During 2001, the Decatur General Oncology Center brought new focus to concepts on genetic testing, pain management and assimilation of community resources for our patients. We continued to see increases in combination chemotherapy-radiation therapy as new trials gave further credence to the benefits of such concurrent care.

Having the medical oncology team located in the same building greatly facilitates providing patients with ready access to combined therapy. Conferences are held here at the Oncology Center at least twice a week to discuss new chemotherapy agents, combination of chemotherapy with radiation and symptom management.

Of course, our goal is to cure the cancer patient. With the most modern of treatment planning systems, we are able to focus the radiation beam precisely on the tumor, sparing normal tissue and markedly decreasing side effects. With the 3-D computer treatment planning system and the board-certified physicist, complex and effective treatment plans can be generated.

The Decatur General Oncology Center now offers genetic testing, a very simple procedure that can greatly impact persons with genetic susceptibility to cancers, especially breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. Our oncology nurse and radiation oncologist have received intensive training in the counseling of interested patients.

Dr. Lane Price has given multiple presentations on breast cancer, its diagnosis and treatment. Many patients who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer are seen for a multi-disciplinary discussion of their disease and the treatment options. These conferences generally last one to one-and-a-half hours. The patient and her family leave with much information, explained in layman terms.

We have been one of ten facilities in the United States involved in a study to determine if an oral medication can improve the loss of appetite and loss of muscle mass seen in head-and-neck cancer patients and in many lung cancer patients. The study was completed in October. Results should be forthcoming in early 2003.

Pain management is a major focus at the Oncology Center. Dr. Price has delivered numerous talks regarding symptom control. We are convinced that cancer patients can be almost out of pain, almost all of the time, yet still be alert and functional.

Palliative Care and Hospice Care also are promoted as needed. Our staff members serve on the Board of the Morgan County chapter of the American Cancer Society and on the Board of Hospice of the Valley.

Our Oncology Nurse has devoted significant time to assessing the various support systems available in our service area. We have received an ACS transportation grant to assist patients with the costs of physically getting to the doctor. We utilize many United Way agencies and tap in to innumerable other community resources.

We have a wonderful, happy Oncology Center. We are always so delighted with the very positive reports that we receive from the patients and from their families. This is a friendly, pleasant, encouraging facility and a facility utilizing the highest technology to cure cancer patients.

We are proud of our growth since opening in February, 1987. Many exciting things are in our future.

Lane Mathis Price, M.D., FACRO
Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist
Decatur Oncology Center