Texas Oncology

Texas Oncology is a network of 300+ physicians and oncology specialists who provide advanced treatment options (technology, clinical trials, and research) to cancer patients in underserved rural and urban communities throughout Texas, with one office in New Mexico and one in Oklahoma. More than 68,000 patients are treated within the Texas Oncology network annually.^[1]

Services

Texas Oncology doctors treat cancer, blood disorders, and related chronic diseases and specialize in medical oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology, pediatric hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, breast and urology care.

Texas Oncology invests in technology on an ongoing basis to provide effective, sophisticated, and patient-specific treatment options. Currently, the following technologies and treatment options are offered within the network:^[2]

• AccuBoost
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Contura Balloon
• Elekta Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)
• ExacTrac®
• External portal imaging device/computerized radiography
• High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
• Hyperthermia
• Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy radioactive seed implants
• Mammosite
• Novalis Tx
• On-Board Imager® (OBI) with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
• Positron emission mammography (PEM)
• PET/CT
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• RapidArc™
• SAVI™
• Trilogy
• Ultrasound
• Virtual CT simulator

Patients of Texas Oncology have access to and may be considered for treatment within a series of Phase I through Phase IV clinical trials and ongoing research that Texas Oncology doctors participate in through the company’s affiliation with US Oncology. US Oncology provides a range of oncology–related services nationally to physician groups.^[3]

History

Founded in 1986 by several oncologists at Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas), Texas Oncology was established to provide and deliver sophisticated cancer care at the local – or community-based – level to patients in underserved rural and urban communities. The organization has grown to include a network of over 300 physicians at more than 100 offices in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.^[4]

Community-Based Approach

Texas Oncology focuses on a community-based approach, which gives cancer patients in underserved rural or urban areas access to the level of care and treatment in their local communities^[5] that is generally associated with major academic or medical centers.^[6] Texas Oncology patients also have access to clinical trials in their local communities. More than 80 percent of all cancer treatment is delivered in an outpatient setting.^[7]

Specialty Programs and Related Practices at Texas Oncology

• Blood and Marrow Transplants:^[8] Patients with leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphomas multiple myeloma, immune deficiency disorders, and some solid tumors may be treated with blood and marrow transplants which allow patients to receive high chemotherapy doses or radiation therapy in the course of their treatment.

• Gynecologic oncology:^[9] Women with cancers of the pelvis or reproductive systems may be treated with surgery (radical, robotic, and/or minimally invasive surgery), chemotherapy (intravenous and intraperitoneal), radiation, hereditary screening, and colposcopy.

• Pediatric hematology oncology:^[10] Children with cancer and blood disorders can be treated with various specialized pediatric oncology and hematology services, including chemo, radiation, and hematology services.

• Genitourinary services:^[11] For patients with cancers of the bladder, kidneys, prostate, and testes, Texas Oncology provides specific subspecialty care using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

• Genetic testing:^[12] For those with a strong personal and/or family history of cancer, the Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Program can help determine cancer risk levels through genetic testing and cancer risk counseling.

Texas Oncology also has related practices with urology and breast specialties: These specialty practices^[13] within the Texas Oncology network focus on all areas related to breast and urologic care, including diagnostics, cancer treatment, and therapy.

Research

In association with US Oncology,^[14] physicians at Texas Oncology conduct ongoing research and regularly participate in clinical trials^[15] for most types of cancers, including lung, colon, and breast.^[16] Texas Oncology was actively involved in developing 42 cancer therapies that were approved by the FDA. In 2009, more than 1,500 Texas Oncology patients participated in clinical trials, including those for prostate, breast, lung, and skin cancers.

Texas Oncology specialists are actively involved in medical conferences and routinely share research at events, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting^[17] and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS)^[18] among others.

Locations

Texas Oncology currently has more than 100 offices in Texas, southern New Mexico, and southeastern Oklahoma and serves both rural and urban areas. In Texas, there are Texas Oncology practices in primary metropolitan areas including Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston as well as rural areas such as West Texas and the Texas Panhandle. The New Mexico practice is based in Las Cruces, and the Oklahoma location serves the Durant area.

Sources

1. Zaragoza, Sandra. "More Central Texans Means Growth for Oncology Providers", Austin Business Journal, Austin, 8 November 2009. Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
2. "Texas Oncology Website, Overview Fact Sheet" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
3. "US Oncology Website, About Us" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
4. " Texas Oncology Website, Mission, Vision, and History" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
5. Zaragoza, Sandra. "More Central Texans Means Growth for Oncology Providers", Austin Business Journal, Austin, 8 November 2009. Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
6. Zaragoza, Sandra. "More Central Texans Means Growth for Oncology Providers", Austin Business Journal, Austin, 8 November 2009. Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
7. Wollam, Alison. "Collaboration Creates Cancer Center", Houston Business Journal, Houston, 8 August 2010. Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
8. "Texas Oncology Website, Blood and Marrow Transplant" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
9. "Texas Oncology Website, Gynecologic Oncology" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
10. "Texas Oncology Website, Pediatric Hematology Oncology" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
11. "Texas Oncology Website, Genitourinary Oncology" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
12. Encarnacion, M.D., Carlos. " Genetic testing helps patients fight cancer before it strikes", Waco Tribune-Herald, Waco, 17 May 2009. Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
13. "Texas Oncology Website, Texas Breast Specialists" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
14. "US Oncology Website, About Us" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
15. Terri Gruca. "Cancer trials help improve patients’ quality of life", Texas Cable News Network, 24 April 2009. Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
16. "US Oncology Website, Find a Clinical Trial" Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
17. "2010 ASCO Annual Meeting Program" Retrieved on 2011-01-18.
18. "2010 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Program Schedule" Retrieved on 2011-01-18.