering safe and high-quality radiation therapy to our patients.

Patient safety involves all members of our team working together to provide the best care for our patients.  Daily, our physicians and therapists ensure the proper alignment of our patients for each treatment.  To accomplish this goal, our patients must undergo simulation to create a custom plan.  During this simulation, skin marks or tattoos are placed on the skin of our patients to better align patients for treatment.  Before treatment, images are obtained to verify that patients are correctly aligned, to ensure that the radiation is delivered accurately and precisely.  Our therapists work in pairs to ensure patient safety, and to provide a second check on patients as they treat patients daily.

Behind the scenes, safety remains a top priority.  Prior to each patient starting treatment, multiple safety procedures are performed by our dosimetry and physics teams.  Weekly, our physician group meets together to peer-review and second-check all treatment plans for safety for our patients.  Our physics staff also performs weekly evaluations of all patients on treatment to ensure the treatments are accurate.

More than ever, patient safety is at the forefront of our minds, as we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our teams prioritize our patients’ health and safety and will continue to do so.  You may not see each of the team members when you come for daily radiation treatments, but the safety net of their work protects and provides security for each of our patients.

What Are the Current Options for Patients with Brain Metastases, including Surgery, SRS, WBRT, and Drugs?

March 9, 2022

By John F. “Jack” Gleason, Jr., M.D, radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

As a radiation oncologist, I am frequently asked to help care for patients who have brain metastases (mets). The first question is of course “what is a brain metastasis?” Metastasis (1) or metastases (more than 1) are tumors that have started in one part of the body and spread to another. In the case of brain mets, the cancer that started in another part of the body has then spread to the brain. There are also primary malignant brain tumors that start in the brain itself but these are actually less common than metastases to the brain. About 25,000 people are diagnosed with malignant primary brain tumors per year in the United States while approximately 170,000 to 200,000 people per year in the United States develop brain mets. Many types of cancer can cause brain mets but the most common sources are lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. Some patients have brain mets at their initial diagnosis of cancer and others will develop them months or years later after an initial cancer diagnosis.

Brain mets are actually becoming more common. This is in small part because modern medicine uses more frequent imaging and our studies are more sensitive to find small tumors in the brain. It is mostly related to the fact that patients with Stage IV cancers (who have mets to other parts of their body) are living longer than before because of ongoing improvements in systemic therapy (better targeted therapies and immunotherapies in particular). Better systemic therapies mean patients live longer and there is more time for eventual brain mets to develop.

What tools do we have to treat patients who develop brain mets? The good news is we have many tools and they continue to be refined and improved. Possible options are surgery, whole-brain radiation (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and even systemic therapy in some select cases. In many situations, a combination of these approaches may be employed.

Surgery can be an option for some patients with brain mets. We tend to use surgery in two main situations: a single large tumor causing significant symptoms that needs to be debulked quickly OR if we need to do surgery to obtain a diagnosis because there are no other known areas of cancer or accessible areas to biopsy. Most patients who do have surgery undergo postoperative radiation to reduce the chances of local recurrence (regrowth of tumor) at the same site. Nowadays, we usually just treat the cavity focally with SRS but we first need to talk about SRS and WBRT further below so that even makes sense to you!

Stereotactic radiosurgery, which we call SRS for short because it is quicker to say, is actually not surgery. There are NOT any incisions or anesthesia. SRS means we are delivering highly accurate and conformal radiation just to the known areas of disease in the brain with treatment systems that are sub-mm accurate. That is right; we are talking 1 mm, which is less than the thickness of your fingernail. Modern engineering, computers, and medical physicists are incredible. In the past, patients treated with SRS required an invasive headframe screwed into their skull that was attached to the table during treatment for immobilization and to provide coordinates for targeting. Today we now have systems, including the one used at Alliance Cancer Care, which are frameless. We do use a relocatable plastic mesh head mask during treatment for some immobilization but we are able to target accurately on the table using imaging in the room and then alignment in 6 dimensions (6D) using a robotic couch. 6D means aligning the targets in x-y-z but also in roll-pitch-yaw like an airplane. SRS treatments are generally delivered in a single session of treatment but sometimes we will use 3-5 days to deliver the total planned dose. We often refer to that as fractionated SRS or fSRS. Either way, our modern frameless approach allows us to deliver SRS treatments in 20-30 minutes, even when treating multiple targets.

Whole-brain radiation (WBRT) is another approach for patients with brain mets where the entire brain is treated with lower dose radiation daily for 10-15 sessions over 2-3 weeks. Each session lasts 5 minutes. It is an approach that is older than SRS but still is an important tool in certain patients.

So your next question is likely…. well how do you decide on SRS vs WBRT for patients with brain mets? Many factors play a role. In general, I favor SRS for patients whenever it is feasible. I favor SRS because randomized studies comparing WBRT to SRS as the first treatment for patients with new brain mets show that SRS patients have fewer neurocognitive side effects (for example, short-term memory loss) and better quality of life. The average survival is the same with either approach. In fact, you can always use WBRT later after initial SRS if needed and vice versa. You can also use multiple sessions of SRS over time if new areas develop in the brain on later scans and need to be treated. Another advantage of SRS over WBRT is fewer treatments (1-5 versus 10-15), which is more convenient for the patient and less likely to delay important systemic therapies. While WBRT patients lose all their hair from treatment, SRS patients usually have no hair loss or sometimes some small focal areas of slight hair loss.

Above, I made the statement that I favor SRS over WBRT when it is feasible. When is SRS not a good option for brain mets? Some patients have so many brain mets that targeting them all with SRS is not feasible or could carry too many risks of damage if the treatment is delivered over such a short number of treatments. There is no exact number cut-off and the size and location of the mets also matter. As a rule of thumb: patients with 4 or fewer mets can nearly always have SRS, patients with 5-10 brain mets can frequently have SRS, and patients with more than 10 brain mets usually are better treated with WBRT as a first option. Part of the issue for patients with numerous brain mets is the safety of delivering the entire radiation dose in a short number of sessions. The other issue for someone with over 10 brain mets is there are very likely other small areas in the brain we cannot see yet and WBRT might prevent those from developing further.

If your radiation oncologist tells you they recommend whole brain radiation, it is not something to be frightened about as a patient. Uncontrolled cancer in the brain is much more of an issue than the possible risks of whole-brain radiation. Many patients who have WBRT don’t have significant memory issues or other side effects. Sometimes they notice no issues or very mild changes in short-term memory or other functions. The other great news is we have new tools demonstrated in randomized trials to minimize the risk of cognitive/memory issues after WBRT. We can offer two things, sometimes in combination, to reduce the risk of long-term effects of WBRT.  One approach we utilize is delivering the radiation using a technique called VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy) that allows us to limit the dose to the hippocampal regions of the brain. The hippocampus plays an important role in forming memories and sparing the radiation dose was demonstrated to reduce the likelihood of cognitive/memory issues after treatment. The other thing we offer is a 6-month course of the oral drug memantine. Memantine is a drug that has been used for many years to treat patients with dementia. More recent studies showed that taking the drug for 6 months during and after WBRT had a protective effect for memory.

A final thing to mention is the potential role of systemic therapy for patients with brain mets. Historically, most drugs did not help patients with brain mets in large part due to the blood-brain barrier. This natural system allows our bodies to limit blood infections and/or toxins from entering the brain. It also keeps most systemic therapies (chemo, etc) out of the brain making them ineffective against brain mets. Some newer oral targeted drugs and immunotherapies do have activity in the brain for very specific types of brain mets. Discussions about delaying the use of radiation for brain mets to see if certain drugs may control the disease are made on a case by case basis and are best had with you radiation doctor and chemo doctor both on board. In general, the main situation where I would favor trying systemic therapy alone first would be a situation where three criteria are all met: the patient is asymptomatic from the brain mets, there are too many targets to allow for SRS (they would require WBRT), and the patient has a type of cancer where systemic therapy has been shown to have a good response rate.

In closing, patients with stage IV (metastatic) cancer are living longer due to better systemic therapies. This means more of them are alive long enough to develop brain mets. Fortunately, we have many tools to address a patient’s brain mets. Techniques such as SRS or hippocampal-sparing WBRT are excellent ways of treating brain mets in ways that maximize our ability to limit the risk of long-term cognitive and quality of life issues. By using radiation to treat brain mets and modern systemic therapy to address all other areas of disease, many patients with metastatic cancer, including to the brain, are living longer and better lives than in the past.

What Do I Need to Treat My Side Effects During Radiation?

January 28, 2022

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Meta Description: Your radiation oncologist will discuss your specific treatment recommendations and the anticipated effects of the treatment with you in great detail. Radiation therapy side effects are generally very mild and typically improve after completing treatment.

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By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

Radiation therapy is a type of local treatment. This means that it is focused on a particular part of the body, and does not travel throughout the body. Because of this, radiation treatment causes side effects only in the area where the treatment is directed.

Your radiation oncologist will discuss your specific treatment recommendations and the anticipated effects of the treatment with you in great detail. Radiation therapy side effects are generally very mild and typically improve after completing treatment. Your physician will also schedule visits to see you each week during radiation treatment to watch for any problems or side effects. During these visits, your nurse and physician will provide you with recommendations on how to care for any side effects or issues. Many commonly used products during radiation treatment are over the counter and can be purchased at your local store or online (Amazon).

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the convenience and safety of online shopping inspired our physicians to create a way to easily find over-the-counter products you might need during radiation therapy. The team at Alliance Cancer Care created an Amazon Store, which is a special Amazon website with a list of products our physicians commonly recommend for patients. These products are sorted by the area of treatment (for example Breast, Chest, Prostate/Pelvis, etc.) and also by symptom (skin, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, etc.). You can find the recommended product(s) from your nurse or physician and add it to your cart, just like any other online purchase.

You may notice that our Amazon page earns a small commission with each purchase. These commissions are benefitting the Dr. Jeanne Shepherd Fund, which is a resource for our patients who may be facing financial difficulty during their cancer care. Your purchases at our Amazon store will benefit other cancer patients receiving radiation treatment by supporting the Dr. Jeanne Shepherd Fund.

