research medical center oncology

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Oncology is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists receive extensive, specialized training to care for patients. Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, medication and/or surgery.

Advanced cancer care in Kansas City, Missouri

Our Kansas City hospital is proud to be part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health — a network-accredited cancer program.

Our patients and their families have access to cutting-edge and innovative oncology care right here in their local community. We provide a full range of oncology services consisting of prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, wellness and survivorship support.

Have cancer questions?

We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.

Features of our cancer center

The Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Research Medical Center offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for patients, including:

• Clinical research trials
• Breast cancer and breast imaging services
• Cancer rehabilitation program
• Comprehensive cancer wellness program and services through the Center for Integrative Therapy
• Comprehensive radiation therapy treatments including stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors and neurological conditions and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Center of Excellence for specialty care in treating cancers of the liver, pancreas and GI tract

Genetic testing

• Multidisciplinary cancer case conferences that connect physicians from across the HCA Midwest Health network and rural partner networks to discuss treatment plans
• Oncology-trained nurse navigators to walk patients and their families through their cancer journey
• Neuro-oncology care to treat all types of primary and metastatic malignant and benign brain and spine tumors.
• Specialized surgical oncologists who offer the latest minimally invasive surgery options
• State-of-the-art outpatient facility and a dedicated inpatient oncology unit
• Tumor profiling and personalized medicine to target a patient's unique cancer

Types of cancer we treat

Patients and families who come to our hospital for cancer care have access to a wide range of diagnostic imaging and treatment services. We diagnose and treat a wide range of cancers, including:

• Bladder cancer
• Blood cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Genitourinary cancer
• Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer
• Gynecologic cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Throat and tongue cancer

Leading-edge cancer screening and treatment technology

When you come to our hospital for cancer treatment services, you can trust our team to use advanced technology and techniques to achieve the best outcomes possible.

Brachytherapy

We are proud to provide a dedicated suite for patients receiving HDR image-guided brachytherapy. HDR brachytherapy allows radiologic oncologists to deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor or target area while minimizing radiation exposure to the normal tissues surrounding the tumor.

HDR brachytherapy may be used in treating:

• Cervical cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer

Benefits of HDR brachytherapy

HDR brachytherapy allows radiologic oncologists to deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor or target area while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tissues.

HDR treatment can replace the need for major surgery. The cancer is targeted with radiation from inside the body, so it does not pass through healthy tissues and organs. Patients walk out from HDR treatments with minimal side effects.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)

PRRT uses targeted radiation to kill cancer cells internally. It is used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and can help make the tumors grow more slowly or stop them from growing. It can also help manage symptoms caused by the tumors. It may be used in combination with surgery.

GI Center of Excellence

At the GI Center of Excellence, we have specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer affecting the liver, pancreas and GI tract. Our team of hematologists, oncologists, radiologists and surgeons work together to develop the best treatment for you.

Features of our GI Center of Excellence include:

• Clinical trials and emerging treatments
• Comprehensive treatment, including surgery and radiation oncology
• Expertise in all liver and pancreatic diseases, including cancers
• Genetic counseling
• Specialized nurse navigators

To help you understand more about your risk for developing cancer, we also offer genetic testing. During testing, a genetic counselor will work with you and review information, such as your medical records and family history. From there, they will provide you with detailed information about your risk for developing cancer and the steps you can take to be proactive about your health.

Please call (816) 276-9005 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Cancer wellness support and classes

As part of HCA Midwest Health, Research Medical Center offers a cancer support program, including cancer wellness education classes that are free and designed for both the patient and caregiver. The classes provide simple, evidence-based strategies to reduce cancer-related side effects and to help you live your best life. Classes are held in a supportive small group format to allow for individual questions and socialization with others who are affected by cancer.

Getting to our cancer center

Sarah Cannon at Research Medical Center is located inside of our main hospital. We recommend patients use our Sarah Cannon-designated West Entrance and parking lot when visiting. Cancer rehabilitation at Research Medical Center takes place on our Brookside Campus  in Building B, Suite 100.

About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare , our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (816) 448-7737 .

