Cancer Program Report 2013

HELP. HEALING. HOPE.

2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORTKaren and Roger S. / CANCER SURVIVORS (See their story on inside back cover)

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the Cancer Center at El Camino Hospital.

The cancer program at El Camino Hospital is a testament to what a dedicated community, an eager and well-trained clinical team, and a devoted hospital team is capable of achieving in seven short years. The results speak for them-selves. Not only has there been a dramatic 33 percent increase in new patients from 2005 to 2013, but the best news is the five-year survival outcomes that are on par or better than the national trends. This accomplishment makes all the work worthwhile, and it motivates the team to continue delivering innovative care.

This report will showcase the unique elements of our program, accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), the services provided by physicians, and the support programs that sustain our patients throughout treatment. Services that are typically offered only in academic cancer centers are provided here in the patients’ own community. And our physicians have a distinct sense of ownership and community interest in the evolution of the program, which comes through in our compassionate, comprehensive care. There are many cancer patients who have been turned away from other institutions, but the philosophy at El Camino Hospital is that patients should not have to fight the cancer battle alone. Our cancer team goes to work to customize treatment, provide key resources, and employ all available medications, technologies, and experts in caring for a person with cancer.

While the drug protocols, surgical interventions, and high technology services (such as CyberKnife®) are equal to the ones found at major medical centers, it is the way in which they are combined and utilized that makes the difference in our care. Close collaboration among experts and the challenge of each case keep the team constantly looking for breakthroughs.

Our pride and personal investment in the development of this program is boundless. As oncologists, we realized that we needed to create a Cancer Center that focused on the tireless pursuit of defeating cancer in each and every patient we meet. This is best exemplified by our ability to go beyond predicted survival rates in patients with advanced (stage III or IV) cancer of any kind. Our success stems from the drive to battle malignancy using every conceivable tool at our disposal, and to use those tools in ways that are dynamic, creative, and personalized to a patient’s individual needs. Most importantly, we founded the Cancer Center on the concept that a member of our community is a member of our family. It is easy for these things to be spoken or written, but our survival data, clinical growth and over-whelmingly positive patient feedback show that compassion, empathy, and personalized care are not just words to us — they are the pillars upon which our elite program is founded. We pledge to continue our fight against cancer with the same passion we have used since the program’s inception.

We are committed to continuing to build on our successes, find new ways to provide access and state-of-the-art treatments, and create an environment that supports our patients from prevention through treatment and as a survivor. We thank you for your support in this mission.

Dear Patients, Supporters and Clinicians,

Robert Sinha, MD, PhD, Medical Director, Radiation Oncology

Shane Dormady, MD, PhD, Medical Director, Medical Oncology

Shyamali Singhal, MD, PhD, Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director, Cancer Center

Sincerely,

HELP. HEALING. HOPE. 2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORT

Greetings to all!

Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley since 1962, El Camino Hospital has always reflected the entrepreneurial spirit of innovation that defines our community. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality medical care for the Valley, and to grow and adapt as those needs change. That was and still is our intent for creating a comprehensive Cancer Center that could provide for our expanding and changing community.

We began by carefully recruiting top physicians to provide specialized care and leadership in all areas of oncology. We drew upon their experience working with leading cancer centers, and researched best practices from others, to build a program from the ground up. And we incorporated the patient-centric approach that is a hallmark of our award-winning care.

The result is a thriving program that has become a destination for cancer patients within our community and beyond. We have just earned Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). This accreditation is the highest that can be achieved by a community hospital, and it is granted to only 25 percent of hospitals nationwide.We are expanding the program to include additional services to meet the unique needs of patients suffering from cancer. We understand that the disease affects patients (and loved ones) medically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. That’s why we are increasing our array of integrated therapies, adding holistic and support services that help patients heal and cope with both the disease and the treatment.

We are also increasing our work in clinical research to provide our patients access to even more leading-edge care. We hope to participate in clinical trials for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for every major cancer type. In addition, we are adding new programs for survivorship to support past patients and families as they regain their health and well-being.

