Conquering Colon Cancer - Renown Health

Journey
R e n o w n
A publication of the Renown Institute for Cancer Volume 1, Issue 2
Conquering
Colon Cancer
Local woman benefits
from early detection
and top-notch treatment
at Renown
TomoTherapy ® offers amazing
patient benefits
Statewide plan to reduce
cancer rates
Is it in the genes?
Genetic testing offers answers
to difficult questions

The most advanced new cancer treatment
And it’s only at Renown.
The TomoTherapy ® Hi-Art ® System is a breakthrough new radiation treatment, and the
experts at Renown Institute for Cancer are the first in the region to have it. Far superior
than most existing radiation technologies, TomoTherapy ® can be used
to treat a wide range of cancers, from the smallest tumors to large
areas of the body. And by using 3-D technology to shape itself
to the tumor, TomoTherapy ® spares healthy tissue and limits
side effects. This means cancer patients heal faster
with less pain.
TomoTherapy ® is just another example of
how Renown Institute for Cancer continues
to bring the most advanced cancer care
to our region.
SKILL. EXPERTISE. TECHNOLOGY.
www.renown.org/tomotherapy
“The types of cancers we can treat successfully are amazing.
The results are better and faster with minimal side effects."
-- Dr. Eric Rost, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, Renown Institute for Cancer

T
Notes From Dr. LiNDa Ferris
he Renown InstItute foR
CanCeR has long RealIzed
that CanCeR CaRe Is muCh
moRe than pRovIdIng tReatment
optIons; it is about working to find a
cure and continually advancing the level of
cancer care available to northern nevada
patients. that is exactly why the Institute
for Cancer supports the nevada Cancer
Council with its first nevada Cancer
Control summit. the summit brought
together nevada healthcare providers and
other key stakeholders to discuss the state’s
cancer control plan and other key issues
surrounding cancer care in the region.
our own Cancer program manager, sheila
Baez, Rn, mn, aoCns, heads the nevada
Cancer Council. as chair of the nevada
Cancer Council, she is in the ideal position
to make a genuine difference in the state’s
cancer control efforts and overall cancer
care. together, we can and will reduce our
cancer rates.
march is Colorectal Cancer awareness
month. Colorectal Cancer has a 90% cure
rate if it is caught early. unfortunately,
nevada has one of the worst screening
compliance rates in the nation. In this issue
you will find several articles on colorectal
cancer including how Renown is working
to increase screening rates statewide,
information on the new fIt test available
at Renown, as well as patient testimonials
from colon cancer survivors.
our leading clinical research program
also works to continually improve and
find new cancer treatments. with more
than 141 clinical trials conducted to date,
Renown Institute for Cancer is leading the
way in northern nevada cancer research.
this research combined with our skill,
expertise and technology, ensures patients
are receiving the most advanced cancer
care in the region.
Renown continues to invest in advanced
technology and highly skilled staff so that
we can meet and exceed our community’s
healthcare needs. having the skill and
expertise we need to meet our community’s
heathcare needs means we have top-notch
nurses. at the Institute for Cancer, our
highly-trained, specialized nurses provide
superb patient and cancer care. the
Institute for Cancer is proud to support
the oncology Certification process for
nurses. oncology Certified nurses (oCn)
must pass a comprehensive certification
exam, have at least 12 months experience
as a Registered nurse and a minimum of
1,000 hours of oncology nursing practice.
this means that patients can be confident
they are receiving the best care possible.
the Institute for Cancer is also working
to improve the patient experience at
our facilities. we are very excited as we
prepare to unveil our new Children’s
Infusion Center in spring 2009, where no
detail was spared to ensure that our young
patients receive their treatments in the most
comfortable setting as possible. Renovations
for new cancer patient rooms and the new
Infusion Center are currently under way
as well. every decision was made with the
utmost patient comfort in mind.
as in every issue, this issue of Renown
Journey provides valuable information
about proactive cancer care including
screenings for men and women by age
group, physician profiles and information
on clinical trials.
whether you are a newly diagnosed
cancer patient, a survivor, a family member
or loved one, Renown Journey provides
important information for the mind, body
and soul. I hope you continue to find
Renown Journey valuable and meaningful.
enjoy!
Linda W. Ferris, PhD
Vice President, Renown Institute for Cancer
renown.org 1

Renown institute foR canceR
2
4
coNteNts
Conquering colon cancer
local survivors speak about the importance of screenings
Renown joURneY
Features
TomoTherapy ®
offers mosT
advanced TreaTmenT
available | 12
TomoTherapy ® offers patient benefits
in the treatment of colorectal and
esophageal cancer
is iT in The genes? | 14
Genetic testing offers local patients
answers to tough questions
Kid-cenTric | 16
Kid-inspired infusion center to
open in Spring 2009
Joining forces | 18
Renown works with the NVCC to
improve cancer care in the state
ahead of The Trend | 20
Renown Institute for Digestive
and Liver Care leads the way
in digestive health
advanced TreaTmenT
Tool | 22
PET/CT images ensure that patients
receive the most accurate treatment
modeling The way | 24
Renown becomes model-site for
physician-guided robotic surgery
leading The way | 26
Nurses help cancer patients with
support and guidance
24
modeling the way
The da Vinci ® Robotic Surgical System
offers numerous patient benefits
clinical Trials:
leading-edge
medicine | 8
Clinical trial offers hope to
colorectal cancer patients
physician profile | 11
“Dr. G” brings additional skill
and expertise to the area
welcome | 27
Meet Dr. Mary Schultheis,
colon and rectal surgeon
11
iN every issue
Physician Profile: Dr. G
“I want to have an impact on the
community.” – Christos Galanopoulos, MD, FACS
wellness &
prevenTion guide | 28
Find out what cancer screenings
you should have
communiTy
ouTreach | 30
Renown at community events
evenTs calendar | 31
Learn about cancer
support groups and
other events
announcemenTs | 32
A look at new programs,
initiatives and promotions at
Renown Institute for Cancer
finding your way | 33
Directions to Renown Institute for Cancer
direcTory | 33
Find a list of helpful phone numbers
Leading-edge medicine
Clinical trials bring the latest sciences to those
with cancer
r e n o w n
JouRney
volume 1, issue 2
Phyllis Freyer
vice presidenT,
marKeTing and
communicaTions
eDitoriaL boarD
Kim tulman
direcTor of marKeTing
ayse e. caglar
Linda W. Ferris,
Ph.D.
vice presidenT, renown
insTiTuTe for cancer
marKeTing business parTner
Jenna mcQuattie
marKeTing business parTner
Leah Nelson
marKeTing coordinaTor
conTribuTing phoTographers:
april stokes, Jeff Dow
8
renown.org 3

Renown institute foR canceR
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cover story WRITTEN by DoN Cox
Conquering
colon cancer
Prevention is key; treatment is top-notch at renown
B
Ill mandeRs wouldn’t Budge when
a doCtoR at Renown RegIonal
medICal CenteR suggested he get a
ColonosCopy.
“no, I won’t do that,” manders told his doctor. “my
doctor said I was bleeding internally. she said I needed to
get a colonoscopy. anything with an ‘oscopy’ I didn’t want
to do.”
manders, 57, a well-known northern nevada radio
personality, was being stubborn. But so was his doctor.
“she didn’t give me an option,” he said. finally, manders
did as he was told and got the colonoscopy. It’s a good
thing that manders’ doctor was persistent. the colonoscopy
revealed a cancerous polyp.
manders had the polyp removed at Renown. he’s back
on the air from 3 to 6 p.m. monday through friday, living
proof that early detection saves lives.
the importance of screenings
for colorectal cancer, early detection is key.
“It’s very preventable,” said victor Chen, md, a
gastroenterologist with gastroenterology Consultants in
Reno. “It’s easily treatable by removing the polyps. ninety
percent are treatable if they’re diagnosed with screening.”
Initial screening is recommended by age 50 for patients
without a history of colorectal cancer. screening should
occur sooner if there is a family history.
“people should undergo a colonoscopy 10 years prior to
when their relatives were diagnosed,” said mary schultheis,
md, a colorectal surgeon with general & vascular
associates in Reno. for example, if your father was
diagnosed at 55, you should be screened starting at age 45.
“there are different screening tests that can be done,” dr.
schultheis said. “a colonoscopy is the best. the entire
length of the colon can be examined. polyps can be
removed and biopsies can be done.”
polyps are abnormal growths rising from the lining of the
large intestine (colon) and protruding into the intestinal
canal. some polyps are flat and others have a stalk.
most colonoscopies take between 30 and 60 minutes,
including polyp removal, with no need to stay in the
hospital. the majority of polyps can be removed during
Renown joURneY
the exam. however, large polyps may require more than
one treatment for complete removal. some polyps can’t be
removed by instruments because of their size or position
and surgery may be required.
symptoms of colon cancer can include rectal bleeding,
abdominal pain or anemia. early screening can result in
polyps being removed before they become cancerous.
polyps go through a very predictable cycle of going from
non-cancerous to cancerous,” dr. schultheis said. “Colon
cancer has a very high cure rate if detected early.”
But nevada is one of the worst states in the nation for
colorectal cancer screening. In 2004, only 36.7 percent of
state residents age 50 or older underwent a colonoscopy,
compared to 45.1 percent compliance nationally.
“It’s one of the lowest in the nation,” dr. Chen said of
nevada’s screening percentage.
last year in nevada there were 1,120 reported new cases
of colorectal cancer.
“It’s all preventable,” said Christos galanopoulos, md,
a specialist in cancer surgery with general & vascular
associates. “It all hovers around that polyp. If we can catch
that, we can prevent cancer.”
“it’s very preventable. ninety
percent are treatable if they’re
diagnosed with screening.”
Victor Chen, MD
a team of specialists
screening and treatment. that’s what the Renown Institute
for Cancer is all about.
“It’s rare to find a facility with a five to 10 year plan,”
said dr. galanopoulos, who specializes in gastrointestinal
surgical oncology. “Renown has put a lot of equipment and
people in place. they are looking at the big picture.”
dr. galanopoulos is one of those people. Because of his
specialty, he was recruited by general & vascular associates
Continued on page 6
“i was very fortunate. it was nice
to know we have incredible
doctors locally.”
Audrey Smith, colon cancer survivor
renown.org 5