Our team at Alliance Cancer Care hopes that our Amazon Store will make finding what you need for radiation treatment simple and convenient.

Please note, as an Amazon influencer, Alliance Cancer Care earns from qualifying purchases. All proceeds earned will be donated to the Dr. Jeanne Shepherd Fund. While we support each of the products recommended, we are not the manufacturers of these products. If you have a question or issue with one of these products, please contact the manufacturer directly.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January 21, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

Vaccines work. My generation and generations to come will not know the symptoms or effects of polio, measles, mumps, or smallpox. These viruses are now essentially eradicated due to widespread vaccination. Recent news demonstrated that vaccines are also preventing cancer, by preventing cancer-causing strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are more than 100 types of HPV, but cancer-causing HPV infections are most notably linked to throat cancer, penile cancer, and cervical cancer. Non-cancer-causing HPV infections are the cause of warts in the skin.

The first HPV vaccine was approved in 2006 for females ages 9-26 and offered protection against 4 strains of HPV. Since then, the vaccine has expanded to include protection against 9 strains of HPV and is now recommended for MALES AND FEMALES ages 9-45. The CDC recommends that 11-12-year-olds receive two doses of the vaccine 6-12 months apart. Older patients may receive a third dose of the vaccine.

The month of January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world and is the third most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. In Alabama, we have a high rate of cervical cancer in women compared to the rest of the country, with 1 in 10,000 women being diagnosed. Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women ages 35-45 but can be found earlier or later in life. The most common symptoms include bleeding between menstrual cycles, bleeding after menopause, bleeding with sex, pain with sex, or unexplained pelvic pain.

Screening for cervical cancer includes a Pap smear, often with HPV testing. Abnormal tests require additional workup. If cancer is found, treatment depends on the stage of the cervical tumor. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be used. A unique form of radiation, brachytherapy, is often used for curative cervical cancer treatments.

Cervical cancer is preventable. Over 95% of cervical cancers are related to HPV infections and are largely preventable with HPV vaccination. Researchers from the United Kingdom recently reported that cervical cancer rates declined by 87% for patients vaccinated at 12-13 years of age. Vaccination also prevents pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, which often require surgical intervention. The authors of the research study concluded, “HPV immunization has successfully almost eliminated cervical cancer in women.” We have a chance to cure cervical cancer – by prevention.

If you or a family member have not yet been vaccinated for HPV, talk with your doctor about the possibility of vaccination to reduce the risk of cancer.

Types of Scans for Cancer Patients

January 21, 2022

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

If you or a loved one are diagnosed with cancer, you start to learn a new language.  It can be very confusing and overwhelming.  One of the most commonly asked questions involves scans, or imaging studies.  What type of scan am I getting?  What is the difference between this and the scan I had last week?

Doctors try to gather all the information necessary to make the best treatment plan for patients.  Many times, this will involve some sort of biopsy, or sampling of tissue, and some sort of imaging, or scan of the body.  When doctors order scans, they have to specify the type of scan and the body site to be scanned.  This is specific to every individual case, and each type of imaging has advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Diagnostic Scans:

  • X-rays. X-rays are a very fast, basic scan of a part of the body.  They are often done to look at bones or lungs.  X-rays are 2-dimensional images.
  • CT, or Cat scans. CT scans are X-rays sent through a portion of the body to produce a 3-dimensional image.  Doctors often use contrast, or a substance to highlight the CT scan for better visualization.  CT scans are ordered for a certain part of the body, and helpful to look to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
  • PET-CT or PET scans. PET-CT scans combine two scans: a CT scan, as described above, and a special type of scan called a PET.  For a PET scan, patients are injected with a special type of dye, often linked to a sugar molecule.  The dye then travels preferentially to parts of the body that use sugar for energy, like the brain, heart, and liver.  The dye also will travel to any areas of cancer, and highlight them on the scan.  PET-CT is a helpful tool to determine if an area is suspicious for cancer, and can guide management if cancer has spread in the body.  PET-CT scans are not useful for looking for tumors inside the brain.
  • MRI or MRI scans. MRI uses magnets to produce images, not X-rays.  MRI scans produce excellent soft-tissue pictures and help look at the brain, liver, breast, or muscles.  MRI scans are only of a certain area of the body.  MRI scans are typically longer scans, and the machinery is very loud.  Be sure to alert your doctor if you have any metal in your body, like a pacemaker or defibrillator, before your MRI scan.

Your doctor will discuss the results of the scans with you.  Sometimes, this can lead to additional questions rather than answers.  Ultimately, your doctor wants to design the best treatment plan and will discuss why additional tests may be recommended.

If radiation is part of your cancer treatment, you will have other types of scans to guide your radiation treatments.  This has allowed radiation treatment to become more accurate and precise.

  • CT-simulation. You can read more about simulation here.  This is a CT scan that is used to target radiation customized for your body and tumor.  You do not get a report from this type of CT scan.
  • X-rays. Often, x-rays are done before radiation treatment to verify that your body is in the correct position for treatment by looking at the bones.  This is to ensure your treatment is accurate.
  • CT-during treatments. At Alliance Cancer Care, we have the capability of using CT scans during radiation treatment to provide IGRT, or image-guided radiation therapy.  This can ensure that your body is in the correct position, and that radiation is going to the target area.

Imaging is a very important part of cancer treatment and is particularly important with radiation treatments.  After your treatment, doctors will often order scans to ensure there is no sign of cancer regrowth or spread.  Your doctor will recommend the type and the frequency of scans for your particular situation.

Some scans are useful in screening for cancer, too.  Mammograms are X-rays of the breast to look for early-stage breast cancer.  In patients older than 50 with a long smoking history, a low dose CT scan of the lungs can be used to find early-stage lung cancers.

Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for screening with a mammogram or a low-dose CT of the lung.  

What is SBRT for Lung Cancer?

November 22, 2021

By Jim McCarty, M.D. and Jack Gleason, M.D., radiation oncologists at Alliance Cancer Care

What is SBRT?

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a technique that precisely targets lung tumors, while at the same time uses very conformal radiation beams to avoid normal tissues. The precision targeting and delivery allow the treatment team to safely deliver all the radiation in a shorter number of treatments (3-5 treatments vs conventional schedules of 30-37 treatments).  This approach has several important advantages: higher rates of tumor control, a shorter more convenient treatment course, and less risk of side effects.

What technologies are involved?

SBRT requires multiple technological advances:

  1. 4D imaging for radiation planning and delivery to account for the motion of the tumor during breathing.
  2. Better shaping of the radiation beam through better robotics and faster computers.
  3. Imaging at the time of each radiation treatment with the ability to move the table in small precise increments in 6-dimensions (x,y,z and roll, pitch, yaw) to align the target before delivering the radiation.

What is 4D imaging for radiation planning?

One of the difficulties with treating tumors in the lung is that the lung moves with every breath we take.  Anything in the lung, like a tumor, also moves with each breath.  We need a way to consider that motion.  There are many different ways to manage this respiratory motion.  At Alliance Cancer Care, we start by using a 4-dimensional CT scan.  Most CT scans are 3-dimensional.  The computer can recreate a visual representation of a tumor.  We can rotate it around to look at it from the top or the bottom or the side.  However, that representation is just a snapshot from one moment in time.  CT scans do not normally show what happens with breathing.

To plan the radiation, we do a series of CT scans while the patient is breathing.  We can reconstruct these to show not only a 3-dimensional representation but show how that structure moves over time while the patient is breathing.  This way, we can target not just where the tumor is at any one time, but the volume in which the tumor moves as the patient breathes.

How have better robotics and faster computers helped?

When the beam of x-rays comes out of the radiation machine, the beam is formed into the precise shape of the target of radiation.  There are very small, heavy metal leaves in the head of the radiation machine that form this shape by blocking the radiation into the exact pattern we need.

We know that there is an advantage to using multiple beams from different angles.  You could imagine, if we only used one beam, then everything in that beam pathway would receive 100% of the dose.  On the other hand, if we used four beams, then everything in each beam’s pathway only receives 25% of the dose, except where all four beams collide, at which point the tumor gets 100% of the dose.

In the old days, the radiation machine would move into the first position, then move the leaves into position, then turn the beam on, then turn the beam off, then move to the next position.  Doing this would take a couple of minutes for each beam angle. We know that after lying on the x-ray table for 10 minutes or more, patients start to get restless.  If they moved around, then we were at risk for the radiation beam missing the tumor.  So we knew we only had time to get in six to seven beam angles before the treatment became too uncomfortable.

Over the last decade, robotics and tiny motors have become much more sophisticated.  During that same time, computer processing speeds have become dramatically faster.  We can now combine these two technological advances to have the machine move from position one to position two in a fraction of a second.  This way, we can have the radiation machine treat from hundreds of different beam angles.  The x-ray machine can simply keep moving in a circle around the patient, keeping the X-ray beam on the entire time, while the computer and robotic leaves make hundreds of very tiny changes every second.  This way, instead of spreading the radiation out over six angles, we can spread it out over 160 angles…. or more.

How do you use daily imaging?

In the old days, there were kilovoltage x-ray machines that made diagnostic x-rays and CT scans for imaging.  There were also megavoltage x-ray machines (linear accelerators) that delivered therapeutic radiation for cancer treatment.  Nevertheless, you had to build either one machine or the other one. With technological advances, engineers found a way to build a radiation machine that could deliver both kilovoltage x-rays to make diagnostic images and deliver megavoltage x-rays to give cancer treatments.  This way, we can have our cancer radiation machine also produce CT scans.  This allows us to do a CT scan moments before each treatment to identify exactly where a tumor is at that very moment. We can even perform another 4D CT scan on the treatment table to look at tumor motion during set-up. This daily image guidance has allowed us to not only more precisely treat the tumor, but also better avoid the surrounding normal structures.

How long does SBRT take?

Being able to treat the tumor with such accuracy and precision, while avoiding the normal organs, has allowed us to safely deliver a higher dose during each day’s treatment.  Our technical term for each treatment is a “fraction”.  The unit of radiation is “Gray.”  Historically, lung cancer has been treated to a dose of 60-70 Gray, using 1.8 – 2.0 Gray a day.  This would often be done over 30-37 treatments (fractions).  With SBRT, we can typically use a much higher dose per day, like 10-18 Gray for each treatment.  Because we are using a higher dose per treatment, we do not have to do nearly as many treatments.  The most common regimens for SBRT deliver a total of three to five treatments over two weeks.

