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Best of Manhattan Award goes to The Farber Center

January 4th, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology Receives 2011 Best of Manhattan Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, December 10, 2010 — The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology has been selected for the 2011 Best of Manhattan Award in the Medical Centers category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com
URL: http://www.uscaaward.com

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Radiation Treatment for Parotid Cysts at The Farber Center

December 12th, 2011

The development of parotid gland lymphoepithelial cysts in the early stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered a precursor to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Parotid enlargement greatly affects the quality of life of these patients. Many patients may experience emotional and psychological distress due to discrimination in personal and work relations as a result of their facial disfigurement.
Standard treatment for this disorder has been superficial parotidectomy, repeated fine-needle aspirations or observation alone. There is also another option. A brief course of low dose radiation therapy offers many advantages over surgery. Operative morbidity and mortality are avoided, and personnel are not exposed to HIV-infected body fluids.

What is Radiation Therapy and how does it work?
Radiation therapy is the use of high energy x-rays to destroy dividing cells. In this case it works just like a regular X-ray only it uses higher energy.

Is Radiation Therapy safe?
Radiation has been used successfully to treat patients for more than 100 years. It is used for cancer and benign diseases. Many advances have been made to ensure that radiation therapy is safe and effective. Before you begin receiving radiation therapy, your radiation team will carefully tailor your plan to make sure you receive safe and accurate treatment. Treatment will be focused in the parotid region, sparing the healthy tissue around it. Throughout your treatment, members of your team check and re-check your plan. Special computers are also used to monitor and double-check the treatment machines to make sure the proper treatment is given. Radiation therapy will not make you radioactive after treatment.

What should I expect during treatment?
The actual treatment takes only minutes from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
Every day, the radiation therapists will assure correct position, including the use of the immobilization device if that is a part of treatment. Once correct placement is assured, the therapists will leave the room and go to the control area to closely monitor you on a television screen.  There is a microphone in the treatment room so you can always talk with the therapists.  Each session is painless; you don’t see it, taste it, or smell it; it is just like getting an X-ray.   You will be on the treatment table for 10-15 minutes; most of this time is spent setting you up. You will go home/work directly after completion of your treatment and return to a normal routine.
Treatments are scheduled five days a week, Monday through Friday, for two to three weeks.

What should I expect post-treatment
The response to treatment is rapid. The parotid gland becomes soft and fluctuant by the third or fourth treatment and regresses almost completely within 1 month.

Here is a link to the journal article where the pictures below were taken from

example of before treatment and 2 months after treatment

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Lung Cancer Treatment at The Farber Center

November 7th, 2011

Elekta Infinity with VMAT

Our Elekta Infinity with VMAT technology system offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery and traditional radiation therapy for people that have been diagnosed with lung cancer or tumors that have spread to the lungs. We are the first and only treatment facility in NYC to offer Elekta VMAT technology, which uses the most sophisticated 3D imaging and intensity modulated radiation therapy that helps conform the radiation beams to the shape of your tumor. This next-generation therapy allows the radiation to be delivered precisely to the intended area with state-of-the-art image guided techniques, allowing clinical staff to spare more surrounding healthy tissue and better avoid nearby critical anatomy. Sophisticated monitoring tools such as body laser scanning further enhance precision by monitoring treatment in real-time to ensure that the dose is delivered as precisely as the radiation oncologist prescribes it. The flexibility to deliver treatments in uninterrupted rotations of the linear accelerator allows for faster treatment times (often as little as 7 minutes per day).

We are also the first and only in NY to offer the same state-of-the-art system used by renowned MD Anderson’s BrainSuite. Anatom-e combines the best anatomic atlas’, the best papers that define standards of care, and treatment guidelines with CT scans. This allows our radiation oncologists a second check in developing a precise plan that avoids potential anatomical structures that if treated may contribute to side effects. We are part of a research collaboration that allows us access and participation in ongoing protocols.

Why Choose Radiosurgery with Elekta Infinity for Lung Cancer?
It’s Painless.
Non Invasive.
Requires No Anesthesia.
It’s an outpatient procedure which is completed in only five treatments.

We are Manhattan’s first freestanding radiation oncology treatment center completely conceived with your comfort and well-being in mind. Here you can relax by the fireplace, slip into a plush robe in your own private dressing room, and take in the peaceful calm of our beautiful flora aquarium. To us, the tranquility of a spa-like setting is part of your healing process. But the real comfort of being at The Farber Center is knowing that you’re treated by Ivy League-trained physicians with the most advanced radiation technology, which means faster treatment, fewer side effects, and a greater potential for cure.