Renown institute foR canceR
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cover story WRITTEN by DoN Cox
Continued from page 4
from methodist dallas medical Center. dr. schultheis is
another one of those people. she came to Reno this year after
finishing a one-year fellowship in colorectal surgery at greater
Baltimore medical Center.
dr. galanopoulos and dr. schultheis are part of a team of
experts at the Renown Institute for Cancer that meets monthly
to review cases.
“the Institute really functions to bring all these specialists
together,” dr. schultheis said. “It’s an integrated approach.”
at the Renown Institute for Cancer, a colorectal cancer
patient is treated by a highly-trained team of specialists.
“the colorectal surgeon, the gastroenterologist, the radiation
oncologist and the medical oncologist,” dr. schultheis said.
“you treat as a team.”
Quality care close to home
audrey smith of Reno was diagnosed with advanced colon
cancer in 2001. smith was told she had a large tumor. she
said she was told to “think about getting my affairs in order.”
Renown joURneY
caNcer QuicK Fact:
Fewer than half of Americans ages 50 or
older have received a recent colorectal
cancer screening test. With screenings
and early detection, colorectal cancer
has a 90% cure rate.
smith was stunned.
“It was a different language to me,” she said. “my chances
were not considered good.”
smith, 43, was treated by specialists at Renown.
“they got me into surgery real quickly,” she said. “I was
very fortunate. It was nice to know we have incredible doctors
locally.”
smith has three children. they were 6, 3 and 1 when smith
underwent surgery. “I had a lot to live for,” said smith.
without the Institute for Cancer, smith and other patients
probably would have received their treatment at hospitals out
of the area. they would have had to leave town to receive
care.
“there is a huge cost to that,” dr. galanopoulos said.
“throughout the country, there are centers of excellence. most
are at universities.”
the Renown Institute for Cancer is such a center.
“that’s what brought me here,” dr. galanopoulos said who
arrived in July.
several months ago, dr. galanopoulos removed a pancreatic
tumor he described as “the size of a cantaloupe” from a patient
at Renown.
“she would’ve had to be transferred, probably by
ambulance,” dr. galanopoulos said of a long-distance trip
the patient would have made without the treatment available
at Renown. “within five days she went from no diagnosis to
(surgery).”
treatment options
Common treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery, sometimes
followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
“for colon cancer, surgery is very important,” dr.
schultheis said. “If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes,
you can continue with chemotherapy.”
treatment for rectal cancer is slightly different, since that
area is sensitive to radiation.
“It really involves evaluating the tumor and how far the
cancer has progressed,” dr. schultheis said. “depending on
the level of progression, sometimes you will treat the patient
first with radiation, or radiation and chemotherapy.” ■
bill manders, colorectal cancer survivor and
local radio talk show host, speaks out about
screening and prevention.
— American Cancer Society
at renown, colorectal patients are treated by a team of specialists.
Drs. Galanopoulos, chen and schultheis, provide an integrated
approach to treating colorectal cancer.
victor K. chen, mD, msPH
Victor K. Chen, MD, is a gastroenterologist at
Gastroenterology Consultants in Reno specializing in
digestive disorders and liver diseases. He earned his medical
degree from University of Missouri in Kansas City School of
Medicine. Dr. Chen also holds a masters degree in public
health. Dr. Chen is board Certified in Gastroenterology and
Internal Medicine.
christos a. Galanopoulos, mD, Facs
Christos A. Galanopoulos, MD, is the Cancer Liaison
Physician at Renown Institute for Cancer. He also practices
at General & Vascular Associates in Reno. He received his
medical degree from Rush Medical College, and completed
his residency in General Surgery at University of Illinois
Medical Center affiliate hospitals. He is board Certified
in General Surgery. Dr. Galanopoulos completed a HbP/
Foregut fellowship at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
mary e. schultheis, mD
Mary E. Schultheis, MD, is a colorectal surgeon with General
& Vascular Associates in Reno. She attended college at the
University of Maryland and received her medical degree
from Creighton University School of Medicine. Dr. Schultheis
completed her residency in General Surgery at Saint Agnes
Healthcare. She then completed a fellowship in Colon and
Rectal Surgery at the Greater baltimore Medical Center.
Dr. Schultheis is board Certified in General Surgery.
Peace of mind
Renown offers new screening
for colon cancer
Renown believes early detection is crucial to
colon health. That is why we are offering a
home screening kit for only $35.
a fiT Test (fecal immunochemical Test) offers
patients a more convenient home screening
tool for colorectal cancer screening. The fiT
test is more effective in detecting cancers and
polyps than older and more widely used stool
screening tests.
Key patient benefits of the test include:
• Higher sensitivity resulting in fewer false
readings
• More convenient for patients because it is
easy to prepare and complete in the privacy
of your own home
• No dietary restrictions required
With your home screening kit, you will
receive everything you need, including full
instructions and a pre-paid return envelope. a
physician referral is not needed.
To request your home screening kit, visit
renown.org/fiTtest.
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Renown institute foR canceR
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cLiNicaL triaLs WRITTEN by DoN Cox
leading-edge
medicine
clinical trials look to improve treatment,
prevention of colorectal cancer
“ T
he maIn dRIvIng foRCe BehInd ClInICal
tRIals Is to ContInually ImpRove the
standaRd of CaRe foR CanCeR patIents” said
tejvir singh, md, hematologist/oncologist with Reno oncology
associates and principle Investigator team member for Renown
Institute for Cancer.
the study for clinical trial nsaBp R-04 is designed to
determine the effectiveness of a new treatment for patients
with rectal cancer. for one part of the trial, doctors are
combining a particular drug, Capecitabine, with radiation
in pre-surgery treatment.
nsaBp R-04 is one of more than 141 clinical trials administered
to more than 870 patients or participants at the Renown Institute
for Cancer.
the discoveries made in those trials can save lives.
“Reno now has access to all types of clinical trials,” dr. singh
said. “this means that patients in the area have access to leadingedge
medicines and treatments.”
these medical research studies of potential treatments, known
as phase II and phase III trials, are sponsored by the national
Cancer Institute. phase II clinical trials contain fewer than 100
participants and are intended to determine if a new treatment
has an effect on a certain cancer and examine how the new
treatment affects the human body. phase III trials have more than
100 participants and are used to compare the new treatment, or
a new use of a treatment, with the current standard treatment.
people volunteer for clinical trials to determine if new
treatment methods are more effective than the current.
participants either receive the current standard of care or the
new treatment in conjunction with the current standard of care.
no participant in a clinical trial involving cancer treatments
through Renown Institute for Cancer receives a placebo.
colorectal cancer patients may benefit
“Capecitabine has been found to be beneficial in late stage rectal
and colon cancer,” dr. singh said.
standard pre-surgery treatment for rectal cancer combines
another drug, 5-fluorouracil with radiation.
drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin,
Capecitabine and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop
Renown joURneY
caNcer QuicK Fact:
1 in 3 cancers may be related to what you eat.
Research shows that brassica vegetables —
including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower
and cabbage — may reduce your risk of
colorectal and prostate cancers.
tumor cells from dividing so the cells stop growing and
die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to damage
tumor cells.
doctors are assessing whether radiation therapy is more
effective when combined with Capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil
before surgery in treating operable rectal cancer.
earlier trials were used to determine appropriate dosages of
the drug and the likelihood of success.
“Is using Capecitabine in combination with radiation going to
be better than combining 5-fluorouracil?” dr. singh said.
that’s the question for clinical trial nsaBp R-04.
the clinical trial with Capecitabine will conclude next year.
But doctors will observe patients for three more years before
reaching conclusions.
“reno now has access to all types
of clinical trials.”
Tejvir Singh, MD, Hematologist/
Oncologist and Principle Investigator
for Renown Institute for Cancer
bringing clinical trials to renown
each potential trial is carefully evaluated before volunteers are
sought and treatments begin.
Beth ahart-valk, Rn, oCn, the lead cancer nurse who
coordinates the cancer clinical trials, presents possible clinical
trials to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). the IRB is made
up of healthcare professionals and people in the community. IRB
members make sure the risks are reasonable when compared
to the possible benefits. they also watch the trial progress from
beginning to end.
the Principle investigator group at the institute for cancer meet regularly to track progress of open trials as well as consider new clinical
trials. back row, pictured from left to right: Dr. conrath, Dr. reddy, Dr. Dardick, Dr. singh, Dr. bowman, Dr. shields. Front row, pictured from
left to right: Dr. schiff, Dr. Palmer, Dr. reganti, Dr. Galanopoulos. Not pictured: Dr. abrass, Dr. rost.
“we consider certain clinical trials that would be a good
study for our community, based on what sort of cancers
we’re diagnosing and treating at Renown,” ahart-valk said.
“there is not much benefit to the community in opening a
study on a disease that’s rare in our area.”
If a trial is approved, dr. singh and other investigators
enroll patients who wish to participate in the trial, provided
they meet the eligibility criteria for the study treatment.
“there is a long process of getting IRB approval and
consent,” dr. singh said.
for the Capecitabine trial, there were 13 points listed
under the eligibility criteria.
“most studies have very strict eligibility criteria that must
be met for participant enrollment. however, this should
not stop patients from inquiring if a clinical trial would be
appropriate for them,” ahart-valk said. ■
For a list of trials currently open to volunteers, see page 10.
For more information about Renown’s clinical trials and research,
please visit www.renown.org/cancer.
clinical trial update
In Vol. 1 Issue 1 of Renown Journey
we told you about the Selenium and
Vitamin E Prevention Trial (SELECT),
which investigated whether the
supplements of Selenium and
Vitamin E can prevent or reduce the
occurrence of prostate cancer. Since
that issue, The National Cancer
Institute announced the data found
that selenium and Vitamin E, taken alone or
together did not prevent or reduce the risk of prostate
cancer. Trial participants have been asked to stop taking
the study supplements but will continue to receive followup
checks. 48 men participated in the Renown study.
tejvir singh, mD
Tejvir Singh, MD, is a principle investigator team member at
the Institute for Cancer. He also practices at Reno oncology
Consultants in Reno. Dr. Singh earned his medical degree
from G.S.V.M. Medical College in India. He is board Certified
in oncology and Medical oncology.
renown.org 9

