University of Minnesota Physicians Radiation Therapy Center has added Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to better serve cancer patients. "IMRT allows us to target cancer cells with greater precision and with less harm to healthy cells," explained Xin Wang, M.D., radiation oncologist at the University of Minnesota Radiation Therapy Center located at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center. "The greater precision enables us to give a stronger dose of radiation with each treatment." IMRT technology is not applicable for every cancer patient, but for those patients where it can be uses, it greatly improves the cancer treatment. "This is the level of technology you would find in any major cancer center," says Wang.
In addition, the Radiation Therapy Center celebrated its one year anniversary this April. "Patients are so appreciative to be able to receive their radiation therapy treatment so close to home," says Joan Hanson, nurse practitioner for the Radiation Therapy Center. "Cancer patients are often dealing with a lot of issues, so it's nice for them not to worry about driving of finding their way to a radiation therapy center far away."
The Radiation Therapy Center and the Fairview Lakes Oncology and Infusion Services work very closely to provide continuity of care for oncology patients. "From the day we opened, the staff at the Oncology and Infusion Services have been so helpful," says Hanson. "I talk with Sara Bjorklund, oncology case manager, regarding patient care coordination everyday. It is so critical with cancer patients to coordinate patient teaching, family support, and monitoring the patient's side effects you really need a collaborative effort with the oncology nurses."
The Radiation Therapy Center staff includes Dr. Xin Wang, radiation oncologist, who sees patients full-time at the Center; Joan Hanson, nurse practitioner; Jane Johnson, medical physicist; Chris Narwid, dosimetrist; Sara Lee, lead radiation therapist; Kari Wilson, radiation therapist; Melissa Zuzek, scheduling/CMA; and Debbie Pojanowski, scheduling and administration. Together they provide innovative and compassionate care for cancer patients in our community.
For more information, visit The Radiation Therapy Center clinic page.