Sometimes because of the tumor location, we have to be even more careful to avoid normal neighboring structures. We may use a relatively lower dose per day over 10 fractions, instead of four to five, but they are still given over two weeks.  Ten fractions always sound like more radiation than four to five fractions, but it is the same overall amount of radiation. It is just a matter of how much of the total dose is given with each fraction.  Either way, with SBRT, we are looking at two weeks of radiation instead of seven weeks of radiation.

For each day, the total time in the clinic is likely going to be 30-45 minutes.  The total time on the x-ray machine is probably 10-15 minutes.  Any medical clinic can run into delays or get behind schedule, but typically, each day’s treatment is very quick.

Who is a candidate for SBRT?

SBRT is primarily used for stage I or early-stage II lung tumors, which means small to medium-sized tumors in the lung without lymph node involvement or invasion into the central part of the chest.  The central part of the chest is called the mediastinum and represents a challenge for both surgery and radiation.  There are many important and sensitive structures in the mediastinum, including the esophagus, the heart, the trachea (aka, the windpipe), big blood vessels, etc.  There are also lymph nodes in the mediastinum, and sometimes these lymph nodes have lung cancer in them.  In the best-case scenario, cancer surgeons do not just cut out the cancer itself, but they remove some surrounding normal tissue just to be sure to get any little roots or seeds that may be extending off the tumor.  It is exceptionally difficult to do that in the center part of the chest because of all of these sensitive structures.  SBRT has a similar problem.  It is difficult to do high doses of radiation per treatment to the mediastinum because these critical structures are more sensitive to radiation.  When cancers involve the more central part of the chest, we usually deliver conventional fractionation over six to seven weeks, instead of SBRT.  In summary, SBRT is best when the tumor is out in the lung, is away from the mediastinum, and does not have any spread to lymph nodes in the more central part of the chest.

Is SBRT better than surgery?

It just depends on the situation.  As of 2021, surgery remains the “gold standard” for treating localized lung cancers.  Some patients, however, are not good candidates for surgery.  Sometimes their lung function is so impaired that it is not safe to take them to surgery or to remove a lobe of their lung.  Sometimes the tumor is just not in a good location to allow for safe removal.  Sometimes the patients are just not willing to undergo surgery.  In all those situations, using SBRT as a nonsurgical approach is the best option.

But what about cure rates?  If you read ten different studies looking at early and localized lung cancers, you will get ten different cure rates.  In the most general sense, though, surgery can control 95% or more of localized tumors.  SBRT should be able to control 90% or more of localized tumors.  (You can almost certainly find individual studies that have higher control rates for either modality.)  When using SBRT as a nonsurgical option, you likely have equal or at least very similar local control, and it allows a noninvasive treatment.

How do you know if it worked?

After completion of SBRT, we will do a chest CT.  This will typically be two to three months after radiation, but this can vary.  With SBRT, we treat both the tumor and a bit of a rind around the tumor.  Because of this, the area of change the radiologists see on the first follow-up CT or two may look larger. This does not mean the tumor is larger, it just means we have treated a slightly larger volume around the tumor and we are looking at scar tissue.  Again, this type of treatment works 90 – 95% of the time.  When the radiation has successfully killed off a lung tumor, the first or second CT scan may look slightly bigger due to scar, but after that, the CT scans all look about the same and it stabilizes.  In the small minority of cases in which the SBRT does not work, then at some point, a CT scan will show a larger tumor.  A follow-up CT scan may show it to be even larger still, or a follow-up PET scan may show the tumor to still be active.  In those situations, we move on to the next available treatment.  Interestingly, even in patients who are cured with SBRT, the lung tumor typically does not disappear on imaging.  It will typically stay there as a dead scar that is visible on imaging.  In this way, the patient can be cured of lung cancer but never have a “normal” chest CT again in the same way that a woman can be cured of breast cancer but never have a “normal” mammogram after treatment.  The mammogram or the chest CT will show scarring at the treatment area.  Essentially, we do not need the scans to be normal, we just need them to show no growth at the treatment location and no new changes anywhere else.

What are the other names for SBRT?

SBRT is also called Radiosurgery or Stereotactic Ablative Radiation (SABR).

Simulation for Radiation Therapy

October 28, 2021

By Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D., radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care

What is a “simulation” or “treatment planning session” for radiation treatment?

If your doctor has recommended radiation therapy, they will likely schedule an appointment for a simulation, or a treatment planning session. Simulation is the process of positioning your body in a way that is comfortable and that can be reproduced for each radiation treatment. Radiation therapy precisely and accurately targets tumors, so a simulation is necessary for delivering customized radiation treatment for each patient.

How do I prepare for simulation?

Your doctor may have you prepare for simulation in a special way, depending on the area of your body being treated. This may involve drinking water to fill your bladder, or having an IV started for contrast during your scan. Your nurse will review any preparation instructions with you prior to this appointment.

You can likely eat and drink as normally the day of your simulation, if no preparation is required. Some patients will be asked to change into an exam gown. Consider wearing clothes that are easy to change in and out of.

Please arrive on time.

How long will the simulation take?

Typically, a simulation appointment will take between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Since each patient is unique, each simulation is customized and may vary. If you have pain while lying in one position for a long period of time, you may want to discuss managing your pain with your nurse or doctor before simulation.

What happens during simulation?

At the time of simulation, you will confirm your name, date of birth, and site of treatment for safety reasons. You will then be directed into a room with a CT scanner by a radiation therapist. Radiation therapists are specially trained to prepare and treat patients with radiation. Your therapist will help position your body in a way that is reproducible for each treatment and allows your doctor to target the tumor while avoiding normal structures. Sometimes, we will make a mold or a mask that helps you stay in the correct position during treatment. Then, the therapist will place marks on your skin using a marker or small tattoo, which helps us to align you in the correct position for treatment. These marks must stay on your body until treatments start, so we typically cover them with a waterproof sticker.

Once your marks are drawn, the therapists will walk out of the room to obtain a CT scan of the part of your body where your doctor will give radiation. They will be able to see and hear you at all times, and they will let you know what is happening. This CT scan is used to customize your treatment.

If you are pregnant, or think you could be pregnant, please tell your doctor, nurse, or our staff prior to your simulation. You should not have a CT scan if there is a chance you are pregnant.

What happens next?

When you leave the simulation, you will be scheduled for your next appointment.

After simulation, your CT scan is sent to your doctor and the planning team to customize your radiation treatment. Radiation planning and customization is a detailed process, which often takes 1-2 weeks to complete. When your doctor approves the plan for your radiation treatment, there are special checks done to ensure the machines are giving the radiation as planned by the computer. This is for your safety.

For more information, please view my “What to Expect: Radiation Therapy Simulation Appointment” video.

Profiles in Pink

October 6, 2021

Screening Guidelines for Prostate Cancer

September 10, 2021

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men.  While the disease is prevalent across the country, the screening guidelines are not.  Prostate cancer screenings have always been somewhat controversial because the tests often alert physicians to the presence of cancer, but there is no precise way to determine, definitively, whether the cancer detected would have ever caused symptoms or harm during the man’s lifetime.

The benefit of screening for prostate cancer is identifying high-risk, localized prostate cancer that can be successfully treated, thereby preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.  The potential harms of screening for prostate cancer may be false-positive results (often in older men) that lead to unnecessary biopsies and harms from prostate cancer treatment that might include erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their healthcare provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer.  The discussion about screening should take place at:

  • Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.
  • Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
  • Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

After this discussion, men who want to be screened should get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.  The digital rectal exam (DRE) may also be done as a part of screening.

If no prostate cancer is found as a result of screening, the time between future screenings depends on the results of the PSA blood test:

  • Men who choose to be tested who have a PSA of less than 2.5 ng/mL may only need to be retested every 2 years.
  • Screening should be done yearly for men whose PSA level is 2.5 ng/mL or higher.

While it is true that not all prostate cancers need treatment, early detection is still one of the most important factors to surviving cancer.  If your family medical history, lifestyle, or other factors indicate that you are at greater risk for prostate cancer, make sure you discuss prostate cancer screenings with your physician and decide if a screening is right for you.

Alliance Cancer Care Welcomes Richard Pearlman, M.D.

July 14, 2021

Richard Pearlman, M.D.

Alliance Cancer Care announced that radiation oncologist Richard Pearlman, M.D. has joined their cancer care treatment team.

Dr. Pearlman was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama.  He attended Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, as an Honors Scholar and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and received his medical doctorate from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society and received the Dean’s Award upon graduation.  Following medical school, he completed his internship at Brookwood Baptist Health in Birmingham, Alabama, and his residency in radiation oncology from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he served as Chief Resident his final year.

Dr. Pearlman treats many different types of cancer, using a patient-centered approach that incorporates shared decision-making between physician, patient, and family.  He enjoys talking with patients and helping them through their diagnosis and treatment, as well as with survivorship following the completion of treatment.  Dr. Pearlman has experience in several radiation therapy treatments, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and high dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR brachytherapy).

In addition to his education and medical training, Dr. Pearlman has been awarded numerous honors and has authored several articles in peer-reviewed medical publications.

In his free time, Dr. Pearlman enjoys landscape photography, hiking, kayaking, and camping.  He is married to Dr. Hailey Park, who practices as a dentist in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Dr. Pearlman is currently accepting new patients.  Learn more about our team.

UV Safety Month

July 13, 2021

July is National Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month.  The purpose of the month is to raise awareness of the dangers of UV radiation and spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and man-made sources like tanning beds.  There are different types of UV rays, based on how much energy they have, and they are divided into 3 main groups:

  • UVA rays have the least energy among UV rays.  These rays can cause skin cells to age and can cause some indirect damage to cells’ DNA.  UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but they are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.
  • UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays.  They can damage the DNA in skin cells directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns.  They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.
  • UVC rays have more energy than the other types of UV rays.  Fortunately, because of this, they react with ozone high in our atmosphere and don’t reach the ground, so they are not normally a risk factor for skin cancer.