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What to do when the hair is gone

October 24th, 2011

Follea Wig


Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. For others, losing their hair makes them feel raw, and exposed. What is most important to know is that what ever your choice, you should know that some insurance companies will reimburse women for the purchase of a medical cranial hair prosthesis (wig).
Most insurance companies will require a prescription from your physician or oncologist for a medical cranial hair prosthesis. Many of the companies will not cover wigs and it will be important to have the correct wording (medical cranial hair prosthesis) in the prescription in order to get reimbursement.
It is also suggested that you obtain a letter of medical necessity from your physician, oncologist, or dermatologist. This will be an explanation of the need for the medical cranial hair prosthesis and the medical cause for the loss of hair. It will also be necessary to provide a paid receipt for the medical cranial hair prosthesis for the insurance company.
Information necessary for insurance reimbursement:
A prescription for a medical cranial hair prosthesis from your physician
A letter of medical necessity from your physician
A paid receipt for the medical cranial hair prosthesis
A confirmation of prosthetic coverage from the insurance company

Since a wig is not everyone’s choice below are some wig options and alternatives:

www.caringandcomfort.com
A unique option is to use your hair or donated hair to make your own wig. You can send just one head of hair (one ponytail) and they will match the color and texture to provide the rest needed to complete the wig. (About 3 heads of hair are used to make each wig.)

www.follea.com
A great choice for women is the Gripper-2 Cool which features a hand-tied lace top, with small open lace-front. They chose to incorporate a soft-lined, close-wefted back that passes the “hairdryer test”. That is, if you blow a hairdryer (or a strong wind) on the back of your head, you don’t see the wefts. In order to accomplish this they have almost doubled the density in the back top and side sections just below the crown, in comparison to the original Gripper Cool. The advantages of this design include allowing more air to pass through to the scalp, to keep the wearer cool, as well as letting the style lay closer to the back of the head. It also vastly reduces the risk of hair inverting through the cap compared to an all hand-tied back.follea gripper
In NYC you can get them from:

Michelle Duncan
380 Lenox Avenue Ste 3A
New York, NY 10027
917-733-4160
www.charlesduncanbeaute.com

http://www.y-me.org
The Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget just won’t stretch to cover the cost of those items. Contact them to find out where the closest affiliate office is located that has a Wig Bank. The NBCO offices often have salons where women can try on items before taking them home.

http://andrewdisimonewigs.com
American Cancer Society volunteer and NYC veteran hairstylist, Andrew DiSimone offers the largest selection of all hand tied wigs in New York City and complementary 24 hour drop off wig servicing at his NYC hair salon for as long as you need to wear it. Wigs by Andrew Disimone are revolutionary hair systems with graft technology – not old style weft design. Each hair loss system is essentially a stocking thin layer of skin or lace with human or synthetic hair tied to it one at a time! They have an easy on/off design that allows your own hair to grow underneath. No tapes or bond to hold them on, and they fit incredibly well. A custom mold of your head can be made, plus you can request any hair texture, color and length up to 20″.

http://www.4women.com/
BeauBeau® head scarves are designed specifically for hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia or other medical conditions. They’re unique, fashionable and versatile!

Choose head scarves from Soft rayon, delicate silk, workout fabrics, headwarmers – lined with exquisitely soft cotton. Their chic cancer scarves focus on uniqueness over mass production, creating beautiful cancer headwear to compliment your wardrobe from casual to elegant.

http://www.forzieri.com
For luxury head scarves from designers like Missoni and Cavalli this site is great.

http://www.headcovers.com
This site was created by a breast cancer survivor and has some great sleep caps and hats.

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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Integrative therapy at The Farber Center

October 17th, 2011

We have partnered with Urben Zen to provide Integrative therapy to all our Farber Center patients on treatment. What is an integrative therapy session? There are specific yoga therapies, Reiki therapy, and Oil therapy that deal with different aspects of the symptoms of all diseases. Urben Zen has designed the following yoga therapies to assit with the symptoms of pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation and exhaustion. These therapies will now be provided at The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology:

IN-BED MOVEMENTS
Helps to relieve anxiety, improve circultion, minimize constipation, and decrease insomnia
RESTORATIVE PROCESS
Enhances circulation, digestion and respiration
BREATH AWARENESS
Assists in dealing with pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and constipation
BODY SCANNING
Meditation assists in minimizing pain and releasing anxiety

What is Reiki?
Reiki treats the whole person- emotionally, physically, & spiritually- creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings for peace, security and well-being.