We invite you to review the outcomes and information in this report, and to join us in our pursuit of lifesaving care for our patients, families, and community. We are here to deliver personalized care every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Tomi Ryba President and CEO El Camino Hospital

We battle cancer on all fronts, from prevention to diagnostics to treatment and survivorship

00

Fueled by expertise, experience, and a commitment to quality.In the battle against cancer, you need doctors as relentless as the disease itself. We recruit only those professionals who share our patient-centered philosophy and reflect it in their approach. Our medical directors work closely together and handpick team members from physicians to support staff. This has enabled us to assemble a talented group of board-certified, fellowship-trained experts who come from the nation’s finest facilities, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, City of Hope, Stanford, and UCSF. Here we combine and implement best practices from their collective experience in order to raise the bar on patient care. In addition to exemplary skills, our physicians share an unwavering commitment to do whatever it takes for every patient, every day.

Through incredible dedication and hard work, that dream has come to fruition. Our program has earned official accreditation and unofficial renown for delivering exceptional care in an extraordinary environment. Perhaps even more validating is the growing number of patients who come to us for help in the fight of their lives.

Our program was designed with them firmly in mind. The result is a unique facility that serves the medical and personal needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment by providing expert physicians, innovative treatments, state-of-the-art technologies, holistic therapies, and a steadfast resolve to partner with patients at every step of their experience.

OUR GOAL: CREATE A HIGH-QUALITY CANCER PROGRAM RIVALING THE CARE AT ACADEMIC MEDICAL CENTERS IN A CARING COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SETTING.

Where else but at the Hospital of Silicon Valley could an idea take root, grow, and flourish with unprecedented speed. The Cancer Center at El Camino Hospital began in 2005 as the distant dream of a few passionate professionals. In just a few years, it has blossomed into reality and become a destination for both physicians and patients seeking a better way to fight cancer.

A vision of healing and hope.

We battle cancer on all fronts, from prevention to diagnostics to treatment and survivorship

HELP. HEALING. HOPE. 2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORT

2005

2014 and beyond

2007

2010

• $10 million from board to create program

• Specialists recruited (breast, surgical oncology, prostate, and gynecology)

• Support groups

2012

• 1,974 patients treated to date (500 diagnosed elsewhere and came for treatment)

• Nurse navigators

• High-Risk Breast Program

• High-risk melanoma screening

• Survivorship Program; held inaugural Survivor Day event

• New clinical space in Oak Pavilion to accommodate program growth, industry partners

• New Healing Space

• Consolidating and expanding Digestive Health Services

• Enhanced clinical trials program (affiliation with academic medical centers)

• Video conferencing with City of Hope (partnership with Sony)

• Palliative Care Program

• CoC Three-Year Accreditation

• Artemis technology for prostate biopsy

• Outpatient Clinic Expansion

• Subspecialist in medical oncology

• Expanded tumor boards (breast, lung, and Los Gatos specific)

• Oncology dietitian added

• Opened in Melchor Pavilion

• Endoscopic ultrasound

• Clinical trials

• Skin cancer screening

• First patient treated at Infusion Center at Melchor Pavilion

• Art therapy

• Reached 700 diagnosed patients in our Tumor Registry

• First da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System

• National recognition for pathology

• Dedicated oncology department in new hospital

• PET scanner

2006

2013

2008

2009

2011

• Genetic counseling

• CyberKnife, radiation oncology, navigational bronchoscopy

Growth at a Glance.COLOR KEY: Milestones Reached Technology Acquired Programs Launched

National Accreditation with Commendation.

The Commission on Cancer (CoC)

of the American College of Surgeons

(ACoS) has granted Three-Year

Accreditation with Commendation

to the cancer program at El Camino

Hospital. To earn accreditation, a

cancer program must meet or exceed

34 quality care standards, be evaluated

every three years, and maintain levels

of excellence in the delivery of com-

prehensive patient-centered care.

This accreditation is the highest

that can be achieved by a community

hospital, and it is granted to only

25 percent of hospitals nationwide.

