Greg Damron Chief Financial Officer | MU Health Care
Greg Damron Chief Financial Officer | MU Health Care
University of Missouri Health Care is now providing targeted chemotherapy options for patients with advanced colorectal and abdominal cancers. New treatments, Hepatic Arterial Infusion (HAI) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), are available at their Ellis Fischel Cancer Center in Columbia.
HAI is a chemotherapy technique specifically for colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver. It uses an implanted pump to deliver high-dose chemotherapy directly to the liver. "What makes HAI unique is that it pumps the chemotherapy directly to your cancer cells and limits exposure to other parts of the body," explained Dr. Vikas Satyananda, a surgical oncologist at MU Health Care. Studies indicate that patients undergoing HAI have better survival rates, fewer side effects, and an improved quality of life.
Complementing HAI, HIPEC is aimed at cancers in the abdominal cavity. After tumors are surgically removed, a heated chemotherapy solution is applied to the abdominal area to target and kill remaining cancer cells. This treatment method also results in fewer side effects for patients compared to traditional options.
With these treatments now accessible locally, patients in central Missouri can avoid travel to St. Louis or Kansas City for care. "We are committed to moving cancer care forward by bringing innovative cancer treatments to patients here in central Missouri," said Dr. Gerhard Hildebrandt, director of the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. He emphasized the importance of local care by stating, "We believe local care is often the best care, which is why are so excited to be able to offer our patients these highly advanced cancer therapies right here at Ellis Fischel."
Post-treatment, MU Health Care will support transitions back to local providers, ensuring continuity of care. "Our top priority is to provide patients with the most effective oncology treatment, tailored to their needs," Hildebrandt affirmed. He also noted the importance of collaboration with referral partners to keep advanced cancer treatments accessible nearby.
For further information regarding these treatments at MU Health Care, patients are encouraged to seek more insights.
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