Cancer is a continuous battle for the patient, their loved ones, and the healthcare professionals dedicated to treating it. Staten Island patients diagnosed with cancer do not need to travel far to receive comprehensive cancer care and advanced treatments. Richmond University Medical Center’s oncology team and cancer services are widely renowned and acknowledged by several prestigious national accreditations. Discover more about our offerings and why hope begins at Richmond University Medical Center.
Our Cancer Services
The Center for Cancer Care at Richmond University Medical Center is home to advanced tools and technologies for diagnosing and treating cancer. With a cancer care team including both medical oncologists (physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer) and radiation oncologists (healthcare professionals who target cancer cells using therapeutic radiation), we offer patients a wide range of cancer services:
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy can effectively treat various types of cancers. This treatment enhances a patient’s immune system using either artificial substances or those produced by the body to help it distinguish cancer cells from healthy cells. There are different types of immunotherapy treatments. Physicians assess each patient and their type of cancer to determine the most suitable immunotherapy method.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common form of cancer treatment that uses chemical agents to kill cancer cells and prevent new malignant cells from growing. The drugs are typically administered intravenously over a series of appointments. Depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s overall health, chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other forms of cancer treatment.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs or antibodies to specifically attack the proteins that cause cancer cells to grow and spread. This treatment works by blocking the chemical signals that instruct the cancer to grow, halting the progression of the disease. Targeted therapy is effective only for cancers that have a specific target for a particular drug.
Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Therapy
LINAC therapy uses a medical device that delivers precise beams of radiation to target and kill cancer cells. High-energy X-rays are customized to the size and shape of a tumor, sparing damage to healthy cells while delivering a direct dose of radiation to the tumor.
High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy
High-dose-rate brachytherapy, also referred to as internal radiation therapy, is a type of radiation therapy used to treat specific cancers. This treatment involves placing radioactive implants inside the patient’s body near or inside the cancerous tumor. The high doses of radiation reduce the size of the tumor and destroy cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy cells.
Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)
During radiation, cancerous tumors can alter in size and shape. Using advanced imaging technology, image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) allows oncologists to closely monitor a patient’s condition and adjust treatment in response to these changes. A visual representation of the cancerous tumor is produced through frequent imaging of the area using equipment such as CT scans and ultrasound.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a less invasive form of radiation treatment used for certain cancers, like brain and spinal cancers. It involves special equipment to position the patient for precise delivery of radiation. The radiation beam is carefully focused on the tumor, sparing the surrounding healthy tissues from damage. This treatment is best for small or difficult-to-reach tumors.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Stereotactic body radiotherapy helps treat a variety of cancers and is ideal for targeting smaller tumors that have yet to spread. The treatment method uses intense beams of high-dose radiation. The concentrated beams are designed to specifically target cancerous areas, saving the surrounding healthy tissues and cells from radiation damage.
Care Beyond Cancer Treatment
The care patients with cancer receive at Richmond University Medical Center goes beyond advanced treatments. With a team of compassionate, highly skilled specialists, we are pleased to offer our Family Care and Support Program to help them during these difficult times. The program includes support through family conferences with a professional family consultant. Families can seek advice on how to navigate the illness together, plan for aftercare, and make tough decisions regarding care management and other family responsibilities.
Following meetings, specialists will remain in contact with families to assess how well they are adjusting. Consultant teams maintain contact with oncology staff members to ensure effective care at all times.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Cancer Care Center
Patients can find a wide range of advanced cancer services at Richmond University Medical Center. Our cancer center on Staten Island is fully equipped to treat a wide variety of cancers, and our oncologists are dedicated to caring for patients from initial diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our oncology offerings or to schedule an appointment with our oncology care team.
