314.747.WELL (314.747.9355) or toll-free 877.747.9355
Professional Office Building 2
11125 Dunn Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63136 USA
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American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer |
Cancer Resource Center
Patient and Family Advisory Council
Our Cancer Care Center patients receive a comprehensive program of education, early detection, advanced treatment and follow-up care -- all close to home.
Top Five Areas of Focus
- Breast
- Lung
- Prostate
- Colon
- Lymphoma
Cancer Specialists
Juan O. Carden, MD, oncologist
Veena Divecha, MD, oncologist
Victoria Dorr, MD, oncologist
Abid Nisar, MD, oncologist
Timothy P. Rearden, MD, oncologist
Tapan Roy, MD, oncologist
Thomas E. Ryan, MD, oncologist
Mark E. Woodson, MD, oncologist
Credentials
- Christian Hospital participates with the National Cancer Institute in the research and clinical testing of new cancer therapies, ensuring that patients have access to the very latest treatments
- Christian Hospital partakes in a national tumor registry, comparing results and techniques with other cancer treatment facilities nationwide
- As a member of BJC HealthCare, the Cancer Care Center participates in leading-edge research performed at the Washington University School of Medicine
Technology, Comfort and Care
Christian Hospital provides patients with the most accurately targeted and least invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment with the latest technology:
Linear AcceleratorThe linear accelerator delivers more accurate, highly localized treatment with fewer side effects.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Machine
The stereotactic breast biopsy machine uses ultrasound technology , providing more assurance of accurate diagnosis for certain types of abnormalities. The procedure causes little or no discomfort to the patient. When possible, diagnostic tests are performed in an outpatient environment, making tests more convenient and cost-efficient for the patient.
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Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) |
Prior to these medical advancements, surgery was required to biopsy lesions or tumors found in areas such as the lungs, heart, esophagus and lymph nodes. Surgical procedures typically require hospitalization, general anesthetics and a longer recovery period.
EBUS is especially helpful in biopsying tumors, and electromagnetic navigation allows doctors to remove samples of lung tissue that were previously too small to collect. EBUS and electromagnetic navigation are outpatient procedures during which damaged tissue is collected for biopsy from what the physicians see on CT or PET scans.
64-Slice CT Scanner
Christian Hospital is the first hospital in north St. Louis County -- and one of only three hospitals in the region -- to utilize a 64-slice CT scanner, the most sophisticated radiology technology available. Used at leading medical centers, the 64-slice CT scanner provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the body's organs and tissues.
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64-Slice CT Scanner |
Sentinel Lymph Node Breast Biopsy
Sentinel lymph node breast biopsy is an advanced diagnostic procedure that helps detect the spread of breast cancer. The procedure requires a smaller tissue sample that can be examined more closely than with traditional methods, which means a smaller incision, less swelling and quicker recovery time.
Intravascular Brachytherapy
Intravascular brachytherapy is an outpatient surgical procedure for prostate cancer in which radioactive seeds are permanently implanted into the prostate. The procedure offers an alternative to radical surgery or the eight-week course of radiation treatments.
Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
Christian Hospital is the only community hospital in the St. Louis region to perform Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) to remove lung cancer tumors. VATS, or thoracoscopy, involves inserting an illuminated rigid tube through a small incision made between the ribs and the use of video-endoscopic equipment that allows the entire operating team to view and assist in the operation. When compared to a traditional open-chest procedure, or thoracotomy, VATS can reduce the amount of chest wall trauma, deformity and post-operative pain, and can allow for the patient to have a shorter length of stay.
MammoPad
Christian Hospital and Northwest HealthCare provide a softer mammogram with an FDA-approved foam cushion, MammoPad. The single-use, adhesive-backed foam cushion attaches to the compression plates and makes it even easier for mammography technologists to get the best possible image. (The American Cancer Society reports women can greatly reduce their risk of death from breast cancer if they receive regular mammography screenings and recommends that women 40 and older receive mammograms yearly.)
Treatment Plans
Following diagnosis, our doctors collaborate with patients and their families on a treatment plan based upon the type and severity of disease. Often, exceptional results are achieved without surgery. Some cases may require a combination of surgery and other treatments. Treatment options can include highly isolated and targeted radiation therapy, advanced chemotherapy techniques and a host of new drug therapies -- all designed to increase survival and comfort for the patient.
The Cancer Care Center team has developed a unique program to help the patient and family successfully deal with treatment and the emotional issues surrounding a cancer diagnosis. In addition, a special nursing unit at Christian Hospital is dedicated exclusively to the care of cancer patients. The staff provides care to patients and support to their families throughout their stay.
Cancer Care Center In the News
Cancer Care Center Participating in National Research
Christian Hospital’s Cancer Care Center is participating in national clinical research studies under direction of the Southwest Oncology Group. Research efforts focus on cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon to determine which new regimens improve survival rates and quality of life.
Timothy Rearden, MD, medical director of the Cancer Care Center at Christian Hospital, is principal investigator of the clinical trials. Fellow investigators include Victoria Dorr, MD; Abid Nisar, MD; Juan Carden, MD; and dedicated Senior Clinical Research Associate Alicia Rodgers.
Clinical trials approach new treatments consisting of drug combinations, radiation or surgery, and gene therapies. Focus on Phase III clinical trials compares the outcome of patients assigned to new treatment against patients receiving standard treatment.