Oncology at HCA Midwest Health

Research Medical Center is a part of HCA Midwest Health. Our hospitals are known throughout the region for comprehensive care of all cancer types.

Oncology refers to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncology treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, medication or surgery. Oncologists can specialize in one of three fields of oncology: medical, radiation or surgery.

Videos about our oncology services

Don Riead Neuro Oncology Patient

“When you’re told you have brain cancer, that is much different than being told you have throat cancer. Now you’re being told you have something that is incurable.” Don is a fighter. After being diagnosed with throat cancer, they found a brain tumor. That is when his cancer journey began at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Medical Center. Follow his story as his team of physicians from medical oncologist and neuro oncology specialist to radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon, work together on his care. “I knew that we were in the right hands. Just another brilliant physician at Sarah Cannon. How could you find better care in the world? I don’t think you can.”

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Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology

About hospital

Federal State Institution “National Medical Research Center of Oncology named after N.N. Petrov”of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation is the largest specialized medical institution in the country. Center provides treatment to cancer patients at all stages of the disease in all directions. Center uses both classical and innovative methods.

Center specialists

More than 1100 employees work in 18 clinical, 8 scientific, 13 diagnostic and auxiliary departments of the National Medical Research Center of Oncology.

Almost 300 of them are doctors specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and related diseases.

These are clinicians and scientists with a worldwide reputation, leaders in their fields, including 120 candidates of sciences, 51 doctors of sciences, 22 professors, 3 corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Specialization

What diseases are treated, additional services and facilities, booking of online-consultation.

After submitting this form our manager will get in touch with you to inform cost of consultation of selected specialist and agree with you date-time slot for online-talk with doctor.

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FCS News: Core Ventures to become a part of McKesson’s The US Oncology Network (The Network) Click to Learn More

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Road Construction – Detour Information Below

St. Petersburg – St. Anthony’s

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute

Road Construction Detour Information

Due to construction on the St. Anthony’s Hospital campus, the 5 th Avenue entry road to the Professional Office Building (POB) is open only for valet services . For self-parking, please enter the POB through the 7 th Avenue garage, as shown on this map , and proceed to our office. Please take extra care as you drive onto the campus. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding. Please call our office at (727) 821-0017 if you have questions or need further assistance.

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Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute has a national reputation for excellence in Medical Oncology, Hematology and cancer research. With over 250 physicians and nearly 100 locations, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care close to home. The Oncology and Hematology experts at Florida Cancer Specialists St. Anthony’s Clinic specialize in treating early and advanced cancers, blood disorders, Leukemias and Lymphomas with targeted personalized therapies driven by innovative clinical research. FCS offers 8 Pinellas county cancer treatment centers to serve you. The St. Anthony’s location is conveniently located near St. Anthony’s Hospital inside the Medical Arts building.

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ROS1+ Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Progress in Care

Sponsored Content

This episode of the Cancer Horizons podcast features Dr. Jason Porter – a medical oncologist and hematologist at the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and Director of the Lung Cancer Disease research group and is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Jason Porter, MD, is a medical oncologist and hematologist at the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and Director of the Lung Cancer Disease research group

Meet Dr. Jason Porter* – a medical oncologist and hematologist at the West Cancer Center and Research Institute and Director of the Lung Cancer Disease research group.

*Dr. Porter is a paid consultant of Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Porter’s statements/opinions are those solely of Dr. Porter and are not necessarily those of Bristol Myers Squibb. Individual results/experiences may vary.

He is an expert when it comes to a challenging type of lung cancer. It's called ROS1 + non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and it's known for being aggressive and can often spread to the brain.

In this episode of the Cancer Horizons podcast, Dr. Porter shares important information on the latest progress in the ROS1 + NSCLC treatment landscape and tips for patients who are navigating this diagnosis.

AUGTYRO ® (repotrectinib) is an FDA-approved treatment option for certain patients with ROS1 + NSCLC. AUGTYRO is an oral prescription medicine used to treat NSCLC in adults that has spread within their chest or to other parts of their body and is caused by an abnormal ROS1 gene.