Renown institute foR canceR
10
breast caNcer
caLGb 40503 tamoxifen or letrozole with or without bevacizumab in treating women with stage iii or stage iV breast cancer.
ecoG Pacct-1 the taiLoRx trail: Phase iii randomized study of adjuvant combination chemotherapy and hormonal therapy
versus adjuvant hormonal therapy alone in women with previously resected axillary node-negative breast cancer
with various Levels of risk for recurrence.
ecoG e2Z04 Quality of life in female breast cancer survivors and their spouse, partner, or acquaintance.
ibcsG 24-02
PeNDiNG irb 1/08/09
NsabP b-39/
rtoG 0413
Renown joURneY
a phase iii trial evaluating the role of ovarian suppression and the role of exemestane as adjuvant therapies for
premenopausal women with endocrine responsive breast cancer.
Radiation therapy in treating women who have undergone surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ or stage i or stage
ii breast cancer
NsabP b-44-i the BetH study: a trial to determine the value of adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy plus trastuzumab in
patients with resected node-positive or high risk node-negative, HeR2-positive breast cancer.
sWoG s0307 a Phase iii study to investigate if adding a bisphosphonate to hormonal therapy or chemotherapy will help
prevent cancer from spreading to the bones or other parts of the body.
LuNG caNcer
ecoG e1505 chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with stage iB, stage ii, or stage iiia non-small
lung cancer that was removed by surgery.
rtoG 0617 a study to compare the overall survival of patients with newly diagnosed, unresectable stage iiia or iiiB nonsmall
cell lung cancer treated with high- versus standard-dose conformal radiotherapy with concurrent and
consolidation chemotherapy comprising carboplatin and paclitaxel.
esoPHGeaL caNcer
rtoG 0436 a study to evaluate whether the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy comprising paclitaxel, cisplatin, and
radiotherapy improves overall survival compared with paclitaxel, cisplatin, and radiotherapy alone in patients
with esophageal cancer treated without surgery.
GeNitouriNary caNcer
caLGb/
sWoG c80405
a phase iii trial of foLfiRi or foLfoX with bevacizumab or cetuximab or both for untreated metastatic
adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum.
ecoG e2805 a phase iii study is to determine if either sunitinib or sorafenib can prevent recurrence of kidney cancer.
ecoG e5202 Phase iii randomized study of oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil with versus without bevacizumab
in patients with resected stage ii colon cancer and at high risk for recurrence based on molecular markers.
ecoG e5204
PeNDiNG irb 1/8/09
to compare the effects of a combination of chemotherapy drugs, when given with and without a new drug,
bevacizumab, after patients with stage ii or stage iii rectal cancer have had pre-operative chemoradiation.
NsabP r-04 a clinical trial comparing preoperative radiation therapy and capecitabine with or without oxaliplatin with
preoperative radiation therapy and continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil with or without oxaliplatin in
the treatment of patients with operable carcinoma of the rectum.
rtoG 0518 a Phase iii study to evaluate the efficacy of zometa for the prevention of osteoporosis and associated fractures in
patients receiving radiation therapy for high grade and/or locally advanced prostate cancer.
rtoG 0822 combination chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy in treating patients undergoing surgery
for locally advanced rectal cancer.
sWoG s0421 a Phase iii study of docetaxel and prednisone with versus without atrasentan in patients with hormone-refractory
stage iV prostate cancer and bone metastases.
GyNecoLoGicaL caNcer
GoG 0209 combination chemotherapy in treating patients with stage iii, stage iV, or recurrent endometrial cancer.
GoG 0212 Phase iii randomized study of paclitaxel versus polyglutamate paclitaxel as consolidation/maintenance therapy
versus no further anticancer therapy until disease progression in patients with stage iii or iV ovarian epithelial or
primary peritoneal cancer.
GoG 0218 Phase iii randomized study of carboplatin and paclitaxel versus carboplatin, paclitaxel, and concurrent
bevacizumab with versus without extended bevacizumab in patients with stage iii or iV ovarian epithelial,
primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer.
GoG 0219 a study to determine if combining tirapazamine (tPZ) with cisplatin during radiation therapy is more effective
than cisplatin and radiation therapy alone for patients with clinical stages iB2, iia, iiB, iiB & iVa cervical
carcinoma limited to the pelvis.
GoG 0222 Pelvic exenteration in treating Patients with Recurrent cervical cancer.
ceNtraL Nervous system
rtoG 0320 Phase iii randomized study of whole brain radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery with versus without
temozolomide or erlotinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases.
rtoG 0614
PeNDiNG irb 1/8/09
oPeN cLiNicaL triaLs accePtiNG NeW PatieNts
a study to determine the effects of Memantine in preventing side effects for patients undergoing whole-brain
radiation therapy for brain metastases from solid tumors.
PHysiciaN ProFiLe WRITTEN by DoN Cox
dr. g
Dr. christos Galanopoulos
brings expertise, dedication
T
he name and tItles
aRe a lot to say,
espeCIally If you tRy
them all at onCe.
Christos a. galanopoulos, md, faCs,
hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gI surgical
oncology, general surgery.
too much? try this.
“dr. g.” that’s how he’s known to
patients, colleagues, friends and just
about everyone at Renown Institute
for Cancer.
Before that, he was “dr. g” in dallas.
Before that, he was “dr. g.” in sonoma,
Calif., las vegas and Chicago.
“for about the last 15 years, that’s
what people have called me,” dr.
galanopoulos said with a laugh. “It has
a little ring to it.”
dr. galanopoulos, who specializes in
gastrointestinal surgical oncology, joined
general & vascular associates in July after
a one-year fellowship in surgical oncology
at methodist dallas medical Center.
“having dr. galanopoulos’ expertise
available takes our program to a higher
level,” said linda ferris, phd, vice
president of the Renown Institute for
Cancer. “the community is very blessed
to have him relocate to Reno.”
dr. galanopoulos brings a needed
medical skill to northern nevada. he’s
a cancer surgeon specializing in the
digestive
system. Before
the fellowship
in dallas, dr.
galanopoulos
was director
of advanced
minimally
invasive
surgery at valley hospital in sonoma,
Calif. previous positions included
development of a surgical group in
Chicago, and a position with general
surgical associates in las vegas.
at Renown, dr. galanopoulos
is the Cancer liaison physician to
the american College of surgeons
Commission on Cancer. In 2002-2003
and again in 2004-2005, he was named
one of america’s top surgeons by the
Consumers
Research
Council of
america.
“I’ve
had family
members fall
through the
cracks and
die of cancer they shouldn’t have died
from,” dr. galanopoulos said. “I want to
prevent that from happening. I want to
“i want to have an impact
on the community.”
Dr. Christos Galanopoulos, MD,
Cancer Liaison Physician
have an impact on the community. the
goal is to treat (patients) like my own
family.”
dr. galanopoulos didn’t start out to
be a doctor. he was supposed to join
his dad and run the family restaurant,
zorba’s. at least that was the family plan
when he was growing up in Chicago.
But the plan changed.
“I decided to become a (doctor)
when I was a sophomore in college,”
dr. galanopoulos said. “my family was
surprised at first, but very supportive.”
In Reno, when he’s not at the
hospital, dr. galanopoulos and his wife,
michelle, enjoy the outdoors.
“having lake tahoe and the
mountains is just wonderful,” he said.
“I’m going to try to ski, as long as there’s
a spa visit at the end.” ■
renown.org 11

Renown institute foR canceR
12
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG
tomotherapy ® offers most
advanced treatment available
amazing patient benefits to new technology
A
CCoRdIng to eXpeRts, It’s the fIRst maJoR
advanCement In RadIatIon theRapy In
Roughly 50 yeaRs. It’s known as the tomotherapy ®
hi-art ® system, and it offers dramatic patient benefits.
Renown Institute for Cancer recently became the first and only
hospital in northern nevada to offer this leading-edge technology.
“Renown has joined the rare ranks of two percent of cancer
facilities worldwide that have tomotherapy ® ,” said eric Rost, md,
medical director of Radiation oncology at Renown Institute for
Cancer. “there are currently only about 200 of these units out there.”
prior to joining Renown in July 2008, and following a long
career in cancer care, dr. Rost served as a consultant, setting up 10
tomotherapy ® programs around the globe. he presided over the
fourth tomotherapy ® in the world, and helped develop many of
the standards and procedures for tomotherapy ® treatments.
“tomotherapy ® is not only easier on the patient, but it also
delivers better care. It’s much more cost-effective,” dr. Rost said.
Renown joURneY
tomotherapy ® offers unparalleled accuracy and precision in cancer
treatments. this breakthrough cancer technology treats the most
complex cancers in less time with fewer side effects.
“It’s a complete, integrated system that allows us to deliver imageguided
radiation with repetitive precision and accuracy.”
with a built-in Ct scanner, the tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system
allows physicians to view the patient in three dimensions, which
allows them to focus the radiation beam with extreme precision.
“each and every time we turn on the beam, we can see the
tumor and all the soft tissues, and we can see exactly what we’re
doing,” dr. Rost said. “the speed and accuracy of tomotherapy ®
help us spare healthy tissue. this means that patients have fewer
side effects and heal faster.”
typically, radiation is based on recent Ct scans, but the
tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system provides an image of the patient
during treatment. with surgical precision, doctors can deliver
radiation directly to the tumor without unnecessary exposure to
normal cells.
“due to the limitations of standard radiation, you can expose
more normal tissue to more radiation. this damages the
surrounding health tissue and limits the success of treatment,” dr.
Rost said. “with tomotherapy ® , we don’t have to worry about that
as much — the treatment is very easy to take.”
for patients, tomotherapy ® allows quicker recovery, along with
less pain and discomfort.
too often patients are told they cannot receive any more
radiation. with tomotherapy ® , repeat treatment can be given to
patients without the fear of overexposing surrounding healthy
tissue. “tomotherapy ® offers hope to patients who have previously
been told they have no other options,” dr. Rost said.
the benefits of the tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system also extend
to surgery and chemotherapy, two treatments that often go handin-hand
with radiation for cancer care.
“when you treat a patient with radiation and chemotherapy, the
chemotherapy can make you very sick” dr. Rost said. “Because
tomotherapy ® allows us to eliminate the harmful side effects
of radiation therapy, the patient is able to tolerate the effects of
chemotherapy and radiation together much better.”
“TomoTherapy ® is not only easier
on the patient, but it also delivers
better care.”
Eric Rost, MD, Medical Director of Radiation
Oncology at Renown Institute for Cancer
tomotherapy ® also offers benefits for surgery as well. standard
radiation often results in swelling, scarring and damage to normal
tissue, and performing surgery in such an inflamed setting can
lead to complications.
treating colorectal and esophogeal cancer
these advantages of tomotherapy ® are especially apparent
when dealing with colorectal and esophageal cancer.
“with colorectal cancer, because of the way our bodies are
built, there can be a lot of problems with swelling and healing.
tomotherapy ® eases the impact of cancer treatment in this sensitive
area, thereby increasing the odds of recovery,” dr. Rost said.
“with esophageal cancer, there is a high rate of the cancer
spreading inside and around the esophagus, as this is the only
organ tube in our body that does not have a membrane around
it,” dr. Rost said. “with tomotherapy ® ’s precision, we can get
radiation to sterilize all the surrounding areas, and we can do it
without effecting the heart, lungs and spinal cord by radiation.”
on top of limiting pain and tissue damage, a session on the
tomotherapy ® hi-art ® system goes fairly fast. tomotherapy ®
takes about 10 minutes per day, much shorter compared to
treatments on other technologies that range from 30 minutes
to two hours. additionally, tomotherapy ® offers patients a less
invasive treatment option. other technologies sometimes require a
surgical procedure to implant special markers or applicators before
the patient can begin radiation treatments.
tomotherapy ® can deliver radiation to a wide range of cancers,
including those of the head, neck, brain, spinal cord, ovaries, cervix,
endometrium, bone marrow, breast, prostate, lung, liver, colon, anus,
pancreas, lymph nodes, throat, stomach and digestive system. “any
and every patient with cancer can benefit from tomotherapy ® .”
In addition, tomotherapy ® is the only successful radiation
treatment available for mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of
the lining of the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavity. ■
For more information on the TomoTherapy ® Hi-Art ® System, visit
the Web site at www.renown.org/tomotherapy.
breakthrough cancer care
TomoTherapy is the most advanced radiation treatment
available to cancer patients. Here’s just a sample of how it
compares to other radiation treatment technologies such
as CyberKnife, Varian Rapid Arc, Novalis, Gamma Knife and
Elekta VMAT:
■ tomotherapy allows a doctor to view the tumor or
tumors in 3D. Most other technologies offer physicians
only a 2D view. This means that patients can receive
more accurate treatment with TomoTherapy.
■ tomotherapy is a less invasive treatment. Some other
technologies, including CyberKnife, require a surgical
implantation of metal markers into patients so that the
machine can detect the target area. TomoTherapy ® does
not require this invasive procedure.
■ shorter treatment times for similar tumors with
tomotherapy. Treatment time for TomoTherapy is 10
minutes, including patient set up, image registration and
correction.
■ multiple tumors can be treated at one time with
tomotherapy. other technologies require different
treatments for each tumor. TomoTherapy treats the
widest range of tumors and cancers.
■ tomotherapy delivers radiation in the most consistent
doses which translates into fewer treatments and
fewer side effects for patients.
■ tomotherapy can treat tumors of all sizes. other
technologies have certain treatment ranges; outside of
these ranges they lose their effectiveness increasing side
effects and recovery times.
eric c. rost, mD
Eric C. Rost, MD, is the Medical Director of Radiation oncology
at Renown Institute for Cancer. He earned his medical degree
from Northeastern ohio University College of Medicine. He
trained in Internal Medicine at George Washington University/
Providence Hospital. He also trained in Nuclear Medicine
and radiology at the Johns Hopkins University in baltimore.
His training in Radiation Sciences continued with Radiation
oncology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New york
and the University of Miami.
renown.org 13