While cancer is life-threatening, we are determined to do everything we can to treat it — and beat it. We provide a comprehensive range of services including education for cancer prevention, leading-edge diagnostic technology for detection, and the most advanced options for treatment. Our experts work closely together to create customized treatment plans that consider each patient’s disease state, overall health, lifestyle, support system, and specific needs. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, treatment typically combines several modalities:

Medical oncology: onsite infusion center and pharmacy, personalized therapies based on a patient’s specific genetic makeup, proactive symptom management with referral to resources and nutrition specialists for support and pain management, as needed

Surgical oncology: minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgeries for prostate and gynecologic cancers, and oncoplastic reconstruction for breast cancer

Radiation oncology: radiofrequency ablation, stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife), brachytherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and partial breast therapy

Our treatment outcomes have earned us more than just a great reputation and the gratitude of our patients. We consistently receive referrals for patients who are diagnosed elsewhere — even at academic medical centers — but come to us for advanced treatment they cannot get at other facilities. We often care for patients who have late-stage cancer, or those with recurrent/metastatic disease who have run out of options elsewhere. While we cannot promise a cure, we do promise to explore every avenue to help individuals live as long, and as comfortably, as possible.

We battle cancer on all fronts, from prevention to diagnostics to treatment and survivorship.

OUTSTANDING OUTCOMES

“Cancer patients are acutely aware of every moment that passes after diagnosis. They want — and need — a team of professionals that is as focused on their individual care as they are. We have designed this program to deliver on that commitment, and our excellent outcomes reflect our success.”

— Shyamali Singhal, MD Medical Director, Surgical Oncology

Our 5-year survival rates exceed other CoC-certified programs for breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancers.

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%Stage 0 Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV

Breast Cancer 5-Year SurvivalEl Camino Hospital

National Cancer Data Base

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%Stage 0 Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV

Colon Cancer 5-Year SurvivalEl Camino Hospital

National Cancer Data Base

These charts compare our outcomes against those from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) covering the five years from 2009 to 2013. The NCDB tracks nationwide oncology outcomes for more than 1,500 CoC-accredited cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.

HELP. HEALING. HOPE. 2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORT

Beating pancreatic cancer with care that can’t be beat. At 75, Rick P. was already a prostate cancer survivor when his new urol-ogist sent him for a CT scan. Results showed a shadow on the pancreas, which turned out to be a new tumor. Unfortunately, pancreatic tumors are more aggressive and threatening than most cancers, so timing was critical. Rick recalls, “I spoke to several spe-cialists who didn’t want to take on my case. My odds were difficult and my age and overall health complicated things.”

The specialists at the Cancer Center did not balk at the challenge. Rick was treated by a team of experts including Dr. Shyamali Singhal for surgery, Dr. Shane Dormady for chemotherapy, and Dr. Robert Sinha for radiation therapy.

Surgery came first. Dr. Singhal removed Rick’s spleen and three fourths of his pancreas in an extremely delicate pro-cedure. Drs. Dormady and Sinha put forth an aggressive schedule of chemo and radiation. The team delivered the treatment plan with hard facts and a soft touch. Rick says, “They didn’t pull any punches or give me false hope. But they convinced me they could make a difference and give me a fighting chance. I appreciated the honesty and the urgency.”

That was in 2007 and Rick is alive and well, having successfully beaten the odds for pancreatic cancer. As one of the Center’s first patients, he has since referred many of his friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. They are thrilled to be able to have more time to trade their mutual success stories.

Rick P. PANCREATIC CANCER SURVIVOR

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%Stage 0 Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 5-Year SurvivalEl Camino Hospital

National Cancer Data Base

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV

El Camino Hospital

National Cancer Data Base

Prostate Cancer 5-Year Survival

Stage 0

Scott M.’s training as an Air Force pilot has ser ved him well in his up-and-down fight against colon cancer. Several years ago, he was diagnosed at another facility with what was thought to be hemorrhoids, and he suffered for about a year before scheduling surgery. When the time came for the procedure, the news was much more serious: colon cancer. Scott had surgery to remove a large section of his colon, and things seemed to stabilize. Then, a CT scan showed a lesion on his liver, showing a reoccurrence of cancer.