When it comes to choosing a lung cancer treatment plan, Dr. Porter believes communication is key. “Understanding treatment options is key for informed decision-making and helping reduce anxiety. Cancer treatment research is constantly advancing, so staying receptive to new information is important. As a doctor, I prioritize providing comprehensive information and encouraging patients to voice any concerns or questions they may have,” he comments.

AUGTYRO may cause serious side effects, including central nervous system (CNS) effects, lung problems (pneumonitis), liver problems, muscle problems, increased uric acid level in your blood (hyperuricemia), and bone fractures. To learn more, listen to the podcast and visit AUGTYRO.com. See below for Important Safety Information.

AUGTYRO ® (repotrectinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread within your chest or to other parts of the body and is caused by an abnormal ROS1 gene.

It is not known if AUGTYRO is safe and effective in children with ROS1- positive NSCLC.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AUGTYRO ® (repotrectinib) may cause serious side effects, including:

Central nervous system (CNS) effects. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any new or worsening symptoms of CNS effects during treatment with AUGTYRO, including:

• changes in mood, such as anxiety, irritability, and depression
• balance or coordination problems
• problems with thinking, such as forgetfulness or confusion
• seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
• problems with concentration, attention, memory, and sleep

Lung problems (pneumonitis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening lung problems, including a dry cough (without mucus), productive cough (with mucus), wheezing, or trouble breathing.

Liver problems. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver function before starting treatment with AUGTYRO, every 2 weeks for the first month and as needed during treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems including: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark or “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools (bowel movements), loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area.

Muscle problems. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests before starting treatment with AUGTYRO, every 2 weeks for the first month and as needed during treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get new or worsening signs and symptoms of muscle problems, including unexplained muscle pain or muscle pain that does not go away, tenderness, or weakness.

Increased uric acid level in your blood (hyperuricemia). AUGTYRO may cause an excess of uric acid in your blood. Your healthcare provider will do tests before and during your treatment with AUGTYRO to check the uric acid level in your blood. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications if you have high blood uric acid levels. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of increased uric acid including:

• red, hot, tender, or swollen joints, especially in your big toe
• pain in your stomach-area or sides
• decrease in your amount of urine or no urine at all
• nausea or vomiting
• pink or brown urine or blood in your urine

Bone fractures. AUGTYRO may increase your risk for bone fractures. Bone fractures may happen with or without a fall or other injury. Tell your healthcare provider right way if you have pain, changes in movement, or bone abnormalities.

Before taking AUGTYRO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you :

• have nervous system (neurological) problems.
• have lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer.
• have liver or kidney problems.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. AUGTYRO can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with AUGTYRO.

Females who are able to become pregnant:

• Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with AUGTYRO.
• You should use effective non-hormonal birth control (contraception) during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of AUGTYRO.
• Birth control methods that contain hormones (such as birth control pills, injections or transdermal system patches) may not work as well during treatment with AUGTYRO.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that may be right for you.

Male patients with female partners who are able to become pregnant:

• You should use effective birth control during treatment with AUGTYRO and for 4 months after the last dose.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if AUGTYRO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 10 days after the last dose of AUGTYRO. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take , including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.

Taking AUGTYRO with certain other medicines may affect the amount of AUGTYRO or other medicines in your blood and may cause side effects or affect the way that AUGTYRO or other medicines work. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What should I avoid while taking AUGTYRO?

• You should not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit during your treatment with AUGTYRO. It may increase the amount of AUGTYRO in your blood to a harmful level.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how AUGTYRO affects you. If you experience dizziness, blurred vision, memory loss, changes in mental status, confusion, hallucinations or have trouble with balance or coordination or problems with concentration and attention, do not drive or operate machinery until your symptoms have resolved.

The most common side effects of AUGTYRO include: dizziness; change in sense of taste; feeling of numbness or tingling in your arms or legs; constipation; shortness of breath; tiredness; trouble with balance, coordination, and walking; problems with thinking, such as forgetfulness or confusion, memory problems and hallucinations; muscle weakness; and nausea.