Too much UV radiation can damage the genetic material (the DNA) in your skin cells.  If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.

It is not possible to avoid sunlight completely, but the American Cancer Society has some helpful information on how to protect yourself from UV rays.  The most common and easiest ways to help ensure you’re not getting too much sun include:

  • If you’re going to be outside, simply staying in the shade, especially during midday hours, is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure from sunlight.
  • Protect your skin with clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • Wear a hat to protect your head, face, and neck.
  • Wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
  • Use sunscreen to help protect skin that isn’t covered with clothing.

Survive & Thrive Survivor’s Day Celebration!

June 7, 2021

National Cervical Health Awareness Month

January 26, 2021

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition have named January Cervical Health Awareness Month to encourage women across the country to get screened for cervical cancer and receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine if they are eligible.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), almost 14,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2020 and an estimated 4,290 women died from the disease.

Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent, with regular screening tests and follow-up. Two screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early is the Pap test and the HPV test. The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

The ACS regularly reviews and updates the cervical cancer screening recommendations when new evidence suggests that a change may be needed. The latest recommendations are:

  • All women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21.
  • Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. They should not be tested for HPV unless it is needed after an abnormal Pap test result.
  • Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, however, it is also reasonable to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
  • Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer should continue to be screened.
  • Women who have had their uterus and cervix removed in a hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer should not be screened.
  • Women who have had the HPV vaccine should still follow the screening recommendations for their age group.
  • Women who are at high risk for cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. Women at high risk might include those with HIV infection, organ transplant, or exposure to the drug DES (Estrogen prescribed in pregnancy, removed from the market in 1971, daughters have an increased risk of vaginal and cervix cancer). They should talk with their doctor or nurse.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we treat gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, painlessly and noninvasively with radiation therapy. We use external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to deliver high-energy X-rays which causes damage to cancer cells and thus their ability to multiply. Treatments only take about 15 to 30 minutes and side effects are usually minimal. Several factors determine candidacy for radiation therapy treatment including the stage of the cancer, potential side effects, age, and overall health.

If you have any questions about radiation treatment for cervical cancer, schedule a consultation or call our centers at (256) 319-5400.

Coping with Cancer Through the Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic

December 21, 2020

As the classic holiday song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But do you know what else the happiest season of all brings? Stress. This year is no exception, especially with the added threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is no secret that across the country, more people than ever are struggling to find joy this winter. For those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, this holiday season may seem even more unbearable due to needing to limit interactions with beloved family members, halting holiday traditions, and having constant concerns about your health care needs or those of a loved one. If you or someone you love has cancer or another serious illness this holiday season, use these tips from the American Cancer Society to help lift your spirits and manage your merriment (and stress):

DO

  • Feel your feelings: Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings, whether of joy, fear, sadness, or pain. Let yourself laugh or cry.
  • Take care of yourself: Eat balanced meals and make time for some exercise. Physical activity is a good way to release tension.
  • Allow yourself simple pleasures: Take a warm bath, a nap, or eat some of your favorite foods.
  • Find distractions: Find time to practice a hobby you love, binge on a TV show, play a virtual game, or maybe even take a drive to see holiday lights.
  • Prepare for the holidays: Decide if you want to continue certain traditions or create new ones, like having a virtual gathering.
  • Enlist support: Relay on those around you or service to help you safely shop and prep for the holidays.
  • Learn to say no: You don’t have to participate in everything. People will understand if you can’t do certain activities.

DON’T

  • Don’t pressure yourself: Try not to set unrealistic expectations or try to do everything yourself.
  • Don’t overindulge in alcohol. Since alcohol is a depressant, it might just heighten those bad feelings you may be having.
  • Stick to a budget: Shopping online can be fun, but can also become a habit. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items.
  • Don’t try to do too much in one day: Plan ahead, setting aside specific days for specific tasks.
  • Don’t abandon healthy habits: Eat and drink in moderation. Get plenty of sleep.

Cancer Screen Week 2020

December 9, 2020

5th Annual Profiles In Pink Park and Play Drive-In Concert on November 5th

October 5, 2020

Join us for our 5th annual Profiles in Pink Party with Helen Keller Hospital to celebrate survivors in our community! This year’s event will be a drive-in concert with musical entertainment from The Midnighters! As always, this is a free community event.

Alliance Oncology Announces New State-of-the-Art Cancer Center in Northwest Alabama

September 2, 2020

Singing River Cancer Center to Offer Advanced Cancer Treatment for Patients of the Shoals Region

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, a leading national provider of outsourced healthcare services, announced the opening of Singing River Cancer Center (SRCC). SRCC will be a part of Alliance Cancer Care, one of the largest radiation cancer networks in the southeast with over 50 years of combined experience offered at five different locations throughout Northern Alabama.

“We are extremely excited about the opening of the new Singing River Cancer Center,” said Douglas McCracken, President of Alliance Oncology. “SRCC brings together an extensive suite of oncology services, multidisciplinary experts, and advanced technology to give residents of the Shoals area and surrounding communities first-class cancer care in one convenient location.”

Located in Florence, Alabama, SRCC is a 45,000 square foot state-of-the-art cancer center that will offer innovative technology and collaborative care in a community setting and serve patients locally and throughout greater Northwest Alabama. SRCC occupants will include Alliance Cancer Care (ACC), Clearview Cancer Institute (CCI), Helen Keller Imaging, and Surgical Associates of the Shoals.

For patients choosing radiation therapy treatments, ACC offers several types of radiation therapy designed to treat all forms and stages of cancer. Their board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, navigators, nursing staff, and counselors provide a custom treatment plan and resources that address each patient’s unique needs. Treatments include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), 3-D conformal therapy, image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and brachytherapy. Treatments are outpatient and noninvasive, with minimal to no recovery time.

Clearview Cancer Institute focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up after treatment, and prevention of all types of cancers and blood diseases. Their board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists provide the latest in cancer treatment options including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Clearview will also offer a complete spectrum of state-of-the-art radiologic modalities, such as a wide-bore MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and PET-CT. CCI offers many educational and complementary services for their patients undergoing cancer treatment including stage I-IV clinical trials, genetic testing and counseling, social services, financial services, lung cancer screening programs, and survivorship programs.

Helen Keller Hospital will provide 3-D Mammography services. They are the only organization to offer an on-site breast nurse navigator who works with the physicians to assist patients with a variety of needs from pre-screening through diagnosis and beyond.

Surgeons at Surgical Associates of the Shoals deliver surgical care in an experienced, individualized way, while still providing the latest, greatest excellence in surgery care their patients need. As members of the American College of Surgeons and board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, their surgeons are well versed in all areas of general surgery, including breast, colon/rectal​, endoscopy, skin and soft tissue, endocrine, minimally invasive, robotics, foregut, and in select areas of vascular and hepatobiliary surgery.

SRCC is proud to offer residents in the Shoals area and surrounding communities high-quality, multidisciplinary cancer care. With multiple services under one roof, patients can save time and money by having their cancer treatment close to home. In addition to healthcare and physician offices, SRCC will feature a café, chapel, and ample free parking.

Singing River Cancer Center is located at 180 Cox Creek Parkway South, Florence, Alabama 35630, and opens this month. For more information, please visit Singing River Cancer Center.

About Alliance HealthCare Services

Alliance HealthCare Services is a leading national provider of outsourced healthcare solutions, with expertise in radiology, oncology, and interventional services. We partner with healthcare providers, systems, and hospitals to provide a full continuum of services, including mobile, interim, fixed-site, and comprehensive service line management as well as ASCs and joint venture partnerships. Alliance operates more than 600 diagnostic radiology, radiation therapy, and interventional systems, including more than 70 fixed-site radiology locations, more than 40 cancer care centers, and more than 20 pain management/interventional procedures clinics. Alliance provides quality clinical services for over 1,100 hospitals and other healthcare partners in 47 states, where approximately 2,750 Alliance Team Members are committed to providing exceptional patient care and exceeding customer expectations.

Photo caption:  Singing River Cancer Center

Alliance Cancer Care Welcomes Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D.

August 18, 2020

Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D.

Alliance Cancer Care announced that radiation oncologist Ashlyn Seeley Everett, M.D. has joined their cancer care treatment team.

Dr. Everett, a native of Huntsville, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and received her medical doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama.  She completed her internship at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, and her residency in radiation oncology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama, where she served as Chief Resident.

During her residency, Dr. Everett was actively involved in patient and resident education, and research regarding proton therapy, breast cancer, melanoma, and intracranial and extracranial radiosurgery treatments for primary and metastatic malignancies.  She has presented her research at local and national meetings and authored several publications in medical journals.

She is a member of several professional societies including the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), the American Board of Radiology (ABR), the Alabama Cancer Congress, the Madison County Medical Society, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.

Dr. Everett treats all types of cancers and is committed to providing individualized treatments for each patient, using advanced technologies and comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.  She chose to specialize in radiation oncology because of the unique opportunity to provide support, counseling, and guidance to patients and their families during their cancer treatment journey.

In her spare time, Dr. Everett enjoys cooking, sewing, reading, wakeboarding, ballroom dancing, playing piano, and scuba diving.  She lives in Huntsville with her husband, Bob, and their daughter.

Dr. Everett is currently accepting new patients.  To learn more about her, or any of the staff at Alliance Cancer Care, please contact us.

Treating the World’s Most Common Cancer

August 18, 2020

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the only international organization devoted solely to education, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of the world’s most common cancer, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Skin cancer occurs when there are abnormalities in the cells that make up the skin.  There are two main types of malignant cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer found in the base of the epidermis that accounts for about 90% of all skin cancers.  It seldom spreads, but if left untreated can invade bone and other tissues under the skin.  Squamous cell carcinoma is found on the surface of the skin.  It can be more aggressive, can grow deep below the skin and spread to distant areas of the body.  A third type of skin cancer, called melanoma, begins in the cells that produce pigment in the skin.  This type is less common, but more serious.  However, if caught early, there is a nearly 97% chance for cure.

Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as an important part of a complete sun protection regimen.  Sunscreen alone is not enough, however.  Below is a list of skin cancer prevention tips:

  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Avoid skin burns.
  • Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
  • Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.  For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.  Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
  • Keep newborns out of the sun.  Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
  • Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
  • See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

At Alliance Cancer Center, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is used in the treatment of skin cancer.  EBRT is a painless and noninvasive treatment for skin cancer, damaging cancer cells and their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer cells with a linear accelerator (LINAC).  Radiation is very damaging to the cancer cells, but is well tolerated by the surrounding normal cells.  Also, radiation penetrates only a very short distance into the skin, so that internal organs can be completely spared from its effects.

Patients treated with external beam radiation therapy receive a certain number of daily radiation treatments usually over a period of four to five weeks.  Treatments are outpatient and usually take about 15 minutes.  Side effects are generally minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.

To find out more about radiation therapy, or to see if you are a candidate for external beam radiation therapy, please contact Alliance Cancer Center today.

National Brain Tumor Awareness Month

May 25, 2020

May is National Brain Tumor Awareness Month.  Driven by advancement in research, surgical techniques, genetic discoveries, and much more, it has never been a better time to take action on brain tumors.

The National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS), an organization whose mission is to unrelentingly invest in, mobilize, and unite our community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for brain tumor patients and care partners, estimates that 700,000 people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor and over 84,170 more will be diagnosed in 2021.

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or central spine that can disrupt proper brain function.  Doctors refer to a tumor based on where the tumor cells originated, and whether they are cancerous (malignant) or not (benign).  Brain tumors can be deadly, significantly impact the quality of life, and change everything for a patient and their loved ones.  They do not discriminate, inflicting men, women, and children of all races and ethnicities.

Below are some quick Brain Tumor Facts from the NBTS:

– Of the estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor:

70% of tumors are benign

30% of tumors are malignant

– Of the estimated 84,170 people that will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2021:

59,040 will be benign

25,130will be malignant

– There are more than 130 different types of brain tumors, many with their own multitude of subtypes.

– The most prevalent brain tumor types in adults are Meningiomas, which make up 38.3% of all non-malignant tumors, and Glioblastomas, which make up 54.5% of all malignant tumors.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we treat brain tumors with radiation therapy.  Radiation therapy serves as an effective treatment for primary brain tumors and metastatic brain tumors, working within and around cancer cells to limit their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to brain tumors safely and effectively.  Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to their normal activities immediately after each treatment.  Several factors determine candidacy for brain tumor radiation therapy treatment including your age, overall health, type, location, and size of the tumor, as well as how aggressive the tumor appears to be.

More than any other cancer, brain tumors can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patient’s life.  The physicians and clinical teams at Alliance Cancer Care are here to help.  For more information about how we treat brain tumors, please contact us today.

Lelia’s Story

December 17, 2019

Lelia Wilson had never heard of trigeminal neuralgia before she was diagnosed in 2004. Within months, the pain caused by the rare, chronic nerve condition was controlling her life. Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. Any type of facial stimulation — brushing teeth, putting on makeup, shaving, swallowing food — can trigger an attack. Even a warm breeze on Wilson’s face would cause an episode. “The pain is unbearable,” she said. “I compare it to having an abscessed tooth. You just can’t live with it.”

Wilson’s trigeminal neuralgia grew progressively worse over time. For a while, the Huntsville resident was able to keep the attacks at bay with regular doses of Tegretol — a prescription anticonvulsant used to treat nerve pain. But if she skipped a dose or was late taking her pill by even a few minutes, searing pain would shoot through the right side of her jaw. The breakthrough came when Wilson and her husband relocated from Mississippi to Huntsville to be closer to family. A neurologist told her about a treatment for trigeminal neuralgia offered at the Alliance Cancer Care office on the campus of Huntsville Hospital. Called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), the non- invasive treatment is a form of radiation therapy. A high dose of radiation is precisely delivered to the patient’s trigeminal nerve root, which can break the chronic pain cycle. It’s quick, painless and effective. SRS requires a single outpatient treatment lasting an hour or less. “It’s incredibly gratifying to offer trigeminal neuralgia patients a non-invasive treatment that can provide major quality of life improvements for many years,” said Dr. Jack Gleason, radiation oncologist and medical director of Alliance’s radiosurgery program. “The ability the achieve sub-millimeter accuracy is what makes this and other SRS treatments feasible.”

Drs. Holly Zywicke and Stephen Sandwell, neurosurgeons at Spine & Neuro Center at Huntsville Hospital, work with Dr. Gleason to determine which portion of the trigeminal nerve to target with radiation therapy in order to maximize benefits while limiting the effect on surrounding brain structures. Alliance Cancer Care is the only Novalis Certified Radiosurgery Center in Alabama – an independent stamp of approval that the program meets or exceeds standards for quality and patient safety. Wilson’s radiosurgery treatment worked exactly as planned. She felt better almost immediately and has been pain-free, and off her medication entirely, for more than a year. “Radiosurgery has been the biggest blessing for me,” Wilson said. “It’s improved my life 100 percent.”

Alliance Cancer Care Becomes a Novalis Certified Radiosurgery Center

July 10, 2019

Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, a leading national provider of outsourced healthcare services, announced that one of their cancer care centers, Alliance Cancer Care, has become a Novalis® Certified Radiosurgery Center.

The certification process, conducted by an independent, third-party panel of experts in radiation therapy, means the radiosurgery program meets or exceeds standards for quality and patient safety.  Upon becoming Novalis Certified, Alliance Cancer Care joins a prestigious community of centers that have demonstrated the requisite clinical capabilities and standards for treatment delivery.

“At Alliance Cancer Care, we strive to go above and beyond standard measurements for quality care delivery, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT),” said John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D, radiation oncologist at Alliance Cancer Care.  “Undertaking the Novalis Certified review demonstrates clear commitment that all of our physicians, staff and equipment are operating at the highest level of competency and expertise.”

Novalis Certified offers many advantages, which include a review of organizational, personnel, technological and quality assurance requirements.  Once the Alliance Cancer Care evaluation was completed by Timothy D. Solberg, PhD., a Novalis-accredited reviewer, the center was certified to have a clear set of clinical guidelines for staff and the tools to promote a robust community understanding of the measures that have been undertaken for the safe and specialized delivery of stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

“In the 18 months since the new stereotactic system was installed, we have treated over 350 patients within our program, including those with cancers of the brain, spine, lung, liver, bone, and pancreas,” said Dr. Gleason.  “We have a great responsibility to our patients and their families to not only invest in the best technology, but to invest in the 360-degree review of its implementation and utilization.”

Novalis Certified is steered by the Novalis Circle, a worldwide communication and collaboration network of clinicians developing new ideas and optimizing treatment protocols, which will continue to change the face of cancer treatment.  Being a part of this worldwide communication and collaborative network enables Alliance Cancer Center to receive new ideas on treating cancer, improving the safety of treatment and making existing techniques better.

Alliance Cancer Care is one of the largest radiation cancer networks in the southeast with over 50 years of combined experience offered at six different locations throughout Northern Alabama.  For more information about Alliance Cancer Care, please visit www.AllianceCancerCare.com or call (256) 319-5400.  Most insurance plans and Medicare are accepted.

Exceptional Cancer Care Close to Home

February 27, 2019

When you are diagnosed with cancer, having comprehensive cancer treatment options near your home, work, and family is important to you.

You want your cancer treatments to affect your life as little as possible.  Maybe you just started a new job and don’t want to miss work.  Maybe you have kids in school and want to be there for them when they get home.  Maybe you have pets that need to be tended to.  Whatever the reason, traveling a long way for cancer treatment will disrupt your daily routine and that is not something you need to worry about.

Alliance Cancer Care understands and we want you to know that we are here for you.  We provide state-of-the-art cancer-fighting technology in a location close to you.  Alliance Cancer Care is dedicated to providing individualized, compassionate cancer care using today’s most advanced radiation therapies.  Traveling great distances to receive the same radiation therapy treatment is not necessary.

Receiving your cancer treatment in Northern Alabama means:

  • Less money spent on gas and travel
  • Less time away from home or work
  • Potential for improved outcomes due to treatment compliance
  • Personalized care with a 100% patient satisfaction rating

For more information about Alliance Cancer Care, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

Alliance Cancer Care Volunteer Wins State Award

November 20, 2018

We are excited to share that one of our very own volunteers has won a statewide award!  Shirley Caperton, a volunteer from our Florence location, will be recognized with the State Sunrise Award for her service and commitment to the Look Good Feel Better program.

Look Good Feel Better, a free, national program dedicated to improving the lives of women undergoing cancer treatment by offering guidance and advice to help them cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment, presents the awards each year to volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to the program and the lives of the women it serves.

Shirley has been an integral part of the Look Good Feel Better program for many years.  As a licensed cosmetologist and cancer survivor herself, Shirley has been a leader in promoting the program and giving women hope.  As she went through her own cancer journey, the LGFB program meant a lot to her, giving her an opportunity to be with other cancer patients facing the scary diagnosis of cancer.  Shirley wanted to give back and encourage others as she was encouraged through the program.

“Mrs. Shirley has a heart full of grace, love, and compassion,” said Melody Delaney, Physician Service Representative for Alliance Cancer Center.  “She has touched the lives of so many people by sharing her inspiring story, encouraging them to keep a positive attitude after a cancer diagnosis, and by sharing her time and knowledge to make them look good and feel better.  Thank you, Shirley, for all that you do to improve the lives of cancer survivors!”

Shirley was chosen as the LGFB Certified Volunteer from other candidates within the state of Alabama and will be presented with her award at Alliance Cancer Center on November 27.

Alliance Cancer Care to Open New Integrated Cancer Care Facility Serving the Northern Alabama Region

October 3, 2018

Alliance Cancer Care, an Alliance Oncology network partnership representing six sites of service including physician partners and Helen Keller Hospital, announced today that it will open a new integrated cancer care facility to serve oncology patients in the northern Alabama region.

The new 40,000 square-foot facility located at 3920 Peach Street in Florence will offer radiation oncology, medical imaging, and medical oncology/chemotherapy. A ground-breaking celebration will be held October 5, 2018, and the center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. Medical oncology services will be provided by Clearview Cancer Institute of Huntsville. Helen Keller Hospital will provide imaging services in the new facility.