Scott was referred by multiple sources to Dr. Shane Dormady, known as a tough but tender expert with a no-holds-barred attitude. Chemotherapy over the next few months was grueling, but Scott found comfort in the professional, compassionate care of our specialized nurses. Scott credits them with seeing him through, even referring jokingly to his sessions in the Infusion Center as “spa days.” He says, “They are so positive in the face of such negativity. You can’t help but feel better.”

The extensive chemo saved Scott’s life, but wreaked havoc with his system, and he required multiple surgeries to manage the side effects. Dr. Shyamali Singhal performed multiple procedures, painstakingly removing damaged organs and tissue, and searching for additional cancer cells. She coordinated additional procedures with gastroenterology experts to handle more complications.

And the fight continues. Scott is now under-going CyberKnife treatments to combat new lesions on his liver. “Cancer picked the wrong guy to mess with. I’m a fighter, and I won’t give up,” he says. “Fortunately, I found doc-tors as stubborn and committed as I am. Together, we are gonna win this battle.” Scott is continuing to serve as a member of the San Mateo County Mounted Patrol.

Former pilot still rides high with help from a squadron of cancer experts.

Scott M. / COLON CANCER SURVIVOR

There are few things more frightening than a potential cancer diagnosis. Virtually every family has been touched by the disease — some more than once. For many, the treatment can be as challenging as the odds, and patients often face a difficult journey on an uncertain path. We created our program with this truth in mind, and we remem-ber it every day, in every interaction with our patients. That’s why our “standard routine” is anything but, and we deliver truly personalized care for each individual.

Accessibility: We make an extraordinary effort to accom-modate new patients in a timely manner. While many academic centers can’t promise appointments for weeks or even months, we share our patients’ urgency and commit to getting them in within 48 hours of calling whenever possible.

Responsiveness: Once under our care, patients are often amazed by our physicians’ level of commitment and atten-tion. We work hard to be available to our patients, and strive to respond quickly and completely by email, cell phone and in person throughout treatment.

Convenience: Coping with cancer is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating a complicated healthcare system. That’s why we’ve organized all of our services so patients and their families can see their physi-cians and receive treatment in one general area on the hospital campus. We also offer nurse navigators and a Community Outreach Coordinator to help patients manage every aspect of care within our hospital and beyond.

Collaboration: Our approach draws professionals who share a collaborative spirit, and our process enables them to do their best work. We hire only highly credentialed, certified professionals who work well together to provide patients with continuity of care from hospital to outpatient treatment. And we work closely with referring physicians, including primary care, to provide ongoing oversight.

Support: Expert medicine is only part of the battle when it comes to comprehensive cancer care. Our program supports patients’ social, emotional, and spiritual needs as well, with complementary services that promote healing on every level.

• Holistic services (nutrition, pain management, lymphedema services, yoga, and more)

• Classes that promote the mind/body connection

• Support groups disease-specific and age-specific groups meet to provide tips, coping techniques, and camaraderie)

• Healing Arts (a humanistic and holistic approach to healing through music, art, pet therapy, meditation, and spiritual care for all faiths and cultures)

• Outreach services (educational materials, lectures, supplies, and resources)

• Survivorship Program (support services for patients as they regain their health and wellbeing)

“What makes our program unique is the com-bination of things we offer. The caliber of our experts is on par with any academic medical center, we have invested in the finest technol-ogies available, but on top of that, we have a culture of caring that is really unparalleled.”

— Robert Sinha, MD Medical Director, Radiation Oncology

Putting patients first, from philosophy to reality.

HELP. HEALING. HOPE. 2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORT

Working to save lives today and tomorrow. While much of our attention is focused on delivering world-class care to patients undergoing treatment, we feel an enormous responsibility to help prevent others from ever facing the disease, and to finding new, better cures for those who may be diagnosed down the road. This sentiment has spurred the creation of a range of educational programs that promote health and wellness, includ-ing lectures, tips, health screenings, events, and prevention initiatives that inform community members about how they might live longer, healthier lives. We are also involved in research to help advance the fight against cancer.