Renown institute foR canceR
14
Feature WRITTEN by MIKALEE byERMAN
Is it in
the genes?
answers about cancer can be found
through genetic testing
I
t’s not often that a
spellIng mIstake In an
InstRuCtIon manual Can
Cause dangeRous Results. But
when the “instruction manual” is the
genes that comprise a human being, then
one spelling mistake can be catastrophic.
In fact, it can cause cancer.
this is the analogy made by genetic
counselors whose work involves trying to
discover a patient’s genetic predisposition
for hereditary cancer syndromes. while
only 10 percent of cancers are hereditary,
people at high risk for hereditary cancers
— those with a significant family history or
who have cancers that have been diagnosed
at an early age — can be genetically tested
to determine a way to manage their health.
Brandy smolnik, ms, a Reno-based
genetic counselor, describes discovering
hereditary cancer as looking for the
spelling mistakes in our personal
instruction manuals. “when there are
mistakes, a gene doesn’t work properly,
and cancer can result,” smolnik said.
the mistakes, she noted, are called
mutations. and while genetic testing is far
from perfect, it can give a patient peace
of mind — or the answers they’ve long
wondered about.
smolnik described 60% of cancers
as “sporadic,” meaning there is an age
and environmental influence; 30% are
familial, where several genes and the
environment can play a role; and only
10% are hereditary, meaning a single gene
mutation is at fault. genetic testing only
covers the cancers in this last category.
“primarily we are looking for hereditary
breast and ovarian cancer syndromes,
including male breast cancer, and
Renown joURneY
hereditary colon cancer syndrome
which can include cancers of the colon,
uterus or pancreas,” she said. genetic
counselors also assist with developing
a plan to maintain health and
screenings appropriately.
the testing process typically starts with
a patient who discusses cancer concerns
with a primary care physician. that doctor
may refer the patient to a practice like
smolnik’s, who works with Robert nathan
slotnick, md, phd, a medical geneticist at
perinatal associates of northern nevada
and medical director of genetics at
Renown Institute for Cancer.
“Brandy and I work together every
day,” dr. slotnick said. “we talk about our
patients’ concerns and develop a course of
action. this is the best way — to have a
genetic forum with a doctor and counselor
working together very closely on behalf of
the patient.”
Before beginning the genetic testing
process, a patient should spend time
investigating his or her own background
and history.
“the details make all the difference,” dr.
slotnick said. “those who come to us with
a lot of information about their own family
— when their mom was diagnosed, at what
age grandma died of breast cancer, etc.
— that gives us more to work with. many
of our patients also educate themselves
through their own research on the Internet
or talking with family members.”
genetic testing itself involves a simple
blood draw followed by the complex part:
a two- to four-week wait.
“Before we test, I’ll sit down with patients
and discuss the family history, assess the
situation and then explain the process,”
“reality is so much
better than denial.”
Mary Moffitt, after undergoing
genetic testing for breast cancer
smolnik said. “and regardless of the results, I’ll
always meet with the patient in person to offer
support and explain what happens next.”
that level of personalized service is
what provides comfort to patients like
mary moffitt. the 57-year-old minden
resident sought answers from smolnik and
dr. slotnick concerning her three bouts
with breast cancer that started at age 32.
“my mother died at 58 from breast
cancer,” she said. “my sister was
diagnosed at 40. so I talked to my doctor
about my concerns, and he asked if I
wanted to know if I carry the gene. that
led me to dr. slotnick and Brandy.”
But her initial genetic testing — the
most common variety, called a BRCa
1 and 2 test — came back negative.
smolnik, not satisfied with the result,
contacted other genetic counselors
throughout the country seeking
alternative suggestions. the outcome: a
positive result in a test for a rare condition
called Cowden syndrome.
“this diagnosis gave me the answers
I’ve been waiting for since 1983,”
moffitt said. “now that I know I have
this syndrome, a lot in my life makes
sense. the testing itself has been such a
wonderful experience.
“Reality is so much better than denial,”
she said. now we can move forward with
answers instead of more questions.”
after a history of multiple surgeries for
cancer, moffitt says the time she spent
going through genetic counseling has
been refreshing and rewarding.
“Brandy is such a great listener, and she
really spent time trying to understand my
history and explaining options,” she said.
“she left me to make my own decisions. I
only wish I had done the genetic testing
Patient mary moffitt discusses her genetic
testing results with brandy smolnik, ms, a
reno-based genetic counselor.
sooner, as I’m just relieved to have
the answers.” ■
r. Nathan slotnick, mD, PhD
R. Nathan Slotnick, MD, PhD, is Medical
Director of Genetics at Renown Institute
for Cancer and a Perinatologist at Perinatal
Associates of Northern Nevada. Dr.
Slotnick has a master’s degree in Molecular
Genetics from the University of Washington
and a doctorate degree from the State
University of New york, buffalo. He earned
his medical degree from the University
of Pittsburgh. Dr. Slotnick completed
his residency and Fellowship training at
University of California San Francisco.
renown.org 15

Renown institute foR canceR
16
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG
kid-centric
children’s infusion center eases the treatment process for young patients
L
ong hospItal vIsIts aRe not muCh fun
foR anyone, let alone ChIldRen and
teens. But young patients requiring infusion
therapy, such as chemotherapy or a blood transfusion, must
spend hours at a time receiving treatment.
Renown joURneY
to make that time as enjoyable as possible, Renown
Institute for Cancer and pediatric services is excited to
open the Children’s Infusion Center in spring 2009.
located in the sierra tower near pediatric specialty Care,
the new center will offer both comfort and convenience as
caroline Hastings, mD, medical Director of Pediatric Hematology and oncology at renown institute for cancer, visits with young patient
Heather Pauly.
“if these kids are going to be with us for four or eight or 10 hours at a
time, we need to have a place that meets their needs. This space is
set up so they won’t feel like they’re in a hospital all day.”
Caroline Hastings, MD, Medical Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
well as double the current capacity for children’s infusion
treatments. opening the Children’s Infusion Center further
confirms Renown’s reputation as a leader in pediatric
cancer care and hematology. It’s the only hospital in
northern nevada that offers comprehensive care for
childhood cancer.
Renown officials report that nearly 350 children
currently are living with cancer or blood disease in
northern nevada. Infusion therapy for these patients often
takes place two or three times a week, and each session
typically lasts one to eight hours or longer.
“we want the Children’s Infusion Center to be a
feel-good place,” said Caroline hastings, md, medical
director of pediatric hematology and oncology at
Renown Institute for Cancer. “we want to
accommodate a range of young patients who need
to be at the hospital for extended periods of time,
without actually being admitted.”
to help build the new Children’s Infusion Center,
Renown received a $25,000 grant from the keaton
Raphael memorial, a nonprofit group dedicated to
supporting local children with cancer and their families.
Creating a healing environment was key. the new
Children’s Infusion Center will provide young patients
with a dedicated area to recieve their treatment. Colors,
furniture and artwork were all designed with the children
in mind. the center features an open layout that allows
the staff to better interact with and observe patients,
dr. hastings said. Comfortable chairs will add to the
nurturing atmosphere. toys, games, books, blankets,
stuffed animals, a craft table, reading corner, tv
screens, dvd players, movies and video-game
consoles provide distractions.
“If these kids are going to be with us for four or eight or
10 hours at a time, we need to have a place that meets their
needs and is comfortable,” dr. hastings said. “this space is
set up so they won’t feel like they’re in a hospital all day.”
a large donation to the keaton Raphael memorial, made
by the family of a young patient who passed away, was
used to add these kid-friendly amenities to the Children’s
Infusion Center, including an array of books.
“In memory of that child, who was an avid reader, we’re
creating kylee’s korner, a library inside the Children’s
Infusion Center,” dr. hastings said.
Leading technology, close to home
the Children’s Infusion Center serves kids and teens with
all types of cancer including leukemia, as well as those
with tumors, blood, kidney or lung disease and other
major illnesses. treatment for these conditions often
includes infusion therapy, a method of giving drugs
or fluids.
“some forms of infusion therapy are for the actual
treatment of the cancer, such as chemotherapy,” hastings
said, “and others may be treating the side effects, like
antibiotics or fluids for infection or dehydration.”
according to lizzie dalton, executive director of the
keaton Raphael memorial, approximately 45 new childhood
cancers are diagnosed in northern nevada each year.
“once the Children’s Infusion Center is here, it will help
us get a better grip on what the numbers actually are for
childhood cancer in nevada,” she said. ■
If you wish to support the Children’s Infusion Center and
other forms of care for childhood cancer at Renown, please
contact the Renown Health Foundation at 775-982-5545.
caroline Hastings, mD
at Renown Institute for Cancer
Caroline Hastings, MD, is the Medical Director of
Pediatric Hematology/oncology at Renown Regional
Medical Center. She also serves as Director of Pediatric
Hematology/oncology Fellowship for Children’s Hospital
& Research Center oakland, where she practices as
pediatric hematologist/oncologist and pediatric neurooncologist.
She received her graduate education at the
University of California, Davis School of Medicine.
renown.org 17