What is Essential Oil Therapy?
Essential oil therapy promotes a general sense of well being by promoting relaxation to relieve stress and anxiety as well as assisting to minimize insomnia, nausea, and pain.

The voice of the patient should be listened to and heard. Please take a moment to watch this video to learn why Urban Zen was inspired to make healthcare and well-being an initiative of great.

And when your cancer treatment is over The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology has joined forces with Urban Zen’s integrative therapy program (UZIT) and created OHE (optimal healing environment) classes to create a place/space where you can explore the issues that brought you treatment and to do what you can to prevent you or your loved ones from going through it again.

The 4-week integrative program is targeted to EMPOWER the cancer patent to get the best treatment of mind, body and sprit.

Program:
Initial consultation: with one of our physicians to review the overall scope of the program, the concept of functional medicine, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, “knowing your numbers,” and introduction of “Daily Health Log.” There are no out of pocket expenses for Farber Center patients.

Week 1: Nutrition/Zen*
Discuss various dietary options and specific guidelines for CA patients, esp related to preventing recurrences. Dieting,Supplements, Juicing, Fiber, etc.

Week 2: Movement/Zen*
Explore physical activity with emphasis on yoga

Week 3: Mind/Body/Zen*
Tools for stress reduction and empowerment

Week 4: Guest Lectures/Zen*
Nutrition, Stress Reduction, Adrenal Fatigue,Inflammation, Immunity,

*Zen: each week will include guided meditation and yoga practice with therapist from the Urban Zen integrative therapy program. The UZIT program is a 12 month program that includes training in yoga therapy, essential oil therapy, Reiki, nutrition, and contemplative care giving to addresses the key patient symptoms of PANIC- pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and exhaustion.

To find out more about the program or to register for our October 18th class please contact The Farber Center at 212 300-0663

FALL SCHEDULE

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Posted in Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Skin Cancer

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New 5 Day Non Invasive Treatment for Breast Cancer

October 11th, 2011

As you might recall The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology was the first in NYC to treat patients with AccuBoost, an image-guided treatment for breast cancer. The process uses digital mammography for localization and surface applications for the delivery of radiation. Prior to AccuBoost, partial breast irradiation treatment was performed via invasive techniques such as employing multiple protruding catheters or with inflatable balloon devices implanted into the breast. AccuBoost is the first technology to allow High Dose Rate (HDR) treatment of breast cancer in a Non-Invasive way.

Now The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology will take part as a clinical site with Brown University Oncology Group in an AccuBoost Study designed to evaluate the toxicity, recurrence, and cosmetic outcome of AccuBoost as a form of non-invasive accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). The faculty in the department of Radiation Oncology at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University is among international experts in partial breast irradiation and has had expertise in this field that spans several decades. We are proud to be working with them.

Whole breast radiation therapy as a standard technique for adjuvant RT following breast conservation surgery is typically daily treatments for 3.5 weeks to 6.5 weeks. The AccuBoost accelerated partial breast irradiation reduces the volume of breast tissue treated and surrounding organs (heart, lung), in a shorter treatment time (10 treatments over 5-10 days). Patients can be treated twice a day for 5 days or once a day for 10 days in place of whole breast radiation therapy.

We will be looking for patients to participate in the study that fill the following criteria:
Patients referred for adjuvant radiation therapy who are diagnosed as early stage node negative hormone receptor positive with:

1. A confirmed histological diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma or DCIS
2. Age greater or equal to 50 years old
3. Treated by breast conserving surgery with axillary node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy

If you are interested in participating in the study please contact The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology at 212 300-0663 to schedule a consultation.

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OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK

October 6th, 2011

OHNY

Open House New York will be held this year on October 15 and 16, with private residences, commercial space (The Farber Center included), hotels, unbuilt corners of parks, and architects’ offices opening their doors to the public. This is the 9th annual open house New York weekend.

OHNY weekend offers you rare access and insight into hundreds of architecturally and culturally significant sites in all five boroughs. This annual weekend of urban exploration and architectural discovery also includes free talks; fun youth and family activities; and tours on foot, bicycle, and even by canoe.