These are not all the possible side effects of AUGTYRO.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see  U.S. Full Prescribing Information  and  Patient Information  for AUGTYRO. Talk to your healthcare team for more information about this medication.

© 2023 Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc., a Bristol-Myers Squibb company. AUGTYRO™ and the related logo are trademarks of Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.

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Fighting Cancer From Within: GUMC Spotlights Efforts to Reprogram Immune System to Slow Tumor Growth

A Sept. 17 Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) seminar highlighted research on a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment: utilizing the body’s natural immune system to combat tumor growth rather than directly targeting cancer cells. 

Alejandro Villagra, an associate professor in the department of oncology at the Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) , shared his research in a talk hosted by the department of microbiology and immunology. The lecture focused on Villagra’s research on the manipulation of macrophages, a type of white blood cell active in the immune system, to combat the growth of cancerous tumors.

“Some people assume cancer research is about killing cancer directly,” Villagra told The Hoya. “We are focusing on the mechanisms we already have in order to kill cancer. So, these treatments, rather than the normal conception of killing the tumor, helps galvanize the immune system to indirectly kill cancer.” 

Macrophages are one of the most abundant cell types in tumors, making their regulation vital to cancer research. These cells fall into two main categories: M1-like macrophages, which trigger inflammation, and M2-like macrophages, which reduce inflammation. According to Villagra, the probability of a cancer patient’s survival correlates with the type of macrophages present in the tumor. A higher content of M2-like macrophages is associated with increased tumor growth. However, it’s important to note that not all activities performed by M2-like macrophages are disease-causing. 

“M2 macrophages are not bad just because they are ‘pro-tumor,’” Villagra said. “These macrophages are the ones that help with wounds and allergies, preventing strong reactions. As a side effect of their actions, they can promote tumors.”

For cancer therapies targeting M2-like macrophages to be effective, they must be able to diminish these tumor-causing activities. To achieve this, researchers alter the activity of specific enzymes called histone deacetylases (HDAC), which, among other functions, control M2-like gene expression.

Villagra and his lab found that altering HDACs 6 and 10, which are both involved in regulating inflammatory responses, significantly reduced the size of tumors in mice. In their experiment, 10 out of the 16 mice had their tumors completely eradicated by this treatment. 

“Interestingly, you can see here that 10 mice out of 16 in this group, they completely went under remission, the tumors disappeared,” Villagra said.

The drug used in the study, AVS100, decreased tumor size by lowering the concentration of M2-like macrophages and prevented tumor regrowth by arresting the conversion of M1-like macrophages to M2-like macrophages following treatment. This mode of cancer treatment, focusing on M2-like macrophages, has also shown great promise in improving the outcomes of radiation therapy.

“Anytime there is radiation, there is an injury,” Villagra said. “Whenever there is an injury, the macrophages go there with an inflammatory response and then try to heal the area. So, when tumors are eradicated, the macrophages become anti-inflammatory to heal the area. This inadvertently helps the tumor relapse.” 

HDAC6 inhibition combats this relapse by arresting the switch from M1-like to M2-like macrophages, preventing the natural wound healing process that inadvertently promotes tumor regrowth.

Megan Winakur (CAS ’28) , a Georgetown University student interested in cancer research, was amazed by this research and new approach to cancer treatment. 

“Cancer is such a widespread disease that affects so many families around the world, and forming new and better ways to treat this disease will only help,” Winakur told The Hoya. “Specifically, the way this research targets the tumor indirectly will drastically improve quality of life for cancer patients, as chemotherapy and radiation treatments are much more harmful to the entire body.”

The traditional approach to curing cancer focuses on “killing cancer” by directly attacking tumors. However, according to Villagra, research is evolving to instead utilize our natural body processes to combat the disease. Villagra’s work demonstrates how scientists can harness the immune system to indirectly target cancer cells, opening up promising new avenues for immuno-oncology research.

“Some people assume cancer research is about killing cancer directly,” Dr. Villagra said. “There is no magic bullet to kill cancer, so let’s use the armament we already have: our immune system.”

