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The Alliance for Cancer Care

The Alliance for Cancer Care Brings Latest Cancer-fighting Technology to the Region

Posted: September 14, 2017

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SPOKANE, WA –More than two years ago, Providence Health Care, Kootenai Health and Cancer Care Northwest formally launched a collaboration, known as the InnerPacific Alliance for Cancer Care, to provide Inland Northwest cancer patients greater accessibility to the leading cancer care teams and technology. Now, rebranded as The Alliance for Cancer Care, they’re further advancing treatment models, ushering in the latest and most advanced radiation tools to the region.

“Cancer is complex,” says Warren Benincosa, chair of the board of directors overseeing The Alliance. “This collaboration was formed to increase patient care access and elevate the resources used to treat people’s unique types of cancer. Together, we offer expanded resources and more personalized treatments to fight cancer.”

The Alliance is upgrading its entire radiation treatment platform with new linear accelerators capable of delivering the most advanced radiation treatment options available in the region. This new technology is powered by Elekta, a world-renown provider of the most advanced radiation treatment systems.

“Forming The Alliance makes it more efficient for our three organizations to keep up with the latest technological advances,” says Jeff Collins, M.D., physician chief executive for Providence Eastern Washington and Montana and a board member of The Alliance. “People can go anywhere within the area of The Alliance to receive the latest treatments locally.”

The Alliance is the only provider in the region using the Elekta radiation treatment system—the same technology used by the country’s top cancer treatment centers.

”The Alliance for Cancer Care allows our three organizations to provide the highest level of cancer care in the Inland Northwest,” said Walt Fairfax, M.D., chief medical officer of Kootenai Health and The Alliance board member.  “The implementation of Elekta in our radiation oncology centers is an example of the continual advancement of technology that is a strength of the Alliance.”

The Alliance members have partnered with Elekta to bring a set of treatment solutions that deliver the following benefits for patients:

  • More precise treatments: Elekta provides the latest in 3D imaging at the time of treatment, enabling improved treatment accuracy. In addition, 4-dimensional monitoring can be performed to account for potential motion during treatment;
  • Safer approaches: Ultra-low dose imaging capabilities minimize unnecessary radiation exposure, helping to minimize the side effects of radiation therapy;
  • Reduced treatment time: This new system typically reduces the time required for radiation therapy sessions to five minutes or less –a significant decrease compared to conventional machines;
  • Customizable options and improved accuracy: The treatment machine is equipped with customizable tools that enable unique treatments for most cancer types.

“We understand that cancer isn’t one-dimensional,” says Dr. Aaron Wagner, The Alliance for Cancer Care Medical Director. “The Alliance offers a broad approach to treatment that   includes the most complete set of treatment options in the region. All of this translates to a     more comfortable and efficient treatment experience for our patients.”

In addition to the new, premier treatment options, the organization has opted for a fresher look and shorter name. The Alliance has launched a marketing campaign to increase awareness for the brand and its mission among physicians and within the communities where it provides care.

For more information on The Alliance and available treatment options, visit AllianceforCancerCare.org.

 

About The Alliance for Cancer Care
The Alliance for Cancer Care, a collaboration between Providence Health Care, Kootenai Health and Cancer Care Northwest, brings together the region’s leading cancer care professionals, backed by the most advanced cancer-fighting technology available. Patients receive comprehensive, personalized radiation oncol­ogy services at Alliance member locations throughout the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area. Together, The Alliance ensures patients have the best physicians and nurses, enhanced quality and improved outcomes at convenient locations close to home. For more information, visit AllianceforCancerCare.org