KNOXVILLE, TN. July 27, 1999
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new cancer center opening in West Knoxville next month will offer East Tennessee residents another resource in the battle against the killer disease.
The Thompson Cancer Survival Center will open a 24,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that features one of the most advanced linear accelerators in Tennessee.
"There are only a few treatment centers world-wide that have the treatment capabilities of the Thompson Centers. It's really something to be proud of," said Dr. Don Arwood, Director of the Center's Radiation Oncology Department. Arwood adds that "the accelerator enables us to focus radiation more precisely to the tumor, while sparing more healthy tissue. We will enhance the treatment process while reducing side-effects."
The linear accelerator uses a three-dimensional approach that is especially useful for treating prostate, breast and lung cancer, as well as tumors in the head and neck area. The Thompson Centers are the only Knoxville facilities with this advanced accelerator, which costs approximately $1 million.
"During treatment, the accelerator is programmed to use a series of blades to conform the shape of the radiation beam to the tumor," Medical Physicist Kelly Spencer said.
The Thompson Cancer Survival Center - West will extend the treatment capabilities currently offered at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center's Downtown facility. Databases of the two facilities will be linked so that patient records and complex plans of treatment will be available at either site.
Located at 9711 Sherrill Lane, adjacent to Fort Sanders ParkWest Medical Center the Center will provide radiation oncology, oncology evaluation and treatment, and chemotherapy administration. The Center's opening coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Downtown facility. Since opening in 1989 as an outpatient cancer center, TCSC has become the region's recognized leader in cancer treatment, detection and research.
Following an August opening, area residents will be invited to tour the Center.
"The new facility is another example of our commitment to compassionate care, superior treatment and survival," TCSC Administrator Phil Johnson said.
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What's New? July, 1999