Research: Cancer care is advancing at an impressive rate and clinical research is the lifeblood of new techniques and therapies. We are active in a variety of clinical trials designed to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. We work closely with Fogarty Clinical Research here on the El Camino Hospital campus to offer access to leading-edge therapies not typically available outside of larger institutions. We are also working to expand our clinical trials to participate with major academic medical centers.

Our long-term goal is to be involved in a trial in every major tumor area, in every stage of the disease, from prevention to diagnosis to treatment (including metastatic disease).

CLINICAL RESEARCH Onsite and on the move.The Taft Center for Clinical Research and Fogarty Clinical Research at the Fogarty Institute for Innovation.

In March 2011, thanks to a generous $4 million contribution from Edward and Pamela Taft, the Taft Center for Clinical Research was opened at the Fogarty Institute for Innovation. The Tafts’ gift was given with their expressed desire to create a community hospital-based setting for important clinical research in oncology and cardiovascular disease. At the Taft Center, clinical trials are conducted by Fogarty Clinical Research to assist physicians in the El Camino Hospital community, offering patients access to the latest advancements in care. The proximity of this facility encourages physician participation and enhances patient accessibility and care.

Mr. Wong was an active, seemingly healthy 37-year-old who had never smoked a day in his life when one day he started coughing up blood while playing basketball. He went imme-diately to the ER, where it became clear there was a serious problem. His lung had collapsed and doctors detected a fairly substantial lesion. A biopsy confirmed the shocking lung cancer diagnosis. Further tests revealed it had spread.

Mr. Wong began radiation and chemotherapy immediately and was reassured by the fierce determination and supportive demeanors of Dr. Robert Sinha and Dr. Shane Dormady. He recalls, “They were so detailed, so thorough. I knew exactly what was happening and what to expect.”

The treatment was hard on Mr. Wong’s system, and he was particularly grateful for the nurses and techs who helped him through each session. When the time came for surgery, many surgeons flatly refused to take his case, saying his cancer was too far gone to treat. We performed surgery, then chemo con-tinued. Mr. Wong marveled at the team’s approach. “Other hospitals considered me a lost cause, but El Camino Hospital never gave up. They gave me treatment — and hope — when no one else would.” Today, Mr. Wong has been in remission for almost three years and is back to work and playing basket-ball. He is breathing easier knowing he has many more years to spend with his family.

N. Wong / LUNG CANCER SURVIVOR

“Remission” helps patient breathe a sigh of relief after Stage IV lung cancer.

Angela M. / OVARIAN CANCER PREVIVOR

HELP. HEALING. HOPE. 2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORT

My mom died from ovarian cancer when I was 18,” says Angela M., a 44-year-old technology professional and mother of two. “She was only 49.” Even though Angela’s mother was a nurse, she didn’t recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer until it was too late. Those symptoms — abdominal pressure, fullness, bloating, pelvic pain, indigestion, and changes in bladder/bowel habits — are often difficult to detect, even by a trained healthcare professional. There is no screening test for the disease.

After her mother died, Angela was worried about her own risk, as cancer was also common in other women in her family. She chose to have a genetic test and an ultrasound. The genetic test was negative, but the ultrasound showed a mass. Angela

was referred to Dr. Albert Pisani, a gynecologic oncologist. He removed the mass, which was benign. However, a later ultrasound revealed two cysts on Angela’s ovaries. She decided to have a preventative hysterectomy, as she wasn’t planning to have more children. “My surgery was a success,” says Angela. “Dr. Pisani used the da Vinci Robotic System, which left only five small incisions.”

Since Angela had children at home, she was happy that she only needed one night in the hospital. “Three days after my surgery, I went to a school event, and everyone was surprised to see me out.” Now, Angela works to spread awareness about ovarian cancer through her charity, Toasting to Teal. (Find it on FaceBook.)