Some of those spots require reservations, and OHNY’s reservation system is officially open. The full list of sites for the weekend can be downloaded here: OHNY LINK The OHNY website is a little slow this a.m. as the rush to reserve a spot continues, so be patient, here is the link to register: OHNY.

You can see below that The Farber Center will have open dialogue tours with the architect from 12:30pm to 2:30pm Saturday October 15th and Sunday October 16th.

The Farber Center part of OHNY

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77WABC Breast Cancer Expert

October 4th, 2011

Dr. Marnee Spierer from The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology is now 77WABC’s Breast cancer expert. Please watch as Dr. Spierer talks about what a breast cancer patient should know.

To learn more about breast cancer please visit The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology here: The Farber Center
To visit 77WABC breast cancer page go here: 77WABC

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5 Day Prostate Cancer Treatment

September 26th, 2011

When you are researching prostate cancer there are a lot of treatment options out there and I highlighted them in a previous blog. What I would like to highlight today is a 5 day course of treatment.

What is a 5 day course of treatment? It is a five-day, non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer (called “stereotactic body radiation therapy” or “SBRT”). SBRT is a specialized form of IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) that delivers high doses of radiation over a period of five days. Instead of giving small doses of radiation each day for several weeks, SBRT involves delivery of very focused beams of high-dose radiation. Several beams are aimed at the tumor from different angles. When for other cancers it is delivered in a single fraction it is known as stereotactic body radiosurgery. Like other forms of external radiation, these treatments are painless.

Currently there are nuances determined by which machine you are treated on. Cyberknife is one machine, another is Elekta Infinity which is what we have here at The Farber Center.

TOTAL TREATMENT TIME: 45 minutes on CyberKnife vs. 20 minutes on Elekta Infinity.

TREATMENT PLANNING: Both CyberKnife and Elekta Inifinity use Monte Carlo based dose calculations. Unlike other planning software programs that use theory models to calculate dose, Monte Carlo is statistical planning and the most accurate. Because Elekta Infinity utilizes a multileaf collumater, which can change shape instantaneously we can mimic the shape of the prostate as seen from different beam angles better, compared to the circular aperture in a CyberKnife system. This will reduce the normal tissue being irradiated from various gantry angles. Thus we can achieve better DVH (Dose Volume Histogram) with LINAC based prostate SRT compared to CyberKnife.

TARGETING THE PROSTATE: None of these machines can track the motion of the prostate throughout treatment AND adjust delivery accordingly. The CyberKnife System uses invasively implanted fiducials as reference points to identify the exact location of the prostate. Patients will wait approximately one week after insertion of the fiducials before CyberKnife treatment planning can begin to ensure that fiducial movement has stabilized.

At The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology we have a completely non-invasive approach to targeting the prostate. We use a RadiaDyne balloon. The balloon acts primarily as an immobilizer reducing the daily variations in location of the prostate, and allowing the rectum and prostate to be positioned in a more predictable and reproducible location during the treatment course. Because of the decreased probability of the prostate moving out of the treatment fields, smaller treatment margins around the prostate may be used. This will have the effect of lowering the radiation dose to the normal tissue surrounding the prostate and lowering the incidence of potential side effects to normal tissues. We also take a second Cone Beam CT Scan in the middle of treatment to verify the position of the prostate. This together with the placement of the RadiaDyne ballon ensures consistency in the location and motion of the prostate during the course of treatment. Due to the fact that we can complete a entire treatment including setup and imaging in under 20 minutes, the amount of prostate motion documented from studies (Both, et al) is kept at a clinical minimum.

KEY POINTS with Elekta Infinity:
5 Day Treatment
No need for surgical procedure
No Hormones
Better bladder DVH
Higher Rate of Erectile Function Preservation
CBCT to see prostate/rectum interface

In my opinion, the most important factors in selecting the right team are the reputation, training and experience of the radiation oncologists and their support staff (physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, nurses, etc.) in treating prostate cancer using SBRT.

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77WABC’s Prostate Cancer Expert

September 19th, 2011

Dr. Leonard Farber from The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology is now 77WABC’s prostate cancer expert. Please watch as Dr. Farber talks about what a prostate cancer patient should know.

Please go here 77WABC to learn the key statistics for prostate cancer.

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