Saint Peter's University Hospital
254 Easton Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732/745-8600
www.saintpetersuh.com
Saint Peter's University Hospital has been caring for people with cancer for more than 40 years. We offer the most advanced technology, medications, and surgical procedures available today. Just as important, we're here to support our patients and their families in every way we can. Our full range of services includes support groups and highly skilled staff who also understand the emotional side of cancer.
The Cancer Program
The Cancer Program at Saint Peter's is a full-service program. Every aspect of diagnosis and treatment is available including:
- Inpatient care
- Outpatient infusion (chemotherapy)
- Medical oncology
- Radiation therapy
- Breast care program
- Prostate seed implantation
- Gynecologic oncology
- Head and neck cancer program
- Pediatric hematology and oncology
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Genetic counseling and testing
- Radiology, including ultrasonography, mammography, computerized tomography (CT scan), nuclear radiology, angiography, interventional radiology, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Lymphedema management
- Pain and palliative care
- Food and nutrition counseling
- Social work and discharge planning
- Patient information and resource area
- Pastoral care
- Pathology and laboratory testing
- Pharmacy
- Support groups
Our cancer care team includes highly skilled physician specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology. Non-physician members of the team include chemotherapy certified nurses, social workers, discharge planners, nutritionists, and pharmacists.
One of the greatest strengths of our Cancer Program is our staff. While we provide the most advanced treatment using the most sophisticated technology available, we take special care to deliver that treatment with understanding and pride. For more than four decades, our Cancer Program has been one of the largest, busiest, and most caring in New Jersey.
Monsignor James A. Harding Oncology Unit
Our 40-bed inpatient oncology unit provides medical treatment for those who need to be hospitalized. A broad range of support services are available to our oncology inpatients including physical therapy, education, and counseling. Saint Peter's is a Magnet hospital, a designation awarded to nursing excellence. Our nurses are dedicated to providing you with the very best in skilled oncology care.
Outpatient Infusion - 732/745-8600, ext. 5760
We provide infusions for outpatients in our dedicated Infusion Suite located in the Center for Oncology. Outpatients receive chemotherapy, antibiotic infusions and blood transfusions in the Suite. Our nursing staff educate patients about their treatment and provide instruction on home care including self-injection and pain management. We work closely with the pharmacy to assure that care is provided safely, quickly, and comfortably. Valet parking is available at the entrance to the Center.
Radiation Therapy - 732/745-8590
The Radiation Oncology Center at Saint Peter's University Hospital is one of the largest and most respected radiation programs in the State of New Jersey. We've built our reputation on state-of-the-art technology, a top-notch staff of cancer professionals, and the special relationship we develop with our patients - always a strong point at Saint Peter's. We offer 3-D conformal radiation therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy or IMRT, the most recent and most advanced external beam radiation treatments available today.
External beam radiation therapy is delivered by a linear accelerator, a machine that uses controlled, high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.
3-D conformal radiation therapy is a sophisticated planning system and external treatment that allows for precise and safe delivery of radiation to the tumor. Before treatment begins, the radiation oncologist and physicists devise a customized treatment plan designed to target the tumor while protecting healthy tissue. Radiation therapy is an effective way to treat many kinds of cancer in almost any part of the body. It is a treatment that is used to cure and control the spread of disease.
High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation that is used alone or in combination with other treatments, including external beam radiation. With HDR brachytherapy, a small, temporary catheter is placed in or near the tumor. Radiation is delivered through the catheter. Several treatments may be needed, but each treatment takes only minutes. No radioactive material is left in the body, so patients can return home after each treatment. Because radiation passes through the catheter close to or adjacent to the tumor and not through healthy tissue, higher doses of radiation can sometimes be used.
Low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy is an inpatient procedure that typically requires one to two day hospital stays. Radioactive sources are placed internally near the tumor to continuously deliver low doses of radiation over a period of time.
Saint Peter's offers prostate seed implantation as an option in treating prostate cancer. The radiation oncologist and urologist work together to implant tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. The procedure can be performed under general or spinal anesthesia, and the patient can usually return home the same day and resume normal activities quickly.
The MammoSite@ Radiation Therapy System (RTS) is a type of high does rate (HDR) brachytherapy used for the treatment of breast cancer. As with other forms of HDR brachytherapy, radiation is administered internally through a catheter.
During the lumpectomy procedure and shortly thereafter a balloon catheter is placed inside the tumor cavity. The balloon is inflated and remains that way for the duration of the treatment. A radiation source is inserted into the inflated balloon, filling the tumor cavity. The cavity can then be radiated with higher doses of radiation while minimizing exposure to the skin, ribs, lungs, heart, and healthy breast tissue. When the course of treatment is completed, the balloon is deflated, and the catheter easily removed.
The entire course of treatment is completed in five days on an outpatient basis. Although MammoSite@ RTS is not ideal for every patient, it offers a highly precise and effective alternative to standard breast cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy uses medication given by various methods (such as IV or injection) before, during, or after radiation therapy. Because chemotherapy helps destroy cancer cells whenever they are in the body, it can enhance radiation therapy treatment and can result in better outcomes. Saint Peter's offers chemotherapy for outpatients in the infusion suite located in the Radiation Oncology Center.