Minimally invasive surgery has maximum benefits for young mom at risk for ovarian cancer.

At 31, Geetan J. was six months pregnant and all seemed to be going well. Her obstetrician had advised her to check her breasts throughout her pregnancy. When Geetan felt a distinct lump, she was worried but wanted to believe it was a normal byproduct of changing hormones. Such was not the case, and Geetan and her family struggled to take in the news that a tumor was growing in her body, along with her baby.

She was quickly referred to Dr. Shane Dormady for the spe-cialized care needed in this delicate situation. “Dr. Dormady already had a plan in place when I met him,” says Geetan, who recalls how Dr. Dormady’s kindness and warmth helped ease her fears. “There isn’t a lot of data for this situation, but his expertise and manner gave me great comfort.“

Geetan had four cycles of personalized chemotherapy during the last few months of her pregnancy, and then delivered a healthy baby boy at 35 weeks. Just two weeks later, Dr. Saul Eisenstat performed a double mastectomy. Then Geetan went in for more chemotherapy, which would be an ordeal for any woman but particularly challenging for a mother with a newborn and an older son, too. This was followed by radiation therapy with Dr. Robert Sinha. Geetan is incredibly thankful for the collaborative team effort of the doctors at the Cancer Center. They worked together to deliver the care that saved not only her life, but her baby’s as well. “I’ve been given a second chance at life. And I plan to make every moment count.”

Geetan J. / BREAST CANCER SURV IVOR

Diagnosis of cancer while pregnant required very special delivery of treatment.

Renowned. Relentless. Resourceful. Our attitude is as important as our aptitude.It’s often said in medicine that one’s outlook can impact one’s outcome, and we believe that to be true for patients and the care team. We are a positive, optimistic group, and we share a collective “never give up” philosophy that infuses everything we do. That leads us to collaborate and cooperate to offer patients more options, better choices, and the constant promise to look for “another step” as they face the challenge of cancer.

“We always look for the needle in the haystack, the ray of light. Instead of saying what we can’t do, we look for what we can do. There’s always another option.”

— Shane Dormady, MD, Medical Director, Medical Oncology

We believe the best way to create a comprehensive, customized treat-ment plan, particularly for complex cases, is to gather a variety of expert opinions. We hold regular tumor board conferences where a multidisciplinary group of physicians and caregivers jointly review a patient’s condition and proposed treatment from diagnosis (pathol-ogy, films, test results, and biopsies) to medical history, treatment plan, and prognosis. This process gives patients the benefit of multiple “sec-ond opinions” and leads to versatile, innovative treatment planning.

We hold monthly tumor boards to review prostate, colon, breast, and gynecology-oncology cases, and we also have a general tumor board to evaluate additional cases. The meetings are always well attended with a range of professionals participating, including:

HELP. HEALING. HOPE. 2013 CANCER PROGRAM REPORT

• Medical oncologists

• Surgical oncologists

• Radiation oncologists

• Pathologists

• Specialized nurses

• Primary care physicians

“As an experienced nurse and cancer professional, I’m particularly impressed with the collaborative approach that sets this center apart. The program is large enough to provide comprehensive care, but it has a nimble spirit that enables especially proactive, compassionate treatment.”

— Dolores Esparza, Executive Director, Cancer Center

Tumor board conferences provide multidisciplinary perspective.

The Cancer Center at El Camino Hospital is committed to investing in technology that offers our patients advanced treatments and therapies.

Mammography and Breast Imaging: We use advanced digital mammography, which can detect early and highly curable cancers too small to be felt, along with computer-aided detec-tion technology that flags areas of concern for our radiologists.

MRI and Artemis Imaging and Navigation: Prostate cancer patients benefit from Artemis technology, which enables us to combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultra-sound to provide exceptionally clear and detailed real-time imaging of prostate.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): This therapy uses multiple small radiation beams of varying intensities to precisely radiate a tumor without harming surrounding tissue. With our computerized 3D planning system, the beam of radiation can be conformed to the exact size and shape of the tumor and regulated to provide the optimum dose of radiation to the cancerous area.