• Adhithi Rajesh

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Petrov Oncology National Medical Research Center, Saint Petersburg

Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center of Oncology named after N.N. Petrov ”of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation is the largest specialized medical institution in the country. The center provides treatment to cancer patients at all stages of the disease in all directions. The Center uses both classical and innovative methods.

Center specialists

More than 1100 employees work in 18 clinical, 8 scientific, 13 diagnostic and auxiliary departments of the National Medical Research Center of Oncology.

Almost 300 of them are doctors specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and related diseases.

These are clinicians and scientists with a worldwide reputation, leaders in their fields, including 120 candidates of sciences, 51 doctors of sciences, 22 professors, 3 corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology oversees oncological services in 11 constituent entities of the Russian Federation that are part of the North-West Federal District. The Association of Oncologists of the Northwest was established under his auspices. The center also provides methodological and organizational assistance to cancer centers in other regions of Russia and the CIS countries.

Research Nurse - Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology

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• Posted Date: 9/19/2024
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Clinical predictors of response to single‑agent immune checkpoint inhibitors in chemotherapy‑pretreated non‑small cell lung cancer

Affiliations.

• 1 Department of Clinical Oncology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg 197022, Russia.
• 2 Research Institute of Medical Primatology, Sochi 354376, Russia.
• 3 N.P. Napalkov City Cancer Center, Ministry of Public Health of The Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg 197758, Russia.
• 4 N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Public Health of The Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg 197758, Russia.
• 5 Department of Oncology, I.I. Mechnikov North-Western Medical University, Saint Petersburg 191015, Russia.
• 6 Sochi Cancer City Hospital No. 2, Sochi 354057, Russia.
• 7 Department of General and Molecular Medical Genetics, Saint Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg 194100, Russia.
• PMID: 38476335
• PMCID: PMC10928663
• DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2730

Single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the standard option for chemotherapy-pretreated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), however only a subset of patients responds to this treatment. The present study aimed at the development of a tool for personalized prediction of the efficacy of ICIs. The study included 181 epidermal growth factor receptor/anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving single-agent ICI in the second or later line of therapy. For the comparison, a total of 63 metastatic patients with NSCLC treated by chemotherapy were also analyzed. Multivariate analysis revealed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2, never-smoking status and the baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥4.3 were associated with reduced progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) [ECOG PS: Hazard ratio (HR)=2.09; P=0.028 and HR=2.02; P=0.035, respectively; never-smoking: HR=3.53; P=0.007 and HR=1.80; P=0.004, respectively; NLR ≥4.3: HR=4.34; P<0.0001 and HR=4.89; P<0.0001 respectively]. Patients with an NLR <4.3, who had a favorable ECOG PS (0-1) and smoking history in the past, derived the utmost benefit from ICI [n=77; objective response rate (ORR)=35%; PFS and OS: 17.1 and 33.7 months, respectively]. The worst efficacy of ICI was observed in patients who had an NLR ≥4.3 coupled with poor ECOG PS and/or never-smoking status (n=38; ORR=8%; PFS=3.2 months and OS=7.2 months). The remaining patients belonged to the group with intermediate outcomes (n=66; ORR=17%; PFS and OS: 4.3 and 12.2 months, respectively). While combination of these factors was highly predictive for ICIs, it was not associated with outcomes of chemotherapy treatment. Easily available characteristics of the patients allow for highly accurate predictions of outcomes of single-agent ICI therapy in chemotherapy-pretreated NSCLC.

Keywords: ECOG; immune checkpoint inhibitors; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; non-small cell lung cancer; peripheral blood biomarker; smoking.

Copyright © 2024, Spandidos Publications.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS according…

Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS according to (A) ECOG PS, (B) smoking status, (C)…

Kaplan-Meier curves for OS according…

Kaplan-Meier curves for OS according to (A) ECOG PS, (B) smoking status, (C)…

Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS according to (A) PD-L1 expression, (B) baseline NLR, (C)…

Kaplan-Meier curves for OS according to (A) PD-L1 expression, (B) baseline NLR, (C)…

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Kaplan-Meier curves for (A) PFS and (B) OS according to the NSE score…

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