Renown institute foR canceR
18
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG
Hala moddelmog,
President and
ceo of susan G.
Komen for the cure,
delivers the keynote
address at the first
Nevada cancer
control summit.
Joining
forces
Nevada cancer control summit
unites stakeholders in cancer care
Renown joURneY
mokIng CessatIon pRogRams, Colon-CanCeR
S sCReenIngs and healthCaRe foR the unInsuRed
weRe among the many topICs addRessed
at the nevada CanCeR ContRol summIt dec. 5 at the
peppermill Resort Casino. the event, held by the nevada Cancer
Council (nvCC) — a group of healthcare providers and stakeholders
throughout the state — is expected to become an annual event.
the summit was an important “check-in” point for the nevada
Cancer Control plan, which was put together and published two
years ago by the nevada Cancer Council. sheila Baez, Rn, mn,
aoCns, chair of the nevada Cancer Council steering committee
and Cancer program manager at Renown Institute for Cancer,
said participants were “looking at policy change at the state level
and how to improve quality of care and access to care for people
with cancer in nevada.” In addition to lobbying for tobacco
caNcer
QuicK Fact:
Lung cancer is the
most common cause
of cancer death
among men and
women in the
United States.
— State of Nevada
control efforts, the
nvCC is also working
to improve access to
care by publishing a
comprehensive statewide
resource guide for those
affected by cancer in
nevada. “educating
patients is key,” said Baez.
“each state has been
funded by the Centers for
disease Control to put
together and implement
a cancer control plan,”
Baez said. “now that
we have a plan, it’s
up to the providers
to make changes and
improvements.”
the plan addresses
the prevention, detection
and treatment of cancer,
as well as end-of-life
care and survivorship.
It sets goals in each
of those areas and
projected timelines for
reaching them.
three priority issues
under the nevada Cancer
Control plan include the
use of tobacco settlement
money for smoking
cessation programs;
increasing the rate of
colon cancer screenings
throughout nevada; and
improving access to care
for all cancer patients,
including the uninsured
and underinsured.
“the first nevada Cancer Control summit brought together
people from throughout the state who deal extensively with
these issues,” Baez said. “we also brought in people from other
states that have put together innovative and successful programs
addressing these areas.”
hala moddelmog, president and Ceo of susan g. komen for
the Cure, delivered a keynote address on access-to-care issues and
solutions. susan g. komen for the Cure is a foundation dedicated
to finding a cure for breast cancer.
“we also had a panel on national access-to-care issues, which
included hala moddelmog and was led by tom kean, executive
director of C-Change,” Baez added.
Composed of key leaders in cancer care, C-Change is based
in washington, d.C., and works to create policy change on the
national level.
“if we can identify cancer earlier, it’s
more curable. and if we can help our
poor and underinsured access care,
our cancer rates will go down.”
Sheila Baez, RN, MN, AOCNS,
Cancer Program Manager at Renown
and Nevada Cancer Council Chair
another summit panel focused on healthcare access in nevada.
experts in pediatric cancer care, minority cancer care and end-oflife
issues participated.
another Renown expert and panel participant, John gray, md,
focused on increasing colon-cancer screening throughout the state.
dr. gray is medical director of the Renown Institute for digestive
and liver Care, a physician with gI Consultants in Reno, and
leader of the nevada colon-cancer task force under the nevada
Cancer Council
“we also brought in dr. tim Byers, deputy director, Colorado
Comprehensive Cancer Center, where they have free colonoscopy
screenings for the underinsured, which they funded through their
tobacco tax,” Baez said.
the summit also included a discussion of nevada smokingcessation
efforts, as well as the role of tobacco settlement money
in funding these efforts. “tobacco Control in nevada: Current
program & Challenges” was led by Charlene howard, tobacco
prevention and education program manager for the nevada state
health division, and dileep Bal, md, district health officer for the
kauai district health office in hawaii.
“we wanted to look at how other states approached these
issues and what they did,” Baez said. “this summit was an
educational opportunity not to be missed for anyone dealing
with cancer patients.”
aside from educating stakeholders on the issues and goals
involved in the nevada Cancer Control plan, the summit served
as an evaluation of current efforts and a fertile ground for new
initiatives, along with input on proper funding.
“If we can identify cancer earlier, it’s more curable,” Baez said,
“and if we can help our poor and underinsured residents access
care, our cancer rates will go down.
“the overall goal of the nevada Cancer Council,” she added, “is
to improve quality of life and access to care for individuals with
cancer in the state of nevada.”
as chair of the nevada Cancer Council and Cancer program
manager at Renown Institute for Cancer, Baez believes that she
is in an ideal position to make great strides with the cancer care
provided in northern nevada. ■
For more pictures from the Nevada Cancer Control Summit, please
see the Community Outreach section on page 30.
For more information about NVCC, visit www.nevadacancercouncil.org.
renown.org 19

Renown institute foR canceR
20
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG
ahead of the trend
experts unite to treat digestive and liver cancers
T
hRoughout hIs 25-yeaR CaReeR, John gRay,
md, found hImself In a seRIes of fRustRatIng
sItuatIons. a specialist in digestive and liver care,
dr. gray dealt with patient cases on a regular basis that
would benefit from the input of other experts, such as surgeons or
oncologists.
whenever possible, he would reach out to these other experts
for discussion on complex patient cases. he also had doctors
coming to him, to hear his opinion on their own patient cases that
had ties to the digestive system or liver. however, finding time
for such in-depth discussions among busy physicians made this
spontaneous system at best hit-or-miss.
“It is frustrating when you come up with clinical issues that you
know you need to discuss with all your colleagues, but there is not
really a way to have that discussion,” dr. gray said.
Impelled to provide the best possible patient care, dr. gray
buckled down and began working with colleagues and hospital
administrators to create a diverse forum for doctors. today, the
Renown Institute for digestive and liver Care exemplifies this
latest approach to healthcare: Bring together an array of medical
experts to plan treatment for a specific disease, often on a case-bycase
basis.
since 2007, the Renown Institute for digestive and liver Care
has been one of the few centers in the nation that uses a team
approach to address digestive and liver diseases, including cancer.
“It’s a crucial way for us to improve the quality of care to our
community in the broad spectrum of digestive diseases,” said dr.
gray, medical director of the Renown Institute for digestive and
liver Care. “there are over 100 digestive diseases, and most are
treated by several different physicians.”
these digestive diseases span the spectrum from constipation
and peptic ulcers to colon and pancreatic cancer. Conditions
that affect the bowels, intestines, colon, esophagus, gallbladder,
pancreas, stomach and liver all fall under the umbrella of digestive
and liver disease.
the institute is dr. gray’s brainchild: from primary care
doctors, gastroenterologists and hospitalists to radiologists,
oncologists and surgeons, he hoped to create a forum for the host
of experts who deal with digestive and liver diseases.
caNcer QuicK Fact:
Regular use of established screening tests can
prevent the development of cancer by finding and
removing abnormalities.
Renown joURneY
— American Cancer Society
John Gray, mD, medical Director of the renown institute for
Digestive and Liver care.
dr. gray presented his vision for this institute to key leaders at
Renown roughly four years ago.
Renown health leaders, along with dr. gray, worked for about
three years to secure the technology, experts and organization
necessary to open the Institute for digestive and liver Care.
“we started out with a few projects we felt would benefit the
community most — areas that needed the most improvement,” dr.
gray said. “for instance, we know that in our community, colon
cancer screening compliance is lacking. the institute is working
with the nevada Colon Cancer task force to increase colon cancer
screening.”
addressing pancreatic cancer also has been a priority for the
institute. a complicated and potentially lethal disease, pancreatic
cancer requires top-notch care, including the most advanced
“it’s a crucial way for us to
improve the quality of care to our
community.”
John Gray, MD, Medical Director of the
Renown Institute for Digestive and Liver Care
technology and experienced physicians.
according to dr. gray, pancreatic cancer is especially dangerous
because it typically doesn’t create symptoms until the cancer
has grown large enough to spread — and by that time, it’s often
inoperable. he suggests screening for those who have a family
history of pancreatic cancer and also avoiding cigarettes, which
have been linked to this type of cancer.
the location of the pancreas within the body — close to several
key structures, like the stomach and liver — adds to the lethality
of the disease and increases the complexity of treatment and
surgery. fortunately, Renown Institute for digestive and liver
Care has stepped up to help patients with pancreatic cancer by
providing top-notch care.
“we’re setting up a pancreatic cancer center of excellence,” dr.
gray said. “we now have a very large team to develop protocol on
how best to assess and treat pancreatic cancer.”
the Institute of digestive and liver Care also is home to a stateof-the-art
technology known as endoscopic ultrasound, or eus,
which can be used to detect and provide detailed information on a
variety of digestive and liver diseases, including pancreatic cancer.
“eus did not exist in our community, and Renown was the
first to bring this new technology to nevada,” said alan olive,
administrator for Renown south meadows medical Center.
“purchasing this equipment, and hiring two physicians who are
experts in eus, was the first step in establishing the Institute for
digestive and liver Care.”
according to dr. gray, Renown is the only facility in nevada
that offers eus, a procedure that allows a doctor to obtain images
and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding
tissue and organs. “It’s the most accurate way to stage (pancreatic)
cancer and know if it’s operable,” dr. gray said. “the very best
pancreatic cancer surgeons won’t even consider working in a
facility without endoscopic ultrasound.”
with this top technology, Renown Institute for digestive
and liver Care has drawn these expert surgeons, along with
other experts, to become a center of excellence in the west for
pancreatic-cancer care. as such, the Institute is equipped to
participate in national research, giving patients access to the
newest care through clinical trials.
similar programs currently are under way for liver cancer, as
well as esophageal and colon cancer, as the Institute for digestive
and liver Care strives to become a center of excellence across the
board.
“we plan on addressing at some point all forms of digestive
cancer,” dr. gray said. “we addressed pancreatic cancer first
because we thought it had the most room for improvement.”
each disease-specific program within the Institute for digestive
the institute for Digestive and Liver care committee meets monthly.
committee chairs (pictured from left to right): Dr. chen,
Dr. Pezanoski, Dr. Nachiondo. (Not Pictured: Dr. Gray and Dr. Nason).
and liver Care is led by a physician with expertise in the treatment
of that particular disease.
“we have physician champions in each area — an expert or
sponsor who is leading each team,” olive said. “they, in turn,
work with a team of specialists to come up with best practices.”
Renown Institute for digestive and liver Care is at the leadingedge
of a healthcare trend that calls for physician collaboration in
the patient treatment.
“this approach really applies across all disease spectrums,” dr.
gray said. “It’s a fertile ground where we can get new ideas and
help solve major problems and ensure patients are receiving the
highest level of care.” ■
John F. Gray, mD, FacG
John Gray, MD, has specialized in gastrointestinal (GI) and liver
care for the past 25 years. He is the Medical Director of the
Renown Institute for Digestive and Liver Care and a physician
with GI consultants, both located in Reno. Dr. Gray has served
as President of the Washoe County Medical Society, former
Chief of Staff of Renown Regional Medical Center and Nevada
State Governor for the American College of Gastroenterology.
renown institute for Digestive
and Liver care committee chairs
John Gray, MD, Steering Committee Chair
and CME Subcommittee Chair
Daniel Nason, MD, Esophageal Subcommittee Chair
James Nachiondo, MD, Tube Team
Subcommittee Chair
Jon Pezanoski, MD, GI Bleeds Subcommittee Chair
Victor Chen, MD, Pancreatic Subcommittee Chair
renown.org 21