CyberKnife: This innovative radiation therapy device can pin-point solid tumors anywhere in the body with sub-millimeter accuracy using image-guidance technology. As a result, no incisions, anesthesia, or hospitalization are required, and treatment is usually limited to fewer than five sessions.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery: We are advancing some of the technologies used to treat a variety of cancers, particularly neurological tumors. Included in our suite of services is a device called BrainLab,™ which is based on linear accelerator technology that shapes high-energy beams directly on the tumor. Photon beams are delivered through a high-resolu-tion “beam shaper” that can be automatically and precisely positioned to allow the beam to conform to the shape of the lesion from any angle.

Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy is an innovative treatment for certain types of prostate, lung and breast cancers The proce-dure involves the surgical implantation of radioactive “seeds” that amplifies the radiation dose just to the area needed, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Robotic Surgery: We have an extensive robotic surgery program with a high volume of cases and exceptionally experienced surgeons. Our four da Vinci Si Surgical Systems provide our experts with an alternative to both traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, enabling them to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions, with unmatched precision. These minimally invasive surgeries and endoscopic procedures typically mean less trauma, scarring, and risk of complication for patients.

Full-service facilities offer convenient treatment.Expertise is only half the battle when it comes to fighting cancer. Having the right facilities and equipment is equally important. We are dedicated to investing in infrastructure and technologies so our physicians can do their best work, and we are committed to staying at the forefront as cancer treatment advances.

Our campus in Mountain View was named the nation’s most technologically advanced institution, and it was built from the ground up with input from care teams so that every area provides the tools needed for optimal patient care. The campus houses several cancer care services, including:

• Inpatient oncology unit on the 4th floor• Imaging services (MRI, Ultrasound, Pet Scan, CT, etc.) • State-of-the-art surgical suites

Onsite resources

• Infusion Center• Laboratory• Nurse Navigators• Nutritionist• Physician offices and

treatment rooms• Social worker

• Boutique • Breast Heath Center and

High-Risk Breast Program• Clinical trials office• Genomic Medicine Institute• Health Library and

Resource Center • Imaging services

STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY KEEPS US ON THE LEADING EDGE.

Karen and Roger S. / CANCER SURVIVORS (pictured on front cover)

A single diagnosis of cancer can send a family reeling, but three bouts in five years is more than most can bear. That’s why Karen and Roger are so grateful for their extended “family” at the Cancer Center at El Camino Hospital. First Roger was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that did not require immediate treatment. He remained under the watchful eye of Dr. Shane Dormady, when he then contracted throat cancer, com-pletely unrelated to his blood disorder. Around the same time, Karen was diagnosed with rec-tal cancer. Both husband and wife underwent extensive chemo and radiation therapies, relying heavily on the expertise of Dr. Robert Sinha and Dr. Dormady. Karen was well on the mend when Roger’s original blood cancer took a turn for the worse, and he underwent additional treatment with our experts. Both are now healthy, happy, and grateful to be alive, together. They credit the incredible diligence of our cancer team for their amazing outcome.

Two people, three cancer diagnoses, and one fantastic outcome.

SOME MEMBERS OF THE EL CAMINO HOSPITAL CANCER CENTER TEAM Front row, left to right: Erik Bekkers, MD, Radiologist; Shane Dormady, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist; Shyamali Singhal, MD, PhD, General Surgeon; and Robin Cisco, MD, General Surgeon. Back row, left to right: Puipui Cheng, Cancer Registrar; Ankur Sangoi, MD, Pathologist; Jiali Li, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist; Robert Sinha, MD, Radiation Oncology; Peter Naruns, MD, General Surgeon; Takashi Yoshida, MD, Pediatrician; Albert Pisani, MD, Gynecologic Oncology; Lily Servais, Genetics Counselor; and Sarah Lamson, RN, Nurse Navigator.

HELP. HEALING. HOPE.

For more information or referral to one of our experts, please call or visit our website.

800-216-5556 www.elcaminohospital.org/cancer