Wellmont Cancer Institute demonstrates leadership with addition of Trilogy, plan for TrueBeam
KINGSPORT – New technology at Holston Valley Medical Center and Bristol Regional Medical Center is exhibiting the Wellmont Cancer Institute’s leadership in the delivery of superior and cutting-edge oncology care.
The cancer institute recently enhanced its radiation oncology program at Holston Valley’s Christine LaGuardia Phillips Cancer Center with the installation of Trilogy. This linear accelerator is already in use. Plus, The J.D. and Lorraine Nicewonder Cancer Center at Bristol Regional will bolster its offerings with the planned acquisition of the TrueBeam system for radiation oncology patients.
These additions are helping Drs. Byron May, Scott Coen and John Fincher, who are members of the cancer institute’s radiation oncology team, change the landscape in the delivery of advanced radiotherapy treatment for some of the most complex cancers. The three physicians are medical doctors who are certified by the American Board of Radiology.
“We have been honored to provide an extraordinarily high caliber of care for our patients at our cancer centers in Kingsport and Bristol and are ecstatic we will be able to augment this level of excellence with this new technology,” said Sue Lindenbusch, the cancer institute’s senior vice president. “We are always looking for ways to supplement our innovative care model and see an exciting era ahead with the addition of Trilogy and TrueBeam.”
Leaders of the cancer institute and Wellmont Health System, as well as oncology care providers, celebrated Trilogy and TrueBeam during a news conference at Holston Valley on Monday, Nov. 11. Attendees were able to see a demonstration of Trilogy in action after the event.
Trilogy and TrueBeam further advance the cancer institute’s ability to treat some of the most complex cancers in areas such as the head, neck, lung, prostate, liver and breast. These pieces of technology will improve outcomes by delivering radiation with pinpoint accuracy and provide increased comfort for the patient while minimizing the risk to healthy tissue.
TrueBeam is another step in accelerating the cancer institute’s regional strength in stereotactic radiosurgery that has been delivered since 2004 through CyberKnife. Trilogy will continue to showcase the cancer institute’s stellar delivery of stereotactic body radiation therapy. Together, Trilogy and TrueBeam empower the cancer institute to continue treating all forms of cancer and a broad spectrum of patients.
“What is most reassuring about Trilogy and TrueBeam is patients can continue to rely on these two cancer centers for the remarkable treatment they need should they be diagnosed with cancer,” Lindenbusch said. “Our rich legacy of care at our cancer centers in Bristol, Kingsport and Norton, Va., has prepared us well to effectively meet the needs of our patients in rural and urban settings.
“The commitment among our physicians and other medical professionals to heal and create strength for today and hope for tomorrow in our patients is ever present. When you combine that approach with cutting-edge technology and other components of our program, such as our robust clinical trials, the likelihood for successful patient outcomes is great. Best of all, it’s close to home.”
Lindenbusch said CyberKnife continues to serve as an important piece of the cancer institute’s radiation oncology program.
In addition to the exciting developments at Bristol Regional and Holston Valley, the cancer institute in recent months secured an On-Board Imager for the radiation oncology program at the Southwest Virginia Cancer Center in Norton.
Denny DeNarvaez, Wellmont’s president and CEO, said the systemwide method of care ingrained in the cancer institute is transforming lives.
“The cancer institute is fortunate to have expertise spread throughout its service area,” she said. “The sharing of best practices and the availability of the array of equipment we possess enable us to provide the best care anywhere regardless of where a patient lives.
“Our cancer program is focused on the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our patients, and the new resources we are providing to Holston Valley and Bristol Regional and the recent activity at our cancer center in Norton will help them achieve optimal health and proceed with the next chapter in their lives.”
Further information about the cancer institute is available at www.wellmont.org.
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