Renown institute foR canceR
22
Feature WRITTEN by RoSEANN KEEGAN
advanced
treatment tool
Pet/ct pairs the best of two technologies
I
n the past, doCtoRs tReatIng CanCeR often
weRe fRustRated tRyIng to matCh pet Images
wIth Ct Images to pInpoInt the loCatIon of
a tumoR. positron emission tomography (pet) is a test that uses
a special type of camera and a tracer, a radioactive chemical, to
look at organs in the body. a computed tomography (Ct) scan
uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the
body. alone, the two images don’t provide a complete picture of
the disease and its exact location. doctors would examine the two
Renown joURneY
separate images, and then estimate the tumor’s position.
today, doctors have the advantage of these two machines being
paired in one machine, the pet/Ct. the result ultimately benefits
patients with earlier diagnosis, more accurate understanding of the
cancer and how far it has spread, its exact position, and precise
treatment and monitoring. time magazine honored pet/Ct as
the medical science Invention of the year in 2000, noting that
the pet/Ct scanner has “provided medicine with a powerful new
diagnostic tool.”
rick Hodge, mD, radiology
and Nuclear medicine
specialist at renown, studies
a patient’s Pet/ct images.
the Pet/ct scanner is a
powerful diagnostic tool that
can benefit patients with an
earlier diagnosis.
“we can see changes in the
metabolism of the tumor.
we can see whether treatments
are working much sooner.”
Rick Hodge, MD, Radiology and Nuclear
Medicine Specialist
at Renown, this technology can accurately tell where the tumor
is. “we can see changes in the metabolism of the tumor. we can
see whether treatments are working much sooner,” said Rick
hodge, md, Radiology and nuclear medicine specialist at Reno
Radiological associates.
In one continuous, full-body scan, pet images show changes
in the body’s metabolism caused by the growth of abnormal cells,
while Ct images allow physicians to pinpoint the precise location,
size and shape of the tumor. the comprehensive results of a pet/
Ct scan give a treatment team the entire picture of what is going
on in the patient’s body.
accuracy matters
pet/Ct scans currently have three main applications: cancer,
heart disease and brain disorders. for cancer, the technology is
being used to assess tumor aggressiveness, to monitor the success
of treatments, for early detection of recurrent tumors, to provide
a whole-body survey for cancer that may have spread, and to
identify benign and malignant growths. pet/Ct scans are most
helpful in treating cancers of the lung, colon, esophagus, thyroid,
ovaries and the head and neck, as well as skin cancers, according
to dr. hodge.
this is how it works: Ct scanners send X-rays through the body,
which are then measured by detectors in the Ct scanner. the
computer processes those measurements to produce pictures of
the body’s internal structures.
the pet images begin with an Iv of fdg, a type of harmless,
radioactive glucose. metabolically active organs or tumors —
which indicate cancerous activity — tend to consume sugar at
high rates. these organs or tumors will show up in images as “hot
spots,” and often indicate rapidly growing tumors.
the entire exam at Renown typically takes an hour: 30 minutes
or more to metabolize the injection and 20-25 minutes in the pet/
Ct machine. the results provide detailed information to the patient’s
treatment team. In fact, following a pet/Ct scan, patient treatment
plans are changed almost 40 percent of the time. according to a
study by the national oncologic pet Registry, clinicians changed the
intended care of more than one in three patients as a result of scan
findings. this technology at Renown ensures patients are getting the
most accurate treatment based on current information.
“there have been several significant studies, especially in lung
cancer, that (show) the combined pet/Ct technique increases
accuracy in detecting lesions and has led to statistically significant
improvements in affecting patient outcomes,” dr. hodge said.
a few cancers aren’t as easily detected by the pet/Ct scans,
including prostate cancer, since the tumors are slow-growing and
not as metabolically active, dr. hodge said.
Personalized care
when doctors told Reno resident Jeanne mandella, 70, that they
wanted her to undergo a pet/Ct scan, she was a bit apprehensive.
“I was absolutely nervous,” she said.
mandella has recurring colon cancer that was first diagnosed in
January 2006. doctors recommended the pet/Ct scan after the
regular Ct scan failed to show if her tumor had grown.
she went through with that first pet/Ct scan and subsequent
others.
“they tell you what they are going to do,” she said. “they call
you on the phone the day before, tell you what to eat: no sugar,
just meat and eggs on the last day. I had apprehensions about
them injecting a medication in my arm and then having to lie still
while it went through my body, but I was ok.
caNcer QuicK Fact:
A third of all cancers could be cured through early
detection and proper treatment.
“you go into another room, then they put you through the
machine head first, slowly,” she added. “It does a real slow scan
in and out. then it goes in sections; the sections are three or four
minutes apart. I’m very claustrophobic, so I tell them every time I
go: ‘please talk to me.’ they say, ‘ok, you have this much time left,
you’re doing great.’”
mandella credits lynn Jarvis, Rn, and theresa peterson, patient
access Representative, for making her pet/Ct scans comfortable
and worry-free.
“you have to go in there and remember that these people are
professionals, and they do everything in their power to make you
comfortable and make you feel like a person,” she said. “you’re not
just laying there. they’re really kind to you.”
for mandella, the pet/Ct scans have been critical for
measuring the size and progression of her tumor.
“there’s no growth, and that’s a good thing,” mandella said. ■
Visit www.renown.org for more information about X-ray and
Imaging services offered at Renown Health.
richard G. Hodge, mD
Richard G. Hodge, MD, specializes in nuclear medicine and PET/
CT imaging and is a staff radiologist with Reno Radiological
Associates. He earned his medical degree from the bowman Gray
School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina, and served his residency at the University of New
Mexico. He also completed a fellowship in nuclear medicine
at the oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Hodge is board
Certified in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.
renown.org 23

Renown institute foR canceR
24
Feature WRITTEN by bRANDI SCHLoSSbERG
modeling the way
renown becomes an industry leader in physician-guided da vinci robotic surgery
S
InCe the maRCh 2008 aRRIval of
the da vInCI RoBotIC suRgICal
system, Renown health has
BeCome a natIonal Role model foR
thIs hIgh-teCh pRoCeduRe.
Renown was the first to bring da vinci technology
to northern nevada, and physicians have put the
sophisticated, minimally invasive procedure to use
for urologic, heart and gynecologic oncology.
“I think it’s phenomenal — it’s clearly an advancement
Renown joURneY
in care,” said peter lim, md, medical director of
gynecologic oncology at Renown Institute for Cancer.
“there’s a tremendous advantage for patients.” patients
benefit from reduced trauma to the body, quicker
recovery, shorter stay in the hospital, significantly less
blood loss, lower risk of infection, reduced scarring and
less post-surgery pain.
“I’m controlling the robot, and the robot uses very precise
movements, driven by the computer, as opposed to a surgeon
actually manipulating the instruments,” dr. lim said.
“This really is the wave of the future
for surgery.”
Peter Lim, MD, Medical Director of Gynecologic
Oncology at Renown Institute for Cancer
the da vinci robotics team, from doctors to nurses to anesthesiologists are highly specialized in physician-guided robotic surgery. renown
has become a model-site for other hospitals interested in starting a robotic surgery program.
dr. lim was the first Renown physician to operate
with the da vinci system, and he has since performed
more than 100 pelvic operations with this advanced
technology.
“uterine cancer, cervical cancer, early stage ovarian
cancer - these are all examples of conditions we’re
treating with robotic surgery,” he said. “we’re removing
the actual cancer itself and also assessing lymph nodes to
see whether the cancer has spread.”
Intuitive surgical, makers of the da vinci Robotic
surgical system, have asked dr. lim — a usC women’s
and Children’s hospital-trained physician — to serve
as an instructor for those learning to use the da vinci
Robotic surgical system.
In addition, Renown has become a model site for other
hospitals that hope to use the da vinci system with similar
success. at Renown, there is a specific operating room team
for each da vinci procedure, which allows for the utmost
expertise and efficiency with every operation.
“Intuitive surgical considers Renown a best practice
reNoWN team
Pat Cruz-Hernandez RN
Jane Dela Rosa RN
Laura Flynn RN
Donna Keisler RN
Heather Lim RN
Laurel Mengel RN
Karen Schrimpf RN
Stephanie Swartz RN
Rick Williams RN
Curt Ainsworth oRT
Kitty Florez CST
Mimi Longballa CSTFA
Virginia Soderquist CST
Robert Zumoff oRT
surGeoNs aND
tHeir staFF
Karen Abbott MD
hospital for people who want to learn how to start a
robotic program,” dr. lim said. “this really is the wave of
the future for surgery.” ■
For more information about the da Vinci Surgical System
at Renown, visit the Web site www.renown.org/davinci.
Peter Lim, mD, FacoG
Peter Lim, MD, is Medical Director of Gynecologic
oncology and the Center of Hope at Renown Regional
Medical Center. He is one of fewer than 1,000 boardcertified
gynecological oncologists in the nation. After
completing his obstetrics and gynecology residency at
University of Southern California Women’s Hospital, he
secured a highly competitive fellowship at the Mayo
Clinic in Minnesota. He has been in private practice
since 1997.
robotics team at reNoWN HeaLtH
John Freeman MD
Christos Galanopoulos MD
Elizabeth Hutson MD
Angelo Kanellos MD
Peter Lim MD
Terry McCaskill MD
Matt McCormick MD
Matrtin Naughton MD
Pam Netuschil MD
Richard Raefel MD
Athan Roumanas MD
Liz Kang PA-C
Kate Willenborg PA-C
Joe Ravelli oRT
aNestHesioLoGists
Peter billharz MD
brian brewer MD
Carrie buehler MD
Catherine burton MD
Gordon Curry MD
Silver Dwinell MD
Joann Ellero MD
Harry English MD
Daryl Fenio MD
Michael Glass MD
Henry Hicks MD
Matt Hoberg MD
David Kang MD
Keith Libert MD
Jay Markin MD
Shannon Martin MD
Paul Picetti MD
James Van Antwerp MD
John Wark MD
brett Winthrop MD
renown.org 25

