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Texas Oncology to Expand Sites of Service and Add Leading-Edge Treatment Options in Southwest Dallas County

Posted on: Thursday, 8 September 2005, 09:01 CDT

HOUSTON, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Oncology, P.A., Texas' largest independent oncology practice, has announced plans to expand sites of service and to bring new, leading-edge radiation treatment options to cancer patients in Southwest Dallas County. Dallas-based Methodist Health System and US Oncology, Inc. have finalized a joint venture agreement that will facilitate the increased access to new technology.

Under the terms of the arrangement, radiation therapy services will be provided on the Methodist Dallas Medical Center campus and at Texas Oncology on Wheatland Road. Radiation services at both of these locations will be provided by Texas Oncology and managed by the new venture formed by Methodist Health System and US Oncology. This agreement does not change the medical management for cancer patients, which will continue to be offered at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center and at the Texas Oncology Cancer Center on Wheatland Road.

The joint venture will also facilitate Texas Oncology in bringing intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a leading-edge radiation therapy technology, to Southwest Dallas County at the Wheatland Road cancer center by January 2006. IMRT attacks cancer by delivering high-resolution radiation beams from many angles. "IMRT will revolutionize radiation therapy for many patients. It allows us to target the tumor with higher doses, improving the probability of success while reducing side effects," said Kesha Harris- Henderson, MD radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology's Wheatland Rd. cancer center. IMRT reduces the risk of many of the side effects caused by high doses of radiation resulting in improved outcomes and fewer complications. Through a computer program that optimizes the treatment plan based on input from physicians, IMRT targets the cancer while limiting damage to the surrounding tissues and organs. IMRT delivers increased amounts of radiation by controlling the shape and intensity of the radiation beam, allowing radiation oncologists to give maximum yet accurate doses of radiation.

"The joint venture arrangement will provide a means for patients in our community to have an improved quality and level of care," said Kim Hollon, executive vice president of Methodist Health System. "Working together, we are able to bring this technology to our community without duplicating resources."

"We are pleased to be able to bring this new therapy to Southwest Dallas County," said Dr. Steve Paulson, president of Texas Oncology. "Patients will no longer need to travel as far to receive one of the latest treatment options."

About Texas Oncology, PA

Texas Oncology, P.A. is Texas' largest group of medical professionals devoted exclusively to cancer care. With approximately 200 practicing physicians at 88 locations, including 34 comprehensive cancer centers, Texas Oncology provides exceptional care to more patients in Texas than any other cancer care provider. Texas Oncology uses the latest technology and participates with the largest network of clinical research trials nationally in order to provide high quality care in communities throughout the state. Texas Oncology physicians improve the effectiveness of treatments by concentrating on each patient individually, and providing emotional and practical patient support as well as medical treatment. Texas Oncology is a member of the US Oncology network, one of the nation's leading health services networks focused exclusively on cancer treatment and research. Additional information is available at http://www.texasoncology.com/.

About US Oncology

US Oncology is one of the nation's largest healthcare services networks dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research. US Oncology is affiliated with 944 physicians practicing in 481 locations, including 82 outpatient cancer centers and 13 radiation-only sites in 33 states.

About Methodist Health System

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) uses some of the latest medical technology and research to bring quality health care to individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center and three Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at http://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/.

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

US Oncology, Inc.

CONTACT: Kathleen Beathard, Vice President, Public Relations of MethodistHealth System, +1-214-947-4602, or kathleenbeathard@mhd.com; or KimberlyRutherford, Director, Corporate Communications of US Oncology, Inc.,+1-832-601-6193, or kimberly.Rutherford@usoncology.com

Web site: http://www.usoncology.com/http://www.texasoncology.com/http://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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