Since 1979, Cancer Centers of North Carolina has been offering some of the most advanced, comprehensive and compassionate cancer care available. Our group of 16 board-certified, highly-skilled physicians with their team of oncology nurses and support staff provide unparalleled access to the most innovative, advanced therapies and latest technologies in the triangle area. Our team includes medical and surgical cancer sub-specialists. Interested patients may participate in our clinical trials program offering access to innovative therapies as part of a nationwide research network. We provide a spectrum of clinical services as well as dynamic support services from yoga to nutrition, & from social work to support groups.

Our Services

Medical Oncology
CCNC has several of the Triangle's most experienced and highly regarded Medical Oncologists. These are the cancer physicians who weigh the current standard options as well as the state of the art clinical trials, while working with the patients' values and preferences for care. They plan and administer treatment, evaluate and monitor programs, and follow you through your illness and recovery. Our team of board-certified oncologists have over 300 years of collective experience and provide care customized to the individual, but grounded in evidenced-based medicine. Technical expertise in clinical care is delivered in the context of a program devoted to the overall experience of the cancer patient and their support network.

Specialists: William R. Berry, MD; Neeraj Agrawal, MD;
Elizabeth E. Campbell, MD; Roy Cromartie, MD; Margaret A. Deutsch, MD;
Charles F. Eisenbeis, MD, PhD; Maha A. Elkordy, MD; Alan D. Kritz, MD;
Virgil L. Rose, MD; P.J. Singh, MD; Stephen J. Tremont, MD; Mark Yoffe, MD

Radiation Oncology
Today, radiation therapy is quicker, safer and more precise than ever before. Our radiation oncology specialists use advanced treatment planning systems and state of the art radiation technology to deliver internal and external radiation to cancerous cells.

Our entire radiation oncology team, including our radiation oncologists, physicist and dosimetrist customize each treatment plan to the individual patient. Treatment is delivered with pinpoint accuracy. Our nurses support all aspects of a patient's treatment, including patient education and coordination of care with other members of your cancer care team.

Our commitment to providing the best care possible means that our practice is equipped with precision technology. Our computerized tomography (CT) scanner scans the patient's body, localizes the center of the tumor and begins to formulate the optimal plan for each patient. Then, our state of the art Pinnacle treatment planning system determines the ideal way to wrap the radiation dose around the tumor. Finally, treatment is delivered on a Varian dual-energy linear accelerator, which produces high-energy X-rays that focus on a patient's tumor and kill cancer cells. It is capable of delivering the most precise form of therapy, called intensity-modulated radiation therapy, or IMRT.

Specialists: John F. Reilly, MD; K. Kolby Sidhu, MD

HDR
High Dose Rate(HDR) brachytherapy allows physicians to deliver precise radiation treatment to a patient's tumor and is rapidly becoming the treatment choice for certain types of cancer. With HDR brachytherapy, radiation is delivered directly to the cancer target through the use of catheters, needles or applicators inserted into a body cavity or directly into the tumor. Because of this highly precise radiation delivery, the surrounding healthy tissue and critical organs are preferentially spared and side effects may be reduced. Unlike conventional low dose rate brachytherapy treatment, HDR therapy can often be delivered on an oupatient basis, and treatment times are typically 10-15 minutes in duration instead of several days. Cancer Centers of North Carolina is currently administering HDR primarily to breast and gynecologic cancers.

IMRT
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of radiation treatment that allows radiation oncologists to precisely target tumor cells. It is a noninvasive therapy that uses Computed Tomography (CT) and often other imaging modalities to build three-dimensional diagnostic images of the patient's tumor and anatomy. A treatment plan is then performed to deliver tightly focused radiation beams of varying intensity to cancerous tumors. Varying the intensity of these beams enhances the ability of IMRT to maximize dosage and minimize the amount of radiation distributed to surrounding healthy tissues.

Diagnostic Radiology
As its name implies, diagnostic radiology uses x-rays to help diagnose disease. With our multi-slice GE Qxi CT scanner, we offer our patients the convenience of scanning for prompt and accurate diagnosis, as well as helping to assess the response of a tumor to treatment. The scanner is also used for CT-Based Virtual Simulation. This is part of the radiation treatment planning process that allows us to accurately verify the location and dose of radiation before the radiation treatment actually begins.

Surgical Head and Neck Oncology
Surgery plays an essential role in the treatment and cure of cancers of the head and neck. The goal of surgery is two-fold: to remove the tumor and to restore function. Using the newest, most advanced reconstructive techniques, optimal functional outcomes can be achieved. Having access to optimal surgical, cheomtherapy and radiation therapy options allows us to construct the best combination of treatment for an individual's specific cancer.

Specialist: Scott D. Meredith, MD

Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic Oncologists perform surgeries to eradicate gynecologic malignancies from the pelvis and nearby structures. Surgery is intended to remove cancer and to preserve or restore function. Gynecologic Oncologists can also place intra-peritoneal catheters for future chemotherapies where indicated. Having access to optimal surgical, cheomtherapy and radiation therapy options allows us to construct the best combination of treatment for an individual's specific cancer.