Renown institute foR canceR
26
Feature WRITTEN by RoSEANN KEEGAN
leading the way
Nurses help patients navigate their journey
hen patIents leaRn they have a suspICIous
W lump In theIR Body, the news Can Be
oveRwhelmIng. processing that information is
frightening, and the next step of scheduling appointments and
procedures can add stress.
shelley nelson, Rn, oCn, is there for those patients.
nelson is a nurse at the Renown Institute for Cancer, and
works with those who have or may have colorectal and
digestive cancers.
“my job is to bring treatment options together, make sense
of it and smooth out the process so patients can focus on
getting through it physically and emotionally,” nelson said.
nurses at the Institute for Cancer help patients map out
their treatment plans by arranging all necessary appointments
when cancer is diagnosed or suspected, as well as offering
education and emotional support.
for nelson, this is more than a job. she lost both of her
parents to cancer, which fueled her passion to ensure all
patients receive prompt and compassionate attention to their
various needs during treatment.
“this is something close to my heart and something I’m
dedicated to helping people through,” nelson said.
as a part of the Cancer Concierge at the Institute for
Cancer, the nurses can also assist rural patients with lodging
accommodations and special rates for stays at the Inn at
Renown or other partner Reno-sparks hotels.
Renown joURneY
shelley Nelson, rN, ocN, helps colorectal and digestive cancer
patients with scheduling appointments, educational resources
and ongoing support through their journey.
the early and well-coordinated care offered by the nurses
helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the many
systems needed during the cancer journey. ■
For information, please visit www.renown.org/cancer or call the
Institute for Cancer at 775-982-6830.
renown Health acknowledges the efforts of the following
organizations who make genuine difference in the lives
of pediatric patients with cancer in northern Nevada:
american cancer society
775-329-0609
angel Kiss Foundation
775-323-7721
builder’s association charity
775-329-2424
Family ties
775-823-9500
For Kids Foundation
775-741-5231
Give Hope Foundation
775-329-HoPE (4673)
HaWc
775-329-6300
Keaton raphael memorial, inc.
775-327-6275
Leukemia & Lymphoma society
775-787-3300 • 800-410-8170
make-a-Wish Foundation
775-826-8008 • 800-525-9474
Nevada Parents
encouraging Parents
775-448-9950 • 800-216-5188
reno cancer Foundation
775-329-1970
ronald mcDonald House
775-322-HoME (4663)
the solace tree
775-324-7723
trauma research institute
775-544-1293
WeLcome WRITTEN by DAGMAR boHLMANN
new faces
renown institute for cancer
welcomes new physicians
MaRY
SchUltheiS, MD
colon and Rectal Surgeon
M
aRy sChultheIs,
md, deCIded to
speCIalIze In Colon
and ReCtal CanCeR because
the disease is highly curable.
the five-year survival rate is 90 percent for localized rectal
cancer that has not spread to other areas.
“If starting at age 50, everyone gets screened with a
colonoscopy — as every person should — there is a very
high chance for a good outcome,” she said.
Born in arlington, va., dr. schultheis grew up in silver
spring, md. she attended college at the university of
maryland and received her medical degree from Creighton
university school of medicine in omaha, neb.
after completing her residency in general surgery at saint
agnes healthcare in Baltimore, she began a fellowship,
which is an extra year in specialized training, in colon and
rectal surgery at the greater Baltimore medical Center.
dr. schultheis and went on to become board certified
in general surgery in 2007, showing her commitment to
continuing education.
at Renown she is allowed to practice in a setting in
which technology has changed the way we think about
cancer treatment, dr. schultheis said.
“I provide patients with state-of-the-art surgery,” she said.
“times have changed from when people had rectal cancer
and ended up with a colostomy and a bag.”
aside from hard work and dedication, dr. schultheis
acknowledges that success can be enhanced when working
as part of a top-notch treatment team.
“Colorectal surgeons work best within a treatment team
because the most effective treatment combines a variety of
therapies,” she said.
together with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists
and gastroenterologists, she designs and executes treatment
plans that utilize the most advanced technology and put the
patient first.
to stay healthy and in balance herself, dr. schultheis
finds stress relief in the northern nevada outdoors. with
her yellow lab puppy, Rufus, she hikes the scenic trails of
the mt. Rose wilderness.
“I came here because I love lake tahoe and the friendly,
more laid-back west Coast attitude,” she said. ■
Renown Regional Medical Center
Renown offers a Regional variety of Medical services Center and
offers dining a options variety of to services meet your and
dining needs options during to your meet visit. your
needs during your visit.
The BouTique
The BouTique
Women’s boutique with specialty products
Women’s for cancer boutique patients with such specialty as breast products forms,
mastectomy for cancer patients bras, Lindi such skin as breast care products, forms,
mastectomy scarves bras, and Lindi hair skin pieces. care products,
scarves and hair pieces.
SieRRa GifTS
SieRRa GifTS
Specializing in adorable mom and baby gifts.
Specializing offers an assortment in adorable of mom cards, and magazines, baby gifts.
offers an assortment balloons and of flowers. cards, magazines,
balloons and flowers.
Tahoe GifTS
Tahoe GifTS
Seasonal gifts, collectibles, note cards,
Seasonal gifts, and collectibles, flowers. note cards,
and flowers.
BuSineSS SeRviCeS
BuSineSS SeRviCeS
Convenient location for copies, fax, uPS
shipping Convenient and dry location cleaning. for copies, frontier fax, financial uPS
shipping Credit union and dry and cleaning. aTMs are frontier also available financial in
Credit union multiple and aTMs locations. are also available in
multiple locations.
DininG
DininG
Whether it’s a homestyle meal or a quick
treat, Whether we offer it’s a Remedee’s homestyle Restaurant, meal or a quick Sierra
treat, Cafe, we offer Ben Remedee’s & Jerry’s and Restaurant, Starbucks. Sierra
Cafe, Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks.
renown.org 27

Renown institute foR canceR
28
WeLLNess & PreveNtioN GuiDe*
your guide
to screenings
General screenings
during your physical exam, your physician may include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, lymph nodes,
and other types of cancer depending on your age, sex, family history and other risk factors.
General screenings age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments
Physical exam annually annually annually annually additional exams may be
necessary as your health
demands.
skin exam every other
year
breast cancer screening
Renown joURneY
annually annually annually More frequent exams may be
necessary depending on family
history and risk factors.
women at increased risk of breast cancer should talk to their doctor about the benefits and limitations of adding mRI
screening to their yearly mammogram screening.
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments
breast self-exam Learn by age
20. Monthly.
Monthly Monthly Monthly women should know
how their breasts
normally feel and
report any breast
change promptly to
their health providers.
breast exam by
Physician
every 3 years annually annually annually
mammogram usually not
needed
annually annually annually
cervical cancer screening
If you are over age 30 and have had three or more normal pap tests in a row, talk to your doctor about a revised test
schedule. women with certain risk factors may need to be screened more often; please speak with your physician.
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments
Pap/Pelvic exam annually,
beginning 3 years
after a woman
begins having
vaginal intercourse
or by age 21.
annually annually annually women 70 years of age or
older who have had 3 or
more normal Pap tests in a
row and no abnormal Pap
tests in the last 10 years
may choose to stop having
cervical cancer screening.
* American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer; http:// www.cancer.org.
colorectal cancer screening**
Beginning at age 50 (45 for african americans), both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should
use one of the screening tests below. If you are at moderate or high risk for colon cancer, talk to your physician about a
different test schedule.
screening age 18-49 age 50-75 age 76-85 age 86+
High-sensitivity Fecal occult
blood test (Fobt)
usually not
needed
sigmoidoscopy usually not
needed
colonoscopy usually not
needed
Lung cancer screening
annually Routine screenings
not needed – consult
your physician
every 5 years,
with highsensitivity
foBt
every 3 years
Routine screenings
not needed – consult
your physician
every 10 years Routine screenings
not needed – consult
your physician
Do not screen
Do not screen
Do not screen
the american College of Chest physicians recommends that individuals should only be screened with low-dose Ct in the
context of well-designed clinical trials. screening should only be performed when the clinician and patient are committed to
pursuing follow-up investigations, including serial imaging and possible surgical lung biopsy.
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments
Low-dose
Lung ct
usually not
needed
men’s cancer screening
consider if at
risk
consider if at
risk
consider if at
risk
Lung cancer ct screening may
be considered for those with a
history of smoking.
Both the prostate-specific antigen (psa) blood test and digital rectal examination (dRe) should be offered annually, beginning
at age 50. Information should be provided to all men about what is known and what is uncertain about the benefits,
limitations, and harms of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer so that they can make an informed decision about
testing.
screening age 18-39 age 40-49 age 50-64 age 65+ comments
Digital rectal
exam
usually not
needed
Prostate Psa usually not
needed
testicular
self-exam
Learn by age
20. Monthly.
usually not
needed
usually not
needed
annually annually Digital Rectal exam should
begin at age 45 for african
american males and those with
a family history.
annually annually Psa should begin at age 45 for
african american males and
those with a family history.
Monthly Monthly Monthly Be sure to follow up with
your physician if you have any
concerns.
**Colorectal Cancer Screening guidelines provided by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
renown.org 29

