PLANO, Texas – Presbyterian Hospital of Plano announces the phase-one opening of its new Radiation Oncology Center. The freestanding facility, located on the east side of the hospital complex, provides advanced technology delivered by experienced physicians and technicians.

The center will be the first at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano (PHP) to offer Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), a sophisticated mode of high-precision radiotherapy that uses computer-generated images to deliver precise radiation doses to a tumor or specific areas within a tumor, thus minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

The IMRT approach allows higher and more effective radiation doses to be safely delivered to tumors, with typically fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy techniques.

"We are excited about opening our new facility, adding another dimension of patient care to our growing spectrum of oncology services," said Carinsa Gaston, B.S., R.T.T., oncology program manager at PHP. "This center offers cutting-edge radiation oncology services, in a location that is convenient and easy for patients to access."

PHP's Radiation Oncology Center is the first phase of an 80,000- to 100,000-square-foot Oncology Center to be built within the next several years, Gaston said.

The center's opening follows an announcement this spring that the PHP cancer program received top accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as an "approved cancer program" – a designation shared by only 25 percent of hospitals in the nation.

The national accreditation ranks Presbyterian Hospital of Plano among the best cancer treatment facilities in the country, based on the commission’s findings. The honor is bestowed on institutions that pass a rigorous review of quality standards set by the Commission on Cancer, including an on-site survey and visit designed to evaluate performance information and compliance. Only about 1,500 healthcare facilities in the country have earned this recognition.

"The opening of our new Radiation Oncology Center, on the heels of our designation as an approved cancer program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, attests to our commitment to work vigorously with doctors and patients in the continued fight against cancer," said PHP President Philip M. Wentworth.

The Presbyterian Hospital of Plano cancer program also includes the services of an oncology patient navigator, a certified oncology nurse who helps cancer patients plan a course of action, assists with coordinating their care, provides extensive cancer information, identifies and locates needed resources within the hospital and the community, offers emotional and physical support for patients and their families, and more.

In addition, the hospital's oncology program offers genetic counseling for breast, ovarian and colon cancers, recommended for high-risk individuals identified by genetic predisposition who may benefit from cancer prevention and early detection strategies. It also offers a Community American Cancer Society Resource Center, which features educational materials, free wigs, hats and scarves, and support from cancer survivors.

PHP also provides pastoral care, support groups, community outreach programs and participation in a national tumor registry as part of its oncology services.

For more information on the PHP Radiation Oncology Center, located at 3100 Communications Parkway, please call 972-981-4020.

About Presbyterian Hospital of Plano (PHP)
Established in 1991, PHP is a member of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources. PHP is a recognized clinical program leader, providing technologically advanced care to patients. Key services offered include orthopedics, cardiovascular, oncology, pediatrics and women's services. The 368-bed facility has more than 1,600 employees and a medical staff of 1,200 physicians. For more information about PHP, visit www.texashealth.org/php.

About Texas Health Resources
Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health care delivery systems in the United States and the largest in North Texas in terms of patients served. THR’s system of 13 hospitals includes Harris Methodist Hospitals, Arlington Memorial Hospital and Presbyterian Healthcare System, and a medical research organization. THR is a corporate member or partner in six additional hospitals and surgery centers. For more information about Texas Health Resources, visit www.texashealth.org.