Lung cancer patients in the Peel region will have better access to treatments after a new highly targeted technique was launched at GenesisCare.
Radiation oncologists are now using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SABR) which targets tumours in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy and preserves healthy tissue.
Based out of Greenfields' new specialist cancer centre, GenesisCare, the service means suitable lung cancer patients in the Peel region may no longer have to travel to Perth for the advanced treatment.
Typically, patients will undergo between three and five treatments with SABR, compared with 20 to 30 treatments using traditional therapy.
Patients spend less time overall receiving therapy, make less visits to the centre and are able to make a quicker recovery, all in an effort to improve their quality of life while on the treatment.
As part of the delivery of the treatment, GenesisCare has streamlined its processes to provide rapid access to SABR for patients diagnosed with early stage lung cancer.
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The treatment was launched in March as the outbreak of COVID-19 began to escalate.
Mandurah radiation oncologist Dr Kasri Rahim, who specialises in lung cancer, said the timing of the treatment launch helped patients, many of whom are immunocompromised, reduce their risk of contracting the virus.
"The SABR technique allows us to limit the number of centre visits for lung cancer patients," he said.
"This is so important during COVID-19 given these patients are at increased risk of developing more severe symptoms from the virus and should be spending as much time at home as possible."
Now more than ever before, we need to ensure cancer patients are able to receive rapid access to the highest quality of cancer care, closer to home.
- GenesisCare Oncology WA general manager Michael Davis
GenesisCare Oncology WA general manager Michael Davis said the coronavirus outbreak had added an "extra layer of anxiety" to patients receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.
"We are seeing an increasing number of patients express concern about whether they will be able to receive treatment," he said.
"We are delighted to be able to offer this highly targeted treatment option for lung cancer right here in Mandurah, which will mean patients will no longer have to travel to Perth for treatment.
"Now more than ever before, we need to ensure cancer patients are able to receive rapid access to the highest quality of cancer care, closer to home."
Every year, almost 13,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed.
According to the Lung Foundation, more people die from lung cancer than breast, prostate and ovarian cancer combined.
Any delays to treatment for lung cancer patients is likely to result in tumour progression.
GenesisCare has also recently put into action a number of precautionary measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of visits patients must make to the centre has been limited and risk assessment screenings, increased cleaning rounds, temperature checking and infection control training refreshers for staff have all been implemented.