Renown institute foR canceR
30
c o m m u N i t y
Community outreach
renown institute for cancer reaches out to northern Nevadans
nevada cancer control Summit
Dec. 4-5, 2008
The nevada cancer council coordinates efforts aimed
at reducing new cancer cases and cancer related deaths
in the state. at its first cancer control summit, the
nvcc brought together healthcare providers and key
stakeholders to discuss key initiatives to improve the
quality of life for those affected by cancer. over 100 total
participants attended the first cancer control summit.
for the full story on the summit, please see page 18.
bill Welch, President of the Nevada Hospital
association, spoke about the current healthcare crisis
in Nevada and offered key areas for improvement.
sheila baez, rN, mN, aocNs, chair of the Nevada
cancer council speaks to the crowd about Nevada’s
cancer control Plan.
Renown joURneY
Kendall tenney, Kvbc Las vegas News anchor introduces panel members
during the Nvcc summit on Dec. 5. Panel members form left to right:
bill Welch, President, Nevada Hospital association; Katherine Dawson,
Palliative care coordinator, renown Health; and angela berg, rN,
candlelighters childhood cancer Foundation of Nevada.
Pictured from left to right, Paula Guzman, Jim miller, Jennifer bradley,
carl Heard, and Dawn Gibbons attended the cancer control summit viP
reception on Dec. 4.
i can cope
co-sponsored by the american cancer society, i can cope is a free, four-session course
designed to empower and encourage cancer patients and those who care about them.
Lectures include an array of topics from specialists such as an oncologist, oncology nurses,
social worker, registered dietician, and community resource experts. for more information
or to register for this event, please contact the institute for cancer at 775-982-6830 or the
american cancer society at 775-828-2208.
april 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 6 p.m. • renown Health Foundation conference room
Moms on the Run
Moms on The Run is a local non-profit organization created to raise money to assist local
women with breast and gynecologic cancers. All funds raised during the 9th annual Moms
on the Run will be donated to specific needs of women’s cancers in Northern Nevada. For
more information about the race, or to register, visit www.momsontherun.info.
may 10 • 7 a.m.
c a L e N D a r
events
Find out about cancer support groups and other events
Relay For life
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise
money for research and local ACS programs. During this overnight event, teams take turns
walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track
at all times during the event, representing the never-ending cause to find a cure.
relay for Life – university of Nevada, reno
april 2 • 5:00 p.m.
university of Nevada reno
relay for Lifeof reno/sparks
may 30 • 2:00 p.m.
bishop manogue High school
cancer
Support Groups
at Renown Regional
Medical Center
cancer support Group
775-982-6831
every thursday from
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Roseview Tower, Third Floor
Conference Room
Leukemia and Lymphoma
support Group
775-982-6831
first tuesday of the month
from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Roseview Tower, third floor
Conference Room
Look Good …Feel better
775-329-0609
third wednesday of the month
from 6 to 8 p.m.
Room 108-109, first floor, Center for
Advanced Medicine C (By Remedee’s)
Women’s breast and Gynecologic
cancer support Group
775-982-6831 or 775-982-6830
second and fourth wednesday of the
month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Roseview Tower, third floor
Conference Room
registration required
For more information, and to confirm
dates and times of meetings,
please call 775-982-6831.
Piano and art
Soft and soothing piano music can be heard playing in the Tahoe Tower lobby
every weekday. Please join us listen to this live music and view the beautiful
original artwork in the Tahoe Tower lobby during the following days and times:
monday at 9 a.m. – Don Glogovac
tuesday at 10:30 a.m. –
Don Glogovac
Wednesday at noon –
camilla Kenyon
thursday at noon –
Donna Folden
Friday at noon –
annemarie mctaggert
renown.org 31

Renown institute foR canceR
32
aNNouNcemeNts
what’s happening
a look at new programs and initiatives at the renown institute for cancer
Renown health receives the 2008 consumer
choice award
once again, Renown Health was the only hospital in
northern Nevada to be awarded with the Consumer Choice
Award as a most-preferred hospital for quality and image.
Renown Health has received this distinguished award for
five years in a row. National Research Corporation, the
sponsor of the award, is an independent firm that surveys
health consumers in over 250 U.S. markets about their
perceptions of healthcare experiences.
Room renovations near completion
Renovations of 1st Floor Sierra Tower patient rooms started
in late 2008. once complete, the unit will feature 27 private
rooms and two semi-private rooms for cancer patients. The
new rooms will feature two-tone floors, new furniture and
original artwork. Renovations are planned to be completed
in Summer 2009.
electronic Medical Records at Renown Regional
reduces the need for duplicate paperwork
Renown Institute for Cancer launched the paperless
segment of its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) initiative in
new infusion center features a healing environment
with spa-like amenities
Construction for the new Infusion Center is currently under
way at the Renown Institute for Cancer. The new Infusion
Center will feature organic and nature-inspired designs for
a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere where patients can receive
chemotherapy and other medications intravenously. Patients
will have the opportunity for privacy with 20 treatment alcoves
featuring private TV monitors and guest seating. Construction
is planned to be completed in Fall 2009. An onsite pharmacy
will facilitate patient interaction with the pharmacist who
prepared their infusion. Please visit www.renown.org/cancer
to take a virtual tour of the Infusion Center.
Renown joURneY
November. EMR allows key patient information to be more
accessible and more secure. The entire treatment team now
has simultaneous access to important patient information,
which means patients will receive the treatment plans
based on the most current information. This also means
that patients no longer need to fill out the same forms
multiple times.
new Volunteer Program helps cancer patients
The Art of Living Volunteer Program offers comfort and
support to individuals with advanced illnesses. Volunteers
assist hospitalized patients by providing companionship to
those patients most in need. Volunteers can read, talk, play
cards, listen to music or simply watch TV with patients. To
learn more about the volunteer program, please call the
Institute for Cancer at 775-982-6830.
ask the cancer expert
Ask the Cancer Expert is a new, free service to the public.
Anyone can submit a cancer-related question and the
experts at the Institute for Cancer will provide a response
within 10 business days. To submit your question, please
visit www.renown.org/cancer.
View of the treatment alcoves
Alternate view of the treatment alcoves View of the reception desk
For the latest information about the Renown Institute for Cancer, please visit www.renown.org/cancer.
Architecture and Interior Design: HMC Architects Renderings: HMC Architects

Street
arking
nly
Kirman
R E s o u R c E s
Finding
your Way
Directions to the Renown
Institute for cancer
Institute for Cancer
Parking Only
Pringle
Sierra Tower
■ From U.S. 395, exit at Glendale Avenue/East Second Street (exit 67)
and go west.
■ Cross Kietzke Lane (Glendale Avenue becomes East Second Street).
■ Turn left at Manuel/Pringle Way.
■ Follow the signs to park in Second Street parking. Additional selfparking
is available outside by the Institute for Cancer Entrance for
cancer patients.
■ Patient drop-off is available at the Institute for Cancer Entrance.
■ Enter the Roseview Tower through the Institute for Cancer Entrance,
ground level.
ATM
Cancer resource Directory
Find what you need at the Renown Institute for cancer
Institute for Heart
& Vascular Health
Mill Street
Entrance
Institute for
Heart & Vascular
Health Entrance
Tahoe Tower
Renown ReGIonaL MedIcaL cenTeR .........................775-982-4100 Lung cancer Program ...........................................................775-982-5847
Renown SouTh MeadowS MedIcaL cenTeR ...........775-982-7000 Lymphedema Program .........................................................775-982-5003
Renown heaLTh FoundaTIon .....................................775-982-5545 neuro cancer Program ........................................................775-982-5847
Pediatric Specialty care .......................................................775-982-5123
ATM
Renown InSTITuTe FoR canceR ..................................775-982-6830
Breast nurse navigator .......................................................775-982-4973 RehaBILITaTIon TheRaPy ................................................775-982-5001
cancer nursing unit .............................................................775-982-5626
EMERGENCY Renown Rehabilitation hospital ..........................................775-982-3500
cancer Resource center .......................................................775-982-6830
Entrance Renown Skilled nursing .......................................................775-982-5140
clinical Trials ..........................................................................866-513-8227 home care.............................................................................775-982-5860
Gastrointestinal nurse navigator .......................................775-982-6830 wound care ...........................................................................775-982-5003
Infusion Services ...................................................................775-982-4977
Lung nurse navigator ..........................................................775-982-5847 Driving oTheR Directions uSeFuL to nuMBeRS 2nd Street Parking
neuro nurse navigator .......................................................775-982-5847
Access to:
acupuncture
Roseview
(howard
Tower,
chen,
Same
Md)
Day
.......................................775-982-8255
Surgery,
Patient concierge .................................................................775-982-6830 Breast health center ............................................................775-982-8100
Institute for Cancer, Center for Advanced Medicine B,
Radiation Therapy .................................................................775-982-5638 care coordination (case Management) ..............................775-982-4187
Center for Advanced Medicine C.
Registered dietician .............................................................775-982-3536
Parking
Financial counseling .............................................................775-982-5495
From US 395:
Social worker ........................................................................775-982-6831 health hotline ............................775-982-5757 or 888-372-0758 (toll-free)
1. Exit
Longs
at Glendale/E.
Pharmacy ....................................................................775-982-5060
2nd Street (exit 67).
ATM ATM
canceR PRoGRaMS
2. From Renown US 395 Behavioral northbound, health turn ...................................................775-982-5756
left. From US
Breast cancer Program ........................................................775-982-4973395
The southbound, Shops at Renown turn right.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer Program .................................775-982-6830 3. Cross (for Kietzke breast forms Lane and (Glendale headwear) Ave. .......................................775-982-5075
turns
Gynecologic cancer Program ..............................................775-982-6826into
X-Ray E. 2nd & Imaging Street). ...................................................................775-982-8100
4. Turn left at Manuel/Pringle Way.
5. Enter the Renown Regional Medical
Center campus.
6. Follow the signs to the 2nd Street Entrance or
Renown Regional
Pringle Way
Renown.oRg 33
Cent
Med

One amazing place for lung care.
The human lung is amazing, and it deserves the care of an amazing healthcare network like Renown.
Caring for such a complex organ requires an amazing level of skill, expertise and technology – and that’s
what you will fi nd at the Renown Institute for Cancer. For 22 years, Renown has been nationally
accredited as a comprehensive cancer center.
And because Renown believes early detection is crucial to lung health, we are offering an affordable lung
cancer screening. Using a CT scanner, this screening can detect cancer at its earliest and
most treatable stage. This innovative screening is only $95 for those that
meet the screening criteria. A physician referral is not needed.
Breathe easier. Schedule this screening today.
Call 866-513-8227 or visit renown.org/breathe.
SKILL. EXPERTISE. TECHNOLOGY.
7 7 billion billion breaths breaths in in a a lifetime lifetime
2 2 million million red red blood blood cells cells produced produced per per second second
1 1 set set of of lungs lungs that that fuel fuel your your body body and and cells cells