The Head and Neck Oncology Group - 732/745-8600, ext. 8353
Modeled after the clinic at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Saint Peter's Head and Neck Clinic treats complex cancers of the head and neck. We are unique to central New Jersey. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists test, diagnose, plan treatment, perform surgery, administer chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, and provide support services - all under one roof. We use the enormous resources of Saint Peter's University Hospital for the benefit of our patients, including advanced CT scanning and MRI, radiation treatment and IMRT, chemotherapy, and post-operative care.
Our team of specialist is truly interdisciplinary in its approach and includes:
- Head and neck surgeons
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
- Radiation oncologists
- Medical oncologists
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Clinical nutritionists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Oncology social workers
Our support staff offers the following services:
- Nursing care
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Dietary counseling
- Psychological counseling
- Lifetime follow-up care
Women's Oncology Services
Saint Peter's offers a complete program for the treatment of breast cancer from screening and diagnostic testing to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation through post treatment care.
The Women's Imaging Center - 732/745-6686 provides screening and diagnostic mammography, interventional and diagnostic breast ultrasound, stereotactic and ultrasound-guided biopsy, fine needle aspirations, and galactogram for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. The program is accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (MQSA) and the American College of Radiology.
The Lymphedema Management Program - 732/745-8570 helps relieve the swelling and pain that can result following surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Our certified lymphedema physical therapist will create an individualized plan of care to maximize your recovery.
The Gynecology/Radiation Oncology Group - 732/745-8600, ext. 8353 uses a dual approach including gynecological and radiation oncologists to treat malignancies of the female reproductive system. We offer minimally invasive surgery and radical procedures for cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancers in conjunction with radiation therapy.
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology - 732/745-6674
At Saint Peter's we hold a special place in our hearts for infants, children, and adolescents who are diagnosed with cancer and diseases of the blood. The pediatric hematology/oncology program at our Children's Hospital is respected throughout the country for its expert staff. We are a clinical test site for the National Cancer Institute's Children's Oncology Group clinical trials. As a member of the Children's Oncology group network, we have access to the latest in research, data, and information on treatments of childhood cancers from specialists throughout the country.
Our LIFE Program is here to support you and your child. We stay in touch for follow-up evaluation and provide information whenever you need it. Teenagers and young adults are encouraged to join New Visions, where kids with cancer lend practical and emotional support to their peers. Parents are welcome to meet at the same time in their own special group.
Institute for Genetic Medicine - 732/745-6659
Our geneticists, genetic nurses, and genetic counselors work with our oncology teams to diagnose, treat, and counsel children and adults with hereditary cancer syndromes or blood disorders. Genetic counseling and cancer risk assessment is available to individuals concerned about their risk of developing cancer based on their personal history. When family histories are suggestive of a hereditary cancer pattern, genetic testing may be available to better define a person's future cancer risks or risk to their children. Advances in cancer genetics have allowed many families to make more informed decisions regarding their management options for early detection and risk reduction.
Community Mobile Health Services Cancer Prevention, Education, and Screenings - 732/745-8600, ext. 8903
Saint Peter's University Hospital's Community Mobile Health Unit is a customized 34-foot long licensed ambulatory care center. It is staffed by advance practice and registered nurses. It travels throughout Central New Jersey educating groups about cancer preventive strategies and conducting screenings. Patient information concerning smoking cessation, self-breast examination, pap smears, mammography, prostate health, healthy nutrition, and skin cancer is available on board the unit. The staff educate community groups about skin cancer, breast health and self-breast examination, mammography, prostate health, testicular self examination, stress management, the dangers of smoking, and healthy nutrition as well as conducting periodic screenings for prostate and skin cancer.
Cancer Registry - 732/745-8562
The Cancer Registry at Saint Peter's University Hospital is responsible for the collection, management, and analysis of diagnostic, treatment, and survival information regarding our patients. Cancer specialists at all levels recognize the necessity of cancer data collection in order to understand the unique qualities of the numerous types of cancer and to develop diagnostic tools and treatments to fight this disease. As a result, state and accrediting organizations mandate that individual hospital cancer registries contribute to state and national databases.
Saint Peter's Cancer Registry data is used for education, quality assurance, research, and patient follow-up. Within the confines of strict confidentiality, this information is compiled and shared at cancer conferences and meetings of the Cancer Committee, along with state and national agencies interested in the study of cancer. These statistical studies provide a comparison of Saint Peter's treatment practices to national guideline. Information collected by the Cancer Registry is also a valuable resource for researchers interested in the further investigation of a particular type of cancer.
Each year we submit two special studies to the Commission on Cancer comparing the survival rate of patients cared for at Saint Peter's with national data. Our most recent studies can be accessed through (need the website).
Affiliations
Saint Peter's University Hospital was a co-founder of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) and is currently a CINJ Clinical Research Affiliate. CINJ is one of only 38 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country approved by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the only NCI-designated center in New Jersey. Through our relationship with CINJ our cancer patients rarely need to leave New Jersey to receive care.
Saint Peter's Cancer Program is accredited as a Teaching Hospital Comprehensive Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to reducing the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of cancer through education, standard setting, and the monitoring of quality care. Only 25 percent of the nation's cancer programs are accredited by the Commission. These programs care for approximately 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Clinical Trials - 732/745-8600, ext. 8325
As a Clinical Research Affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Saint Peter's offers patients information on and referrals to the most current clinical trials.
Contact Us
For information about the oncology services available at Saint Peter's University Hospital, please call 732/745-8600, extension 8325. Our staff will be happy to assist you with your special needs and questions. |
