Spectrum of Care
At James Graham Brown Cancer Center, we provide a full scope of
cancer services: screenings, educational programs, diagnosis, treatment,
psychosocial support, pain management, rehabilitation, support for
loved ones and assistance in addressing life after cancer.
Screenings and Education
James Graham Brown Cancer Center understands early detection is
key to effective treatment and improved survival. Through our partnership
with the Kentucky
Cancer Program (KCP), located at the Brown Cancer
Center, we offer a comprehensive cancer screenings program that
includes mobile mammography and outreach in high-risk communities.
Our public and patient education programs are designed to meet the
needs of many different audiences, with a wide variety of print
materials, videos, online databases and special events.
Diagnostic Precision
Brown Cancer Center radiologists use advanced imaging technology
to accurately detect cancer and pinpoint its exact location in the
body. Our pathologists analyze tumor samples to determine a precise
diagnosis and the extent of each patient’s cancer, also called
staging. Reports from our pathologists are essential to deciding
the best course of treatment.
Surgical Oncology Expertise
Surgery often is needed to treat some types of cancer. Surgical
oncologists perform a variety of procedures including biopsy, clinical
staging, placing of nutritional support or monitoring and removal
of malignant tumors. The nationally renowned surgeons at Brown Cancer
Center have pioneered many surgical innovations for optimal treatment
of cancer.
Radiation Oncology Expertise
Radiation therapy uses high-energy
rays to kill cancer cells. As leaders in cancer care, Brown
Cancer Center radiation oncologists offer patients the world's
most sophisticated cancer-fighting technology and most proven radiation
treatment techniques available. Our radiation oncologists are not
only experts in radiation therapy; many specialize in a specific
type of cancer. They work with physicists and technologists to plan
the precise delivery of the radiation to minimize radiation to vital
organs and maximize the radiation to the area affected by cancer.
Because the Center uses the most advanced technology, we are able
to participate in specialized national clinical trials. In addition,
the Center is one of just nine centers in the United States to offer
patients treatment with a Tomo Therapy Hi-Art System, the most advanced
form of radiation therapy available. Unlike traditional radiation
therapies, the Tomo Therapy System is the first device to provide
3-D imaging immediately prior to each treatment to verify the location
of a patient’s tumor. This enables more accurate and more
precise radiation treatment of a tumor and reduces radiation exposure
to surrounding healthy tissue and organs. It’s also faster
– thus reducing treatment time.
Brown Cancer Center also is the third facility in the world to
use Mobetron intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT, which allows
physicians to apply concentrated beams of radiation directly to
the cancerous tumor when it is exposed during surgery. Mobetron
reduces the number of outpatient visits and may increase survival
with fewer side effects.
Medical Oncology Expertise
Some patients may need drug therapy to treat their cancer or following
surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. This usually involves
a combination of two or more drugs that enter the bloodstream and
travel throughout the body. Brown Cancer Center medical oncologists
employ sophisticated technologies and the latest combination of
therapies to provide each patient with an individual comprehensive
treatment plan. They carefully monitor each patient’s treatment
and provide follow-up care. They also can help patients manage the
side effects of drug therapy so patients can lead relatively normal
lives while undergoing treatment.
Dental Oncology
One of only a few in the country, the Maxillofacial Prosthodontics
facility at the Brown Cancer Center creates custom prostheses and
conducts reconstructive work for patients with physical defects
resulting from cancer surgery, trauma or congenital abnormalities.
The primary goal is to help people return to a normal lifestyle.
In addition, the patients also come to the center to be assessed
and treated prior to chemotherapy or radiation treatment to the
head and neck area.
Blood and Marrow Transplant Program
The only one in the region, Brown Cancer Center’s Blood
and Marrow Transplant Program is fully accredited by the Foundation
for the Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy (FAHCT). Our
Marrow Donor Program registers individuals, age 18-60, as potential
donors on the national registry.
The Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit provides a 19-bed
critical care unit at University Hospital specializing in bone marrow
transplantation and high-dose chemotherapy for treatment of conditions
including leukemia, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast
cancer and aplastic anemia.
Researchers at University Hospital are actively engaged in clinical
trials in stem cell biology and bone marrow transplantation for
the treatment of a variety of diseases. Patients afflicted with
life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, autoimmune disorders,
red blood cell diseases, and enzyme deficiencies may benefit from
this research.
Mind Body and Soul
For patients and their family members, a cancer diagnosis means
having to understand a lot of information about disease types, treatments
and side effects. Complicated medical terms can be confusing and
terrifying when facing a serious disease. In keeping with our mission
of education, the Mint Jubilee Resource Center collaborates with
clinical staff to provide cancer patients and caregivers with accurate,
reliable information to help them make intelligent decisions about
cancer care. Located in a peaceful, relaxing environment, the Resource
Center also has the region’s only image lab, featuring cosmetics,
wigs and skin care products. The lab provides assistance with prosthetics
and make-up.
For some patients, the psychological effects of cancer can be overwhelming.
Through our Behavioral Oncology program, Brown Cancer Center has
specially trained counselors who can help patients deal with the
stress, anxiety and depression that can accompany a diagnosis of
cancer and its treatment.
Kentucky Cancer Program also connects patients and their families
with family and group counseling support groups.
Other Resources
Brown Cancer Center houses a clinical laboratory and pharmacy,
where rapid test results and drug information are obtained from
well-trained pharmacists and technicians. Registered dieticians
help patients maintain a nutritional diet and proper meal/medication
schedules. Rehabilitation services assist patients with pain management
and provide physical therapy. Social workers also help to ensure
that patients get emotional support, as well as assistance with
daily needs such as housing and transportation.