Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 267 Lincoln, NE
Bryan Cancer Program 1600 S. 48th St. Lincoln, NE 68506-1299 Address Service Requested
NEWS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
ISSUE 6
Cancer News
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Stay informed with the latest comprehensive cancer care updates
Lung cancer patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery
View online & previous issues: bryanhealth.org/cancer-newsletter
Coming to Lincoln March 2024
South 40th St. between Yankee Hill & Saltillo Roads
New! Bryan High Risk Clinic Bryan now offers a clinic for people who have an increased risk for cancer, due to family history, medical factors or lifestyle. Our advanced practice provider will meet with patients for: • Physical exam • Personalized risk assessment • Prevention education • Screening recommendations This may include referrals to other professionals, such as a genetic counselor, or orders for additional tests. All information is then shared with the patient’s primary care provider for follow-up. Clinic is available now and will continue at the new Cancer Center. To refer a patient, call 402-481-7900.
Save the Date:
Seeking CME approval, stay tuned for more info
Surgery is one treatment option for some patients. Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in the various surgical options available: • Traditional open surgery • Minimally invasive surgery – Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) – Robot-assisted surgery
April Sampson Cancer Center Provider Tours Thursday, February 22 (early evening) Saturday, February 24 (morning)
Survivorship Care Survivorship Care is now available for patients who’ve completed their curative cancer treatment. A nurse practitioner connects patients with resources including: • Treatment summary • Surveillance plan • Healthy lifestyle education • Side effect management • Behavioral health • Social work Now offered at Bryan Medical Plaza East Campus Specialty Clinic. Will continue at April Sampson Cancer Center. To schedule an appointment, call the Bryan Cancer Program line at 402-481-7900.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques in roughly 80% of their lung surgery cases, well above the national average of 69%. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgeries experience: • Faster recovery times • Fewer complications • Shorter hospital stays • Less pain and decreased need for pain medications • Less blood loss • No cutting of the ribs or sternum Prior to undergoing surgery, lung cancer patient cases are reviewed as part of the Lung Tumor Board. This board consists of a multidisciplinary team of board certified specialists including: oncologists, pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists. These specialists review patient-specific information as a group and then collaborate on the best treatment option(s) for each individual. Thanks to the advanced training and technologies available through this group, patients are at the forefront of lung cancer care.
“
While minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized lung cancer treatment, their primary benefit to patients is undeniable — reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and ultimately, improved outcomes.
“
April Sampson Cancer Center
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with a less than 25% 5-year survival rate, primarily because more than half of new lung cancer diagnoses involve distant disease. Treatment is determined by type, stage and a patient’s overall health and goals.
Robert Oakes, MD – Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgery Medical Director
Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Robert Oakes, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery Medical Director
Lance Bezzina, DO, FACOS
Ryan Shelstad, MD, FACS, FACC
To refer a patient to Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgery call 402-483-3255 To submit a case to Thoracic Tumor Board, call Bryan Cancer Program at 402-481-7900.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
When Jeff, a 65-year prostate cancer patient, heard he was going to be given Pluvicto (Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan PSMA) at Cancer Partners of Nebraska he was a little skeptical. But after finishing two rounds of Pluvicto, he is feeling great with no side effects.
Podcast: Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Dr. Steve Dunder, medical oncologist at Cancer Partners, and Dr. Mark Stavas, radiation oncologist at Cancer Partners, were optimistic for Jeff to try Pluvicto.
Steve Dunder, MD
Mark Stavas, MD
Pluvicto is a type of theranostics treatment, which is a two-pronged approach to diagnosing and treating cancers using radiotracers. Radiotracers are compounds made of radiation and chemicals that selectively bind to a specific target in the body. Cancer Partners of Nebraska’s team uses a pair of radiotracers that are virtually identical, and different from the standard radiation given. Pluvicto treats patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer who have already had androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. Patients receive an infusion every six weeks for a total of six treatments. Theranostics is an option for metastatic disease that fails to respond well to established therapies, such as conventional chemotherapy. If the established treatments stop working, the patient may become a candidate for theranostics. There are many benefits of using theranostic medicine. In general, these types of medicine do not cure cancer, but they do extend the length and quality of life for people seeking other treatment options. Theranostic treatments are well tolerated, so the risks of side effects are usually outweighed by the benefits, including a lessening of cancer symptoms.
Cancer Center Mental Health Services Bryan Medical Center provides a continuum of behavioral health services to our community through the Bryan Counseling Center, primarily located at Bryan West Campus, but also with multiple satellite offices.
Haris Zahoor, MD
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Haris Zahoor, MD, medical oncologist with Cancer Partners of Nebraska, discusses promising new ways to treat prostate cancer and the importance of a multidisciplinary team.
