From left to right: Ashley Wood, WRMC Cancer Care Clinic Supervisor; Dr. John Allgood, Radiation Oncologist; and Chelsey Davis, Oncology Nurse Navigator
The WRMC Cancer Care Center, an affiliate of White River Health System, has received certification to provide new radiation treatments, Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). These treatments reduce the required visits for radiation therapy. Prior to their certification, patients of the area would have to travel to Jonesboro or Little Rock to receive SRS or SBRT. This new certification reduces travel and allows cancer patients to stay close to home during their treatment.
SRS is used to treat cancers that have spread to the brain. SBRT is typically used to treat cancers such as lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Other cancers that have spread to the lungs, liver, adrenal glands, or spine may also be treated with SBRT. These treatments are delivered with devices called linear accelerators using higher doses per treatment and provide greater precision during treatment.
Typical radiation treatments can last for several weeks and can delay chemotherapy and other cancer treatment. Stereotactic treatments allow patients to finish treatments in a short period. They can also lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects. Stereotactic treatments will be provided to patients based on the Radiation Oncologist’s recommendation.
The Cancer Care Center is located at 525 Virginia Dr. in Batesville. The clinic is open Monday through Friday. Due to COVID -19 pandemic, White River Health System is taking extra precautions to ensure the safe delivery of medical care. For appointments not requiring treatment, patients can utilize WaveLink, WRHS’s telehealth service. If the patient needs to be seen in the clinic, patients are asked to call in advance and wait in their car until the staff calls them back for their appointment. Each patient is screened before entering the clinic and all staff and patients are to wear masks during the appointment. The staff is deep sanitizing between each patient and has spaced out appointments to allow for additional cleaning.