“As a longstanding member of the northern Alabama community, our team at Helen Keller Hospital is pleased to see new services for oncology patients in the community and to provide imaging services in the new facility,” said Paul Storey, President.

“We are dedicated to providing the best patient care, both through our compassionate physicians and staff as well as modern technology and advances in medicine. This will allow our new integrated cancer facility to offer exceptional care close to home,” says Dr. Hoyt A. “Tres” Childs, Radiation Oncologist with Alliance Cancer Care.

Alliance Oncology, a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, partners directly with hospitals and physicians to develop fully integrated oncology programs. Providing a range of inpatient and outpatient service line capabilities, Alliance Oncology’s comprehensive approach to cancer care affords its partners the speed-to-market, quality clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and operational expertise that sets them apart from the competition.

Says Greg Spurlock, President of Alliance Oncology, “In partnership with Alliance Cancer Care, Clearview Cancer Institute and Helen Keller Hospital, we are pleased to expand our already existing services in the area benefitting more patients in the northern Alabama community. This center will join Alliance affiliated locations across the country in providing high-quality, patient-centered services in partnership with premier cancer care providers and caregivers.”

At the new Florence cancer center, Dr. Stanley Clarke, Radiation Oncologist with Alliance Cancer Care will lead the clinical team with a staff of more than 50. The center will be equipped to treat a full range of cancers, allowing patients to receive their care close to home. “We’re committed to providing cutting-edge quality and comprehensive care to cancer patients in the northern Alabama region,” says Gary Walton, CEO of Clearview Cancer Institute.

Cancer Care is a Team Effort

August 27, 2018

When it comes to fighting cancer, it takes a team of people.  Treatment at our center means that you are not alone in the fight.

Cancer treatments are rapidly advancing and having a research focused team of radiation oncologists enables us to bring you the most up-to-date approaches to fighting your specific cancer.

In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together and combine treatments to care for a patient.  This is called a multidisciplinary team.  Our center uses a team approach in which our medical experts collaborate to develop a customized treatment plan for your specific case.

There are several benefits of using a team approach to treating cancer.  This approach gives the patient access to the right team of health professionals to plan the best treatment for the patient’s cancer type based on current research.  Together, the team can review all the factors that may affect the patient’s treatment to help prevent unexpected health problems and identify any supportive care needed.  Other benefits may include:

  • faster access to treatment and referral to services,
  • improved care coordination, meaning less duplication of medical tests,
  • less travel for treatments,
  • opportunity to hear about clinical trials,
  • receiving appropriate and consistent information, as the person giving it knows the team’s plan for your care and your personal choices.

For patients, knowledge is key.  Patients should have a sense that their doctors have a coordinated plan of care and are working effectively with one another.  If patients do not feel that the members of their healthcare team are communicating effectively with them or each other about the goals of treatment and the plan of care, patients should discuss this with their doctors or seek additional medical opinions before treatment.

At our center, cancer care is a team effort and we bring the team to you.  For more information, please contact us today!

UV Rays and Skin Cancer

July 12, 2018

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month.  The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Radiation is the emission of energy from any source, and there are many types of radiation.  Ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation and the main source of UV radiation (rays) is the sun, although it can also come from man-made sources such as tanning beds and welding torches.

Exposure to UV radiation is the main factor that causes skin cells to become cancer cells.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the only international organization devoted solely to education, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of skin cancer, about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Skin cancer develops in the cells in the epidermis, the top or outer layer of the skin.  UV radiation is made up of UVA and UVB rays which are able to penetrate the skin and cause permanent damage to the cells below:

  • UVA rays age skin cells and can damage their DNA.  These rays are linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but they are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.  Most tanning beds give off large amounts of UVA, which has been found to increase skin cancer risk.
  • UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays.  They can damage skin cells’ DNA directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns.  They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.

Too much UV radiation from the sun can damage the genetic material (the DNA) in your skin cells.  If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.

Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers can be invasive.  As well as growing across the surface of the skin, tumors can sometimes grow down through the layers of skin.  If the tumor grows through the wall of a blood or lymph vessel, cancer cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body.  This is why skin cancer is usually easier to treat successfully when it is caught at an early stage.

At our center, we use external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to treat skin cancer.  EBRT is a painless and noninvasive treatment for skin cancer, damaging cancer cells and their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer cells with a linear accelerator (LINAC).  Radiation is very damaging to the cancer cells, but is well tolerated by the surrounding normal cells.  Also, radiation penetrates only a very short distance into the skin, so that internal organs can be completely spared from its effects.  Treatments are outpatient and usually take about 15 minutes.  Side effects are generally minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.

To learn more about treating skin cancer with radiation therapy, please contact us today!

Celebrating Cancer Survivors

June 8, 2018

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate and recognize cancer survivors, inspire those recently diagnosed, and, most importantly, to celebrate life.

During the month, cancer survivors and supporters in communities around the world unite to celebrate life and raise awareness of the challenges faced by cancer survivors.

It is a time for everyone to celebrate, whether you’re a cancer survivor, a family member, friend, or medical professional.  The month provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way.  It is also a time to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving the disease.  According to the official website for the National Cancer Survivors Day, more than 15.5 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone.

However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake.  Cancer survivors may face numerous challenges during and after treatment, including limited access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, denial of health insurance and life insurance coverage, difficulty finding jobs, and economic burdens due to mounting medical expenses and lost wages.  Cancer survivors are also at greater risk for developing second cancers and other health conditions.

If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with cancer, please contact us today.  Whether you would like to discuss treatment options, or get a second option, we are here to help in any way we can.

Women’s Health and Cancer

May 14, 2018

During the month of May, we spotlight women’s health by celebrating National Women’s Health Week.

National Women’s Health Week is an observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.  The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority.  The week also serves as a time to encourage women to take steps to improve their health.  The 19th annual National Women’s Health Week follows Mother’s Day, May 13, and is commemorated May 14 – 20, 2018.

While focusing on women’s health, it is important to remember the various cancer screenings that exist for women.  Cancer ranks as the second most frequent cause of death for U.S. women, after heart disease and according to the American Cancer Society, nearly 80,000 women per year are diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer and 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2018.

As a woman, it is vital to take control of your health and be your own advocate for personal care.  Remember to ask your primary care physician about what cancer screenings are available for you and discuss the pros and cons of cancer screenings with your physician before making a screening decision.  Screening tests can be as simple as at-home breast exams or as sophisticated as DNA tests for BRCA gene mutations.

There are numerous cancer screenings that can save lives and prevent tumor development (colonoscopies for colon cancer, CT scans for lung cancer, skin cancer screenings, etc.), but two screenings that greatly affect women’s lives are Pap tests for cervical cancer and mammograms for breast cancer.

A Pap test (or Pap smear) is a test of a sample of cells taken from a woman’s cervix or vagina during a pelvic exam.  The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix or vagina and it is the best tool to detect precancerous conditions and hidden, small tumors that may lead to cervical cancer.

A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray exam of the breasts to look for changes that are not normal.  The results are recorded on x-ray film or directly into a computer for a doctor called a radiologist to examine.  A mammogram allows the doctor to have a closer look for changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt during a breast exam and it is currently the most widely practiced type of examination of female breasts as a means to detect abnormal changes in the tissue.

Our team has extensive experience treating gynecologic and breast cancer patients with radiation therapy and are here to help.  If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with gynecologic or breast cancer and would like to speak to a patient coordinator about your treatment options, please contact us today.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May 1, 2018

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.  The month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with 5.4 million cases in more than 3.3 million people diagnosed annually.  Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and highly treatable when detected early.

Skin cancer occurs when there are abnormalities in the cells that make up the skin.  There are two main types of malignant cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.  Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer found in the base of the epidermis that accounts for about 90% of all skin cancers.  It seldom spreads, but if left untreated can invade bone and other tissues under the skin.  Squamous cell carcinoma is found on the surface of the skin.  It can be more aggressive, can grow deep below the skin and spread to distant areas of the body.  A third type of skin cancer, called melanoma, begins in the cells that produce pigment in the skin.  This type is less common, but more serious.  However, if caught early, there is a nearly 97% chance for cure.

To help spread awareness and make the melanoma warning signs memorable, the signs of a possible malignant mole can be abbreviated to the mnemonic: ABCDE

A – Asymmetry: is the mole asymmetrical? If you imagine a line drawn across the center of the mole, if the two halves do not match then they are considered asymmetrical.  If you have an asymmetrical mole seek medical assistance.

B – Border: does the border or edge of the mole look uneven?  If so, please seek medical advice.

C – Color: is the mole one uniform color?  If there are several colors or shades of a color within a mole this could be a warning sign.  Seek medical assistance.

D – Diameter: how big is the mole? Melanomas often have a diameter of 6mm (1/4inch) or more (diameter is the length across the mole).

E – Evolving: has the mole changed in shape, size or color?  Have you noticed any other changes such as bleeding, itching or puss coming from the mole?  These may be signs of a malignant mole so seek medical assistance.

If you have questions about skin cancer or skin cancer treatment, please contact us today.

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

April 4, 2018

Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a number of different cancerous tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses, and mouth.  These cancers typically begin in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the mouth, nose, and throat.

According to the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA), an organization dedicated to the prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation of oral, head and neck cancer through public awareness, research, advocacy and survivorship, head and neck cancers account for approximately three percent of all cancers in the United States.  These cancers are nearly twice as common among men and are diagnosed more often in people over age 50 than they are among younger people.

Fortunately, most head and neck cancers produce early symptoms.  Below are some potential warning signs of head and neck cancer.  If you experience any of these symptoms, you should alert your doctor as soon as possible.

