Gadsden Cancer Clinic proudly offers the following areas of care to our patients in collaboration with community and university specialists. Our team of highly dedicated and compassionate providers are recognized for providing extensive, benchmark therapy.
Medical Oncology
Medical oncology includes the administration of not only chemotherapy, but other highly effective therapies including hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. As a highly respected medical oncologist, Dr. Castillo is involved in the coordinated care of each Gadsden Cancer Clinic patient.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the comprehensive treatment of many of our patients. They greatly benefit from the availability of the on-campus radiation therapy provided by Dr. Kevin Lee, Scion Radiation Oncology at GRMC, an experienced and highly regarded radiation oncologist.
Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic oncology is another aspect of cancer treatment accessible to Gadsden Cancer Clinic patients. For his patients who have cancerous and noncancerous conditions of the female reproductive system, Dr. Castillo collaborates with local and university affiliated physicians well known and respected in their field as gynecologic oncologists.
Clinical Trials
Held in high esteem by top cancer researchers across the nation, Dr. Castillo is privileged to be able to enroll and oversee participants in clinical trials involving the latest, most scientifically promising cancer treatments in the market.
Genetic Counseling
Genetics is the study of how genes and traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Science can now consider genetics to determine how likely a person is to develop diseases. For example, we now know that some women have a genetic trait making them more likely to develop breast cancer.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation efforts during and after cancer treatment can be as important as treating the cancer itself. Gadsden Cancer Clinic’s team includes local rehabilitation providers. The goal of the rehabilitation counseling and therapy is for patients to regain their pre-cancer level of health. Rehabilitiation can include rebuilding muscle tone, restoring nutritional balances, coping with pain management, recovering from depression, dealing with economic problems, and more.
Diagnostic Imaging
The latest in imaging technology is used in diagnosing diseases and disorders. This includes the use of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound and PET scans. Dr. Castillo works in close coordination with the local radiologists and OMI (PET scan facility in Gadsden) to ensure the newest scientific knowledge is applied to the tests we select for our patients.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Dr. Castillo and our team recognize the importance of palliative care for our patients during and following cancer treatment.
Pharmacy
Our on-site pharmacy staff are well versed in the desired action, side effects, dosing and administration of the chemotherapeutic medicines available. Whether patients are administered medications on site or are prescribed self-administered medications to take at home, they benefit from the expertise and convenience of the HOAA Gadsden Cancer Clinic specialized pharmacy.
Laboratory
In medical labs, there are a large variety of tests done on blood, serum, human tissue and bodily fluids samples. An example of two lab tests directly associated with cancer would be those done to assist with the diagnosis of types of breast cancers: One is hormone receptor test, and another is the HER2/neu test. Results of these tests can provide insight into which cancer treatment options may be most effective for a patient’s specific cancer. Other examples are blood and bone marrow analysis used in the diagnosis of leukemia. Gadsden Cancer Clinic’s medical lab testing is vital to the diagnosing of cancer types and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, as well as the patient’s health during their cancer treatment. We have onsite lab machines to perform testing needed to determine if the patient is fit for treatment on the scheduled day.
Nutrition Services
HOAA Gadsden Cancer Clinic works with patients to maintain the ideal nutritional state during their cancer treatment. Nutrition is especially important to help patients tolerate treatment therapies and see optimal results. A solid nutritional plan can help you maintain your energy, support your healthy cells and support your cancer recovery.