Listen now:
Video:
April Sampson Cancer Center Construction Timelapse
“We are very pleased to offer mental health services at the new April Sampson Cancer Center. Providing services on site and meeting patients along their treatment journey is vital,” said Dave Miers, PhD, LPIC, senior director of behavioral health services at Bryan Medical Center. Nikki Lightner, MA, LIMHP, LADC, of the Bryan Counseling Center, will be at the Cancer Center a couple of days per week (yet to be determined) for scheduled appointments. “Nikki’s experience in wellness is outstanding and will be of great benefit to cancer patients,” Dr. Miers said.
Watch now:
We are grateful for generous donors in our community, such as Kimmel Charitable Foundation, which is supporting the pollinator garden at the April Sampson Cancer Center.
“
The Kimmel Foundation is very proud to be a part of the new April Sampson Cancer Center. Mrs. Sampson was a wonderful person. We know the journey for individuals and their families dealing with cancer is difficult. We hope the pollinator garden will provide them beauty, comfort and joy. — Len Weyeneth, President of the Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation
Leave your legacy There are still naming opportunities available. Call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or visit bryanhealth.org/join-the-cause for more information.
A therapy intern also will be assigned to the Cancer Center, under the supervision of Stacy Waldron, PhD. Dr. Waldron is a health psychologist and will work with Nikki and the Cancer Center intern to further the program.
Meet Cancer Center Mental Health Practitioner
Jeff was happy that he could receive his treatment in Lincoln and stay close to home. Cancer Partners of Nebraska is the only organization in Lincoln to offer Pluvicto. This treatment will be available at April Sampson Cancer Center next year. To learn more about theranostic treatments, visit CancerPartners.com/Care/Diagnostic-Imaging.
Donor Corner
Nikki Lightner, MA, LIMHP, LADC
Nikki Lightner, MA, LIMHP, LADC, will provide therapy to cancer patients at the April Sampson Cancer Center. In her role as part of the Bryan Counseling Center, she offers individual and family counseling to help with stress, anxiety, depression and life changes. Nikki works with clients with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer.
She has experience helping people with medical conditions, co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns and grief or past traumas. Nikki is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Motivational Interviewing. Nikki earned a Master of Counseling degree from Doane University in Lincoln. She enjoys helping people improve their quality of life through a holistic approach that incorporates the mind, body and soul. Refer patients in Epic or call 402-481-5991.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
“
Precision Oncology: Theranostics Approach
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
When Jeff, a 65-year prostate cancer patient, heard he was going to be given Pluvicto (Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan PSMA) at Cancer Partners of Nebraska he was a little skeptical. But after finishing two rounds of Pluvicto, he is feeling great with no side effects.
Podcast: Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Dr. Steve Dunder, medical oncologist at Cancer Partners, and Dr. Mark Stavas, radiation oncologist at Cancer Partners, were optimistic for Jeff to try Pluvicto.
Steve Dunder, MD
Mark Stavas, MD
Pluvicto is a type of theranostics treatment, which is a two-pronged approach to diagnosing and treating cancers using radiotracers. Radiotracers are compounds made of radiation and chemicals that selectively bind to a specific target in the body. Cancer Partners of Nebraska’s team uses a pair of radiotracers that are virtually identical, and different from the standard radiation given. Pluvicto treats patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer who have already had androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. Patients receive an infusion every six weeks for a total of six treatments. Theranostics is an option for metastatic disease that fails to respond well to established therapies, such as conventional chemotherapy. If the established treatments stop working, the patient may become a candidate for theranostics. There are many benefits of using theranostic medicine. In general, these types of medicine do not cure cancer, but they do extend the length and quality of life for people seeking other treatment options. Theranostic treatments are well tolerated, so the risks of side effects are usually outweighed by the benefits, including a lessening of cancer symptoms.
Cancer Center Mental Health Services Bryan Medical Center provides a continuum of behavioral health services to our community through the Bryan Counseling Center, primarily located at Bryan West Campus, but also with multiple satellite offices.
Haris Zahoor, MD
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Haris Zahoor, MD, medical oncologist with Cancer Partners of Nebraska, discusses promising new ways to treat prostate cancer and the importance of a multidisciplinary team.
Listen now:
Video:
April Sampson Cancer Center Construction Timelapse
“We are very pleased to offer mental health services at the new April Sampson Cancer Center. Providing services on site and meeting patients along their treatment journey is vital,” said Dave Miers, PhD, LPIC, senior director of behavioral health services at Bryan Medical Center. Nikki Lightner, MA, LIMHP, LADC, of the Bryan Counseling Center, will be at the Cancer Center a couple of days per week (yet to be determined) for scheduled appointments. “Nikki’s experience in wellness is outstanding and will be of great benefit to cancer patients,” Dr. Miers said.
Watch now:
We are grateful for generous donors in our community, such as Kimmel Charitable Foundation, which is supporting the pollinator garden at the April Sampson Cancer Center.
“
The Kimmel Foundation is very proud to be a part of the new April Sampson Cancer Center. Mrs. Sampson was a wonderful person. We know the journey for individuals and their families dealing with cancer is difficult. We hope the pollinator garden will provide them beauty, comfort and joy. — Len Weyeneth, President of the Richard P. Kimmel & Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation
Leave your legacy There are still naming opportunities available. Call the Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or visit bryanhealth.org/join-the-cause for more information.
A therapy intern also will be assigned to the Cancer Center, under the supervision of Stacy Waldron, PhD. Dr. Waldron is a health psychologist and will work with Nikki and the Cancer Center intern to further the program.
Meet Cancer Center Mental Health Practitioner
Jeff was happy that he could receive his treatment in Lincoln and stay close to home. Cancer Partners of Nebraska is the only organization in Lincoln to offer Pluvicto. This treatment will be available at April Sampson Cancer Center next year. To learn more about theranostic treatments, visit CancerPartners.com/Care/Diagnostic-Imaging.
Donor Corner
Nikki Lightner, MA, LIMHP, LADC
Nikki Lightner, MA, LIMHP, LADC, will provide therapy to cancer patients at the April Sampson Cancer Center. In her role as part of the Bryan Counseling Center, she offers individual and family counseling to help with stress, anxiety, depression and life changes. Nikki works with clients with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and cancer.
She has experience helping people with medical conditions, co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns and grief or past traumas. Nikki is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Motivational Interviewing. Nikki earned a Master of Counseling degree from Doane University in Lincoln. She enjoys helping people improve their quality of life through a holistic approach that incorporates the mind, body and soul. Refer patients in Epic or call 402-481-5991.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
“
Precision Oncology: Theranostics Approach
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 267 Lincoln, NE
Bryan Cancer Program 1600 S. 48th St. Lincoln, NE 68506-1299 Address Service Requested
NEWS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
ISSUE 6
Cancer News
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Stay informed with the latest comprehensive cancer care updates
Lung cancer patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery
View online & previous issues: bryanhealth.org/cancer-newsletter
Coming to Lincoln March 2024
South 40th St. between Yankee Hill & Saltillo Roads
New! Bryan High Risk Clinic Bryan now offers a clinic for people who have an increased risk for cancer, due to family history, medical factors or lifestyle. Our advanced practice provider will meet with patients for: • Physical exam • Personalized risk assessment • Prevention education • Screening recommendations This may include referrals to other professionals, such as a genetic counselor, or orders for additional tests. All information is then shared with the patient’s primary care provider for follow-up. Clinic is available now and will continue at the new Cancer Center. To refer a patient, call 402-481-7900.
Save the Date:
Seeking CME approval, stay tuned for more info
Surgery is one treatment option for some patients. Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in the various surgical options available: • Traditional open surgery • Minimally invasive surgery – Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) – Robot-assisted surgery
April Sampson Cancer Center Provider Tours Thursday, February 22 (early evening) Saturday, February 24 (morning)
Survivorship Care Survivorship Care is now available for patients who’ve completed their curative cancer treatment. A nurse practitioner connects patients with resources including: • Treatment summary • Surveillance plan • Healthy lifestyle education • Side effect management • Behavioral health • Social work Now offered at Bryan Medical Plaza East Campus Specialty Clinic. Will continue at April Sampson Cancer Center. To schedule an appointment, call the Bryan Cancer Program line at 402-481-7900.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer
Bryan Heart cardiothoracic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques in roughly 80% of their lung surgery cases, well above the national average of 69%. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgeries experience: • Faster recovery times • Fewer complications • Shorter hospital stays • Less pain and decreased need for pain medications • Less blood loss • No cutting of the ribs or sternum Prior to undergoing surgery, lung cancer patient cases are reviewed as part of the Lung Tumor Board. This board consists of a multidisciplinary team of board certified specialists including: oncologists, pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists. These specialists review patient-specific information as a group and then collaborate on the best treatment option(s) for each individual. Thanks to the advanced training and technologies available through this group, patients are at the forefront of lung cancer care.
“
While minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized lung cancer treatment, their primary benefit to patients is undeniable — reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and ultimately, improved outcomes.
“
April Sampson Cancer Center
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., with a less than 25% 5-year survival rate, primarily because more than half of new lung cancer diagnoses involve distant disease. Treatment is determined by type, stage and a patient’s overall health and goals.
Robert Oakes, MD – Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgery Medical Director
Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Robert Oakes, MD Cardiothoracic Surgery Medical Director
Lance Bezzina, DO, FACOS
Ryan Shelstad, MD, FACS, FACC
To refer a patient to Bryan Heart Cardiothoracic Surgery call 402-483-3255 To submit a case to Thoracic Tumor Board, call Bryan Cancer Program at 402-481-7900.
Bryan Cancer Program • 402-481-7900 • bryanhealth.org/cancer