COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CyberKnife®

Laser-Beam Focus on Treating Cancer

Although he hesitated, William O’Donnell of South River couldn’t help but to use the word “cool” to describe his

CyberKnife® treatments for prostate cancer at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. “I don’t like to say that it was cool to have the CyberKnife. I suppose getting a new Mercedes is cool, but if you are getting treated for cancer, this is the only way to do it,” he recalled. “CyberKnife doesn’t touch you and there’s no pain and very few side effects.” Mr. O’Donnell underwent five treatments for prostate cancer, and just as he did after the first treatment, he went back to his usual routine soon after. “There really was no problem,’’ he says.

CyberKnife is the only FDA approved, completely robotic stereotactic radiosurgery system available in the world that targets and destroys tumors or lesions anywhere in the body including the prostate, lung, brain, liver, kidney, neck, spine, and pancreas. The radio-surgery system does not remove the tumor, but instead distorts the DNA of tumor cells so that they lose their ability to reproduce altogether.

Treatments are pain-free and noninvasive, performed as an outpatient procedure in the Radiation Oncology Department at Saint Peter’s. Each session lasts between 30 to 90 minutes, with the average treatment plan requiring only three sessions. Comparatively, conventional radiation therapy treatments, including proton therapy, require as many as 40 sessions.

CyberKnife technology is appropriate for use on patients whose prostate cancer remains localized, says Gopal Desai, M.D., chair of Radiation Oncology at Saint Peter’s. “Radio- surgery expands the repertoire of cancer treatment therapies

and adds a new and exciting tool in the fight against cancer,” says Dr. Desai. “Outcomes have been positive and promising.”

CyberKnife offers new treatment options for patients with a cancer diagnosis of both early and late stage diseases including recurrent cancers, metastatic cancers or cancers that move to other places in the body, and certain high-risk patients. Dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of lung cancer, Saint Peter’s utilizes CyberKnife technology to ablate early-stage and inoperable lung tumors in patients. This technology is particularly useful for patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other external risk factors, even for those patients who have an identified nodule that cannot be biopsied.

Treatment Process

The CyberKnife team includes a radiation oncologist, a urologist or other surgeon, a physicist, a radiation therapist, and a nurse. Patients are initially evaluated by this multi-disciplinary team of experts. If the patient is a good candidate for CyberKnife treatment, and depending on the treatment site, small metal gold markers called fiducials may be implanted to accurately target radiation from the CyberKnife. The patient then undergoes a CT scan with contrast. In some instances, an MRI scan may be necessary to visualize the tumor and affected area(s).

The ability to do this is one of the features of this advanced technology. This contributes to healthier outcomes, says Alan Katz, M.D., a leading researcher and world renowned expert in the use of CyberKnife treatment for prostate cancer who recently joined Saint Peter’s. “In data I recently presented at The American Radium Society more than 500 patients treated with CyberKnife have been followed for as long as eight years after treatment. Control of the prostate cancer has been exceedingly high, even better than with a nine-week course of radiation,’’ says Dr. Katz. “This is true for patients with less as well as more aggressive disease. Toxicity was mild and quality of life scores obtained from the patients show excellent preservation of bowel, urinary and sexual function.” In the treatment of prostate and other cancers, the CyberKnife

System reduces the risk of post-treatment complications, such as infection, hemorrhage, or loss of sense of feeling occasionally associated with conventional surgery. CyberKnife is especially useful against prostate cancer, not only for its ability to eradicate the tumor but for its ability to spare the healthy surrounding tissue and minimize unwanted side effects.

CyberKnife at Saint Peter’s

The CyberKnife treatment experience at Saint Peter’s allows patients to receive treatment and continue their daily life with little or no interruption. As was Mr. O’Donnell’s experience, CyberKnife treatments are pain-free and completely noninvasive, with no hospitalization or recovery time. CyberKnife at Saint Peter’s offers a convenient pain-free treatment option to patients.

“Nobody likes to hear their name and cancer in the same sentence,” says Mr. O’Donnell. “But like I said, CyberKnife is the way to go if you have to deal with it.”

For more information about CyberKnife at Saint Peter’s, call 732-745-6685 or visit www.saintpetershcs.com/ cyberknife. Visit www.saintpetershcs.com/patientstories to view our patient testimonials about CyberKnife. Visit saintpetershcs.com/knowyourrisks to take a free health assessment to identify your risk for prostate cancer.

A LISTING OF PROGRAMS OFFERED THIS MONTH CAN BE FOUND ON THE REVERSE SIDE.

NEED A DOCTOR? TO FIND A SAINT PETER’S PHySICIAN, CALL 1-855-SP-My-DOC (1-855-776-9362).

William O’Donnell speaking about his experience with CyberKnife® on YouTube.

jUNE 2014

Gopal Desai, MD

Alan Katz, MD

FREE COMMUNITy LECTURES

Body Mass Index Measurement Nutrition Education JUNE 30, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Presenter: Teresa Grasso, RD, CDE North Brunswick Senior Center, North Brunswick

Sun Safety - Sun Damage Screening Using the DermaScan Machine JUNE 5, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Presenter: Tara Gunthner, BSN, RN-BC Old Bridge Senior Center, Old Bridge

DIABETES EDUCATIONChildren’s Insulin Pump GroupJUNE 9, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Donna Dziedzic, RN, MSN, CDE 732-745-8600, x8751

Diabetes Education and Support Group/Monroe TownshipJUNE 9, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center 200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township Contact: Therese Wyman, RD, CDE, at 609-409-1363.

Diabetes Self-Management Education HELD MONDAYS AND TUESDAYSRegistration and doctor’s prescription required.732-745-6667

Gestational Diabetes Self-Management ClassHELD WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYSRegistration and a doctor’s prescription required. 732-745-6667

SUPPORT GROUPSAlzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group JUNE 10, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMSaint Peter’s Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe Township Rachel Kallish, CSW • 609-655-6853

Bariatric Surgery Support GroupJUNE 12, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Lisa Lapinski, RD • 732-745-8600, x8159

Bereavement Support GroupJUNE 5 & 19, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM732-745-8565

Bereavement Support GroupJUNE 17, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMFor spouses and significant others 55 and older. Saint Peter’s Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe TownshipSean O’Brien, MSW, LSW 609-409-1363, option 5

Caregivers Support Group/MonroeJUNE 12, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PMSaint Peter’s Adult Day Center200 Overlook Drive, Monroