NROC Services
Exclusive Stereotactic Radiosurgical and Radiotherapy Treatment
This unique asset for the community allows for a more accurate and safe treatment for patients who have cancer in the brain, and these services are being increased to provide them comprehensive treatment.
High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Service
The high dose rate brachytherapy service at Mercy is also being augmented and uniquely stationed for patient convenience. Both inpatients and outpatients can receive these modern treatments for the implantation of radioactive isotopes into the cancer for the safe and more accurate treatment of these patients.
Enhancements for Inpatients
Treatments for inpatients will be streamlined so that patients can be cared for in a more timely and discreet fashion if hospitalization is required.
These new treatment opportunities will join the existing services including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), to ensure that patients are offered the most advanced cancer radiation treatment in Northeast Pennsylvania. All of this will occur in a new, modernized center at Mercy Hospital with easier access and attractive decor.
EXCLUSIVELY AT NROC
New Treatment is First in Region for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients
Northeast Radiation Oncology Center in Dunmore has become the site of the area's first Zevalin procedure-a new treatment designed specifically for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients. The Zevalin therapeutic regimen is indicated for patients with NHL that does not respond to a particular therapy, or lymphoma that returns after initially responding to therapy.
The procedure involves separate infusions and is administered in a few stages--partly by an oncologist, in this case, Dr. William Heim, and subsequently by radiation oncologists, Dr. Chi Tsang and Dr. Harmar Brereton.
The patient who underwent the procedure states, "I first learned about this new treatment about 4 months ago from Dr. Heim. I liked the idea that it may help me, but I didn't want to travel out of the area, so I told him, as soon as they know they can do it here, to let me know."
The effectiveness of this new treatment was determined by how well patients responded to treatment in clinical trials. According to Biogen Idec, Inc., in separate clinical studies the overall response rate of patients who received the Zevalin therapeutic regimen was between 74 and 80%. That encouraging response rate helped to inspire these local physicians to achieve the necessary and stringent requirements to offer the procedure here.
Although the patient, affectionately referred to as 'Number One,' remains anonymous by request, he shares these words to encourage other potential patients: "As for today's procedure, so far my side effects are zero. I felt nothing, no pain during the injection-it was fast and required no sedation." He adds, "I am glad I was fortunate enough to find out about this, and glad I got it done. I hope I don't have to have it again-but if I do, I'll take it."
Anyone desiring more information on this new procedure is asked to call Northeast Radiation Oncology Center at 570-504-7200.
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What Is NROC?
NROC Services
Cancer Center Annual Report
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