There are several symptoms of head and neck cancer, including:

  • A lump in the neck. Cancers that begin in the head or neck usually spread to lymph nodes in the neck before they spread elsewhere. A lump in the neck that lasts more than two weeks should be seen by a physician as soon as possible.
  • Change in the voice. Most cancers in thelarynx, orvoice box, cause voice change. An otolaryngologist is a head and neck specialist who can examine your larynx easily and painlessly.
  • A growth in the mouth. Most cancers of the mouth or tongue cause a sore or swelling that doesn’t go away.
  • Bringing up blood. Tumors in the nose, mouth, throat, or lungs can cause bleeding. If blood appears in your saliva or phlegm for more than a few days, you should see your physician.
  • Swallowing problems. Cancer of the throat or esophagus (swallowing tube) may make swallowing solid foods and sometimes liquids difficult.
  • Changes in the skin. The most common head and neck cancer is basal cell skin cancer. Basal cell cancers appear most often on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, face, and ears, but can occur almost anywhere on the skin.
  • Persistent earache. Constant pain in or around the ear when you swallow can be a sign of infection or tumor growth in the throat.

At our center, we treat head and neck cancer painlessly and noninvasively with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).  EBRT is an effective treatment for head and neck cancer, working within cancer cells to limit their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer with a linear accelerator (LINAC).  The treatment process is painless, safe and treatments take about 10 to 15 minutes.  Side effects that can occur may require medication.  Most patients return to routine activities immediately after completing treatment.  Sometimes a combination of treatments, which may include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, is the best plan for treating head and neck cancer.

When found early, most cancers in the head and neck can be cured with few side effects.  Cure rates for these cancers could be greatly improved if people would seek medical advice as soon as possible.  Play it safe.  If you detect warning signs of head and neck cancer, see your doctor immediately, and practice health habits which help prevent these diseases.

The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Care

March 19, 2018

March is National Nutrition Month.  A nutrition education and information campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, that focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

We all know that good nutrition is important for good health.  This statement is even truer for cancer patients.  Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after cancer treatment can help patients feel better and stay stronger.

Sometimes a registered dietitian, or nutritionist, is part of the team of health professionals that help with cancer treatment and recovery.  A dietitian will work with patients, their families, and the rest of the medical team to manage the patient’s diet during and after cancer treatment.  Nutrition therapy is used to help cancer patients keep a healthy body weight, maintain strength, keep body tissue healthy, and decrease side effects both during and after treatment.

For many patients, the effects of cancer and cancer treatments make it hard to eat well.  Cancer treatments that affect nutrition include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant.  When the head, neck, esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, or liver are affected by the cancer treatment, it is hard to take in enough nutrients to stay healthy.  Cancer and cancer treatments may affect taste, smell, appetite, and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food.  This can cause malnutrition, which is a condition caused by a lack of key nutrients.

Cancer and cancer treatment can change your body’s nutritional needs.  Even if you ate well before, it is a good idea to ask your team about healthy eating during treatment to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need to help your body handle the rigors of treatment and heal faster.  Ask your healthcare team for eating advice specific to your situation and follow these general guidelines:

  • Eat vegetables and fruits, if possible at least five servings/day
  • Eat dark green leafy and cruciferous vegetables such broccoli, spinach and kale daily
  • Limit your intake of red meat, sugar and high-fat foods
  • Eat whole grains and legumes such as whole wheat bread, brown rice and beans
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Limit the amount of salt-cured, smoked and pickled foods
  • Drink fluids to stay hydrated

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 15, 2018

March is officially designated as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month.  It is a month where colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates throughout the country join together to spread colon cancer awareness by wearing blue, holding fundraising and education events, talking to friends and family about screenings, and much more.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.  The ACS also estimates 104,610 cases of colon cancer and 43,340 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2020.

Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, occurs in the colon or rectum.  Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).  Most colon cancers develop first as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may later become cancerous.

Since colorectal cancer often begins as polyps, it is important to find and remove them in order to help prevent colorectal cancer.  This is where screening comes in.  Expert medical groups, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, strongly recommend screening for colorectal cancer.  Although minor details of the recommendations may vary, these groups generally recommend that people at average risk of colorectal cancer get screened at regular intervals with high-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or a colonoscopy beginning at age 50.  People at increased risk because of a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or because they have inflammatory bowel disease, may be advised to start screening before age 50 or have more frequent screening.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we treat colon cancer painlessly and noninvasively with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).  EBRT is an effective treatment for colon cancer, working within cancer cells to limit their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer with a linear accelerator (LINAC).  The treatment process is painless, safe, and treatments take about 10 to 15 minutes.  Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.

How colorectal cancer is treated at Alliance Cancer Care.

Preventing Cancer

February 6, 2018

February is National Cancer Prevention Month.  If your New Year’s resolution to get healthy is already losing steam, now is a perfect time to give yourself a second chance.  Renew your efforts to make healthier choices by learning what you can do to help reduce your cancer risk.

Research has shown that more than half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes – things like smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun.  As a result, steps, like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, protecting your skin from the sun, and getting vaccinated against the viruses that cause certain cancers, can dramatically reduce your risk of certain cancers.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), an American cancer research organization associated with the World Cancer Research Fund, estimates that approximately one-third of cases of the most common cancers in the U.S. could be prevented by eating healthy, being active, and staying lean.  That’s an estimated 374,000 cases of cancer in the United States per year that would never happen.

In honor of National Cancer Prevention Month, the AICR released these ten recommendations for cancer prevention:

  • Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
  • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.  Limit sedentary habits.
  • Avoid sugary drinks.  Limit consumption of energy-dense foods.
  • Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.
  • Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.
  • If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.
  • Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
  • Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer.
  • It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods.
  • After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.

Another way you can reduce your risk for cancer is by getting screening tests that can help find cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear.  When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure.  By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have grown and spread, making cancer harder to treat or cure.  The earlier doctors can detect changes in tissue, the better the chances of removing cancer with few complications.  Important cancer screenings such as colonoscopies, mammograms, pap tests, PSA tests, and skin cancer screenings save lives and prevent tumor development.

If you, or a loved one, have recently been diagnosed with cancer or have questions about treatment options, please contact us today.

Alliance Radiosurgery

January 24, 2018

When it comes to cancer treatment, Alliance Cancer Care embraces technology. We are proud to introduce Alliance Radiosurgery, state-of-the-art radiosurgery services for the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous conditions throughout the body. Click Here for more information.

National Radon Action Month

January 15, 2018

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year.  In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon.

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas released from the normal decay of the elements uranium, thorium, and radium in rocks and soil.  It seeps up through the ground and diffuses into the air, and in a few areas, dissolves into groundwater and can be released into the air when the water is used.  Radon gas usually exists at very low levels outdoors.  However, in areas without adequate ventilation, such as underground mines, radon can accumulate to levels that substantially increase the risk of lung cancer.

For both adults and children, most exposure to radon comes from being indoors in homes, offices, schools, and other buildings.  The levels of radon in homes and other buildings depend on the characteristics of the rock and soil in the area.  As a result, radon levels vary greatly in different parts of the United States, sometimes even within neighborhoods.

Being exposed to radon can be extremely harmful.  Radon gas in the air breaks down quickly, giving off tiny radioactive particles.  When inhaled, these radioactive particles can damage the cells that line the lung.  Long-term exposure to radon can lead to lung cancer, the only cancer proven to be associated with inhaling radon.

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. In Alabama, 15 counties have been identified as having the highest potential for elevated radon levels. They are Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Shelby, and Talladega.  Learn how to protect yourself and your family from radon exposure with information and resources from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found here.  For local information and resources about radon testing and potential radon risks by county visit Alabama’s Radon Program website here.

Treating Cervical Cancer with Radiation Therapy

January 8, 2018

Over 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States every year.  That is 33 women a day.

Unlike some other cancers, cervical cancer is not considered to be passed down through family genes.  It is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).  When a female is infected with these types of HPV, and the virus doesn’t go away on its own, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix.  If these abnormal cells are not found early through routine cervical cancer screening and treated, cervical cancer can develop.

According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide, but because it develops over time, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer.

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) and the NCCC have named January Cervical Health Awareness Month to encourage women across the country to get screened for cervical cancer and receive the HPV vaccine if they’re eligible.

At Alliance Cancer Care, we treat gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, painlessly and non-invasively with radiation therapy.  We use external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to deliver high-energy X-rays to cancer cells, damaging their ability to multiply.  Treatments only take about 15 to 30 minutes and side effects are usually minimal.  Several factors determine candidacy for radiation therapy treatment including the stage of the cancer, potential side effects, age, and overall health.

As we begin the start of a new year, many of us will make resolutions to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle.  As we buy our fruits and vegetables and set our workout goals, let’s not forget about our yearly preventative screenings.  Because cervical cancer is a preventable type of cancer, it is very important for women to get screened for cervical cancer (the test will happen during their yearly Pap tests).

If you have any questions about cervical cancer, please visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.  For more information about the conditions treated at Alliance Cancer Care, please click here.

Treating Pancreatic Cancer with Radiation Therapy

November 20, 2017

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and is the only one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits, at just six percent.  Projections based on the changing demographics of the U.S. population and changes in incidence and death rates reveal the startling observation that pancreatic cancer is anticipated to move to the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. by 2020.

The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and next to the small intestine.  The organ is responsible for releasing powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of food and releasing the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.  Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas develop mutations in their DNA.  These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and to continue living after normal cells would die.  These accumulating cells can then form a tumor.

Last year, pancreatic cancer moved from the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. to the third, surpassing breast cancer.  It is one of the deadliest cancers, with 71 percent of patients will dying within the first year of diagnosis.  One of the reasons for the high death rate associated with the disease is the fact that there are currently no proven biomarkers or clues detectable in blood or other bodily fluids, which could indicate the presence of a pancreatic tumor.  The result is that the vast majority of pancreatic cancer cases are diagnosed in later stage.

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer and other factors, treatment options for people with pancreatic cancer can include surgery, ablation or embolization treatments, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other drugs.  At Alliance Cancer Care, we use a form of radiation therapy called external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to treat pancreatic cancer painlessly and without surgery.

EBRT, which is an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, works within cancer cells to damage their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer with a linear accelerator (LINAC).  Treatments are delivered daily Monday through Friday and each treatment only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.  The treatment process is safe and will not burn or hurt you.  Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.  Several factors determine candidacy for radiation therapy treatment including the stage of the cancer, potential side effects, age and overall health. Sometimes a combination of treatments is the best plan for treating pancreatic cancer, particularly when the cancer has spread and grown beyond the pancreas.  Radiation therapy may also be delivered as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms, such as pain, in patients with advanced disease.

If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and would like to speak to a patient coordinator about your treatment options, please contact Alliance Cancer Care today.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 24, 2017

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized across the country during the month of October.  It is an annual health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.  The national campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer and their loved ones.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from cells in the breast.  More commonly breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple.  Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.  Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body.  If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body.

According to BreastCancer.org, about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime and in 2017, an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States, along with 63,410 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on its type and stage.  Some treatments are called local therapies, meaning they treat the tumor without affecting the rest of the body.  Types of local therapy used for breast cancer include surgery and radiation therapy.  These treatments are more likely to be useful for earlier stage (less advanced) cancers, although they might also be used in some other situations.

At Alliance Cancer Center, we use radiation therapy to treat breast cancer painlessly and noninvasively.  Radiation therapy serves as an effective treatment for breast cancer, working within cancer cells to damage their ability to multiply.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to a patient’s breast cancer safely and effectively.  Treatment sessions require no hospitalization, and only take about 10 to 15 minutes.  Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.

If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with breast cancer and would like more information about your treatment options, please contact Alliance Cancer Center today.

Study: Most Melanomas Don’t Arise From Existing Moles

September 29, 2017

Summer is officially over and fall is here.  Although the summer activities have halted for the year, it doesn’t mean you need to stop your sunscreen routine.  Sunscreen should been worn year-round for protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  Another good end of the season skin tip is to perform a skin self-exam.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal covering dermatology and the official journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, it is vital to check for new growths in order to detect melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

After reviewing 38 published studies comprising 20,126 melanomas, researchers found that less than one-third of melanomas (29 percent) arose from an existing mole, while the vast majority (71 percent) appeared on the skin as new spots.  Moreover, melanomas that arose from existing moles were thinner than other melanomas, indicating that patients whose melanoma was associated with an established mole had a better prognosis than others.

“These results could indicate that patients who monitor their existing moles for suspicious changes could detect melanoma in its early stages, when it’s most treatable,” says study author Caterina Longo, MD, PhD.  “Because the disease is more likely to appear as a new growth, however, it’s important for everyone to familiarize themselves with all the moles on their skin and look for not only changes to those moles, but also any new spots that may appear.”

The American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to perform regular skin self-exams, asking a partner to help them check hard-to-see areas like the back.  Any new or suspicious spots warrant a trip to a board-certified dermatologist, as does anything changing, itching or bleeding.  The AAD also recommends that everyone protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

If you, or a loved one, have recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, please contact Alliance Cancer Center.  We treat skin cancer painlessly and noninvasively with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the cancer cells with a linear accelerator (LINAC).  Radiation is very damaging to the cancer cells, but is well tolerated by the surrounding normal cells.  Also, radiation penetrates only a very short distance into the skin, so that internal organs can be completely spared from its effects.

Patients treated with external beam radiation therapy receive a certain number of daily radiation treatments usually over a period of four to five weeks.  Treatments are outpatient and usually take about 15 minutes.  Side effects are generally minimal, and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.

To find out more about radiation therapy, or to see if you are a candidate for external beam radiation therapy, please contact Alliance Cancer Center today.

8 Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

September 22, 2017

Do you know the warning signs for prostate cancer?  Learning the facts could help save a life.

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September 20, 2017

National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September in the United States by health experts and advocates, and individuals concerned with men’s prostate health.  Designating a month for the disease serves the purpose of increasing public awareness of the importance of prostate health and screenings, educating about risk factors and symptoms, and advocating for further research on prostate health issues.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men.  About one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.  According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 174,650 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed (4,060 in Alabama) and about 31,620 deaths from prostate cancer in the United States during the year 2019.

There are several risk factors associated with prostate cancer, including family history, race, and diet, but the most common factor is age. Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men.  About six in ten cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40.  The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 66.

While there are a lot of risk factors for prostate cancer, there are also good survival statistics associated with the disease.  Survival rates for prostate cancer are very high.  More than 2.9 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.

At Alliance Cancer Center, radiation therapy is used to treat prostate cancer painlessly and noninvasively.  Radiation therapy serves as an effective treatment for prostate cancer, because it works within cancer cells to damage their ability to multiply and spread.  During treatment, high-energy X-rays are delivered to the prostate cancer safely and effectively.  Side effects are usually minimal, and most patients return to their normal activities following each treatment.

To find out more about how Alliance Cancer Center treats prostate cancer, or to get a second opinion about a prostate cancer diagnosis, please contact us.

Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Best Friend

July 18, 2017

Summer is still in full swing.  The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and people are spending time outside.  While all the fun in the sun activities are a good time, they are also exposing you to ultraviolet radiation from the sun which puts you at risk for getting skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells.  It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.  Each year in the United Sates, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime.

Protecting your skin from the sun is extremely important and the number one way to safeguard your skin is to use sunscreen.  Sunscreen needs to be a vital part of your sun protection regimen.  When used properly, sunscreen helps protect human skin from some of the sun’s damaging UV radiation.  Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight and contains chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays.

Key factors to remember when using sunscreen are:

SPF – Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays.  Higher numbers indicate more protection.  You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Reapplication – Sunscreen wears off.  Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date – Check the sunscreen’s expiration date.  Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Cosmetics – Some makeup and lip balms contain some of the same chemicals used in sunscreens.  If they do not have at least SPF 15, don’t use them by themselves.

Find out how Alliance Cancer Center treats skin cancer.

Alliance Cancer Care to upgrade cancer care in southeastern U.S. with Elekta solutions

June 21, 2017

HUNTSVILLE US — Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Elekta (EKTA-B.ST) announced today that Alliance Cancer Care (ACC) has acquired advanced treatment and software solutions to best serve patients receiving treatment at their four sites in the Huntsville and Decatur areas. The technology will be equipped to optimize patient care with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), delivering high definition dynamic radiosurgery.

The four partner sites will add five Versa HD™ linear accelerators, as well as intelligent software from Elekta, including Monaco® treatment planning system and MOSAIQ® Oncology Analytics. The Versa HD systems will be equipped with Brainlab ExacTrac® patient positioning and monitoring technology. This combined solution will allow ACC to create a state-of-the-art linac-based SRS program.

Many tumors located near critical organs or difficult-to-access areas require a level of precision not achievable with traditional linear accelerators, and the goal of this program would be to offer this option to patients with these advanced technologies.

“I believe that this collaboration will allow us to fulfill multiple goals,” says Hoyt A. ‘Tres’ Childs, III, MD, Alliance Cancer Care. “Elekta has proven itself as an innovator and their commitment to develop stereotactic radiation therapies will help improve treatment rates while having fewer side effects during that treatment. Alliance Oncology is a proven leader in radiation oncology and our expertise is best exemplified in SRS programs, providing better care for our patients – and offered closer to home.”

“We are excited to bring together an aligned initiative for enhancing cancer care in the northern Alabama market,” says Allison Loehr, Vice President, Business Development & Vendor Partnerships, Alliance Oncology. “In partnering directly with hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers, we establish a fully integrated, comprehensive approach to cancer care which affords its partners the speed-to-market, quality clinical outcomes, and operational expertise.”

“The clinical team at Alliance Cancer Care are front-runners in the pursuit of the highest quality of care for their patients,” says Len Lyons, VP of Elekta Enterprise Solutions. Elekta is very excited to partner with the leadership team and clinicians at ACC to deliver life-saving cancer treatment solutions, delivered on the most technologically advanced equipment available in our industry. We are particularly eager to further collaborate with ACC to streamline and optimize the delivery of this exceptional care through the creative application of Elekta’s market-leading MOSAIQ software and data intelligence solutions.”

About Elekta

Elekta is proud to be the leading innovator of equipment and software used to improve, prolong and save the lives of people with cancer and brain disorders. Our advanced, effective solutions are created in collaboration with customers, and more than 6,000 hospitals worldwide rely on Elekta technology. Our treatment solutions and oncology informatics portfolios are designed to enhance the delivery of radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, and to drive cost efficiency in clinical workflows. Elekta employs 3,600 people around the world. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Elekta is listed on NASDAQ Stockholm. www.elekta.com

Alliance Oncology Forms Joint Venture with Center for Cancer Care and Huntsville Hospital Health System

May 17, 2017

Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIQ) (the “Company”, “Alliance”, “we” or “our”), a leading national provider of outsourced radiology, oncology and interventional services, announced that its oncology division, Alliance Oncology, has signed a joint venture agreement with physician partners from the Center for Cancer Care and the Huntsville Hospital Health System, one of the nation’s largest public hospital systems serving north Alabama and southern Tennessee.

“I am enthusiastic about this joint venture agreement with the Center for Cancer Care physicians and the Huntsville Hospital Health System,” said Greg Spurlock, President of Alliance Oncology and Alliance Healthcare International.  “The partners have a unified vision to enhance cancer care and allow for new and continued growth opportunities within the market.  We are truly excited to partner with such a stellar group of physicians and health system.”

The new affiliation, named Alliance Cancer Care, represents four sites in the Huntsville and Decatur areas and the partners are working on a plan to take steps to further grow the network throughout the state of Alabama. “We are very excited about this partnership as it allows us multiple areas of growth while retaining our core values of excellence in patient care. We continually strive to provide the best possible experience for our patients, both physically and mentally, from the first consult in our office to the final follow-up after the treatment is complete” said Hoyt “Tres” Childs III, M.D., radiation oncologist with Center for Cancer Care.  In addition to more locations, Alliance Cancer Care will be adding a radiosurgery program that will include equipment capable of performing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), as well as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).  Patients looking for noninvasive treatment for benign or malignant tumors throughout their body will be able to stay close to home, rather than having to travel for radiosurgery treatment.

“This new partnership, Alliance Cancer Care, allows us to pull together the resources of three strong entities to better serve our patients throughout North Alabama and Southern Tennessee,” said John Francis Gleason, Jr., M.D., radiation oncologist with the Center for Cancer Care.  “It will help us maintain the strong patient-centered state-of-the-art cancer care we already offer and allow us to continue to pioneer new and exciting technology and treatment improvements for our patients.”

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