Specialist: Monica B. Jones, MD

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy consists of medications which circulate through the patient's blood and kill or eliminate cancer cells at sites of disease spread. Formulating treatment plans for chemotherapy, and mixing and administering these medications requires highly skilled and specialized professionals. Medical oncologists and oncology nurses work closely with our pharmacy staff to manage dosages and monitor patient progress ensuring the best formulas and optimal treatment plans to fight specific diseases. The side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the drugs used. Patient education classes ensure that you and your family are well-informed about the regimine and educated in ways to prevent and manage potential side effects before beginning any new treatment.

Biological/Targeted Therapy
Biological/Targeted therapies are medications which target a specific pathway in the growth and development of a malignancy. This type of therapy attacks targets that are unique to a specific tumor, and therefore spare the normal cells of the body.

Clinical Trials Program
Today, cancer treatment is more effective and less toxic than ever before as a result of clinical trials. At CCNC, you can participate in current clinical trails through our research alliance with more than 100 Medical and Radiation Oncologists across the United States and Puerto Rico. If you are eligible for and interested in a clinical trial, your physician will speak with you about whether this option is right for you.

Breast Health Navigator
Breast Cancer treatment can involve many oncology providers and multiple diagnostic and treatment options which can sometimes be daunting. Our Breast Health Navigator coordinates these treatments and evaluations, explains the variety of options and is a source of support for patients receiving breast cancer treatment. Specialized classes in breast cancer radiation and breast cancer chemotherapy compliment our breast program. Active involvement in our support programs such as lymphedema counseling & management and a host of other services described below help patients achieve a full & sustained recovery.

Pharmacy
All drugs administered are prepared specifically for each patient by certified pharmacy staff under your physician's direction and supervision.

Laboratory (on-site)
Our association with LabCorp provides concurrent on-site blood draws and rapid turn-around of results to facilitate same-day treatments, and to assess responses to various therapeutic interventions.

Education Resources and Classes
We offer patient education calsses so that you and your family are well informed about your chemotherapy regimine. Our focus is to help prevent and minimize potential side effects even before beginning any new treatment.

Wig Resources
A collection of wigs are available for our patients at all locations.

Look Good-Feel Better
We proudly host the American Cancer Society's Look Good Feel Better Program quarterly for women undergoing cancer treatments.

Support Groups
We recognize the importance of affording patients the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with one another. It is often comforting to draw strength from others facing the same or similar challenges. We offer monthly evening support groups at our Macon Pond and Cary locations for anyone dealing with cancer and their support persons. The group begins with a cancer-related presentation and is followed by a time of sharing.

Social Group
"Hope Community" is a monthly evening social group held at our North Raleigh location. In this caring environment, people with cancer and their family and friends cope by having fun and connecting with others who truly understand. Activities include art expression, healing through music, arts & crafts, relaxation and more.

Fitness Program
"Prescription Fitness" is a program through Wellness One to assist patients with maintaining or improving fitness during and after cancer treatment.

Physical and Occupational Therapy
Wellness One offers physical therapy and occupational therapy including specialized services for oncology rehabilitation. They specialize in managing side effects of cancer and cancer treatment including lymphedema, cancer-related fatigue and weakness, and pain. They have a clinic at our Macon Pond location. You may visit their website at www.wellnessone.com

Lymphedema Services
Lymphedema classes and Vodder Lymphedema Therapy are provided through Wellness One.

Yoga
Yoga classes are available at our Macon Pond location.

Nutritional Counseling
Private nutritional consultations are provided by a Registered Dietician.

Counseling
A Social Worker is available for short-term, cancer-related, individual and family counseling. Referrals are also available for community counseling services.

Social Services
We offer assistance with Advance Directives including Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney. We also assist with referrals for home assistance, transportation, hospice services, and financial support.

Financial Counseling
We understand that the financial aspect of your diagnosis can be very stressful. Our financial counselors are here to help answer questions about the cost of treatment and, on your behalf, handle insurance inquiries, verifications and claims processing. In addition, our financial counselors can help identify assistance programs that you may qualify for, in the event your insurance does not cover certain aspects of your treatment.

Volunteer Program
We have a network of dedicated volunteers devoted to making your time with us even more comfortable and pleasant.

Community Events
Cancer Centers of North Carolina proudly participates in a number of community-based events to raise awareness and raise money to fight cancer. Join the CCNC team as we race, walk, bike, golf, garden and bowl for the cure of a number of different cancers. Make a difference for yourself, your loved ones, and for all who come behind us.

• Sponsor for the Susan G. Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure-2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
• Primary Sponsor for the Devil's Ridge Charity Golf Classic benefitting the Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
• Record-breaking Fundraiser for the Man of the Year benefiting the Eastern North Carolina Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Friesen 5K Fun Run for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure-Pink Fest
• Pay it Forward for the Caring Community Foundation
• Red Sword Ball for the American Cancer Society
• Raleigh Round-Up for the American Cancer Society
• Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society
• Light the Way Golf Tournament for Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital Foundation
• North Carolina Minority Prostate Cancer Awareness Action Team
• Rally for a Cure
• Big Bad Ball for Hospice of Wake County
• Hockey Fights Cancer
• Bowling for Hope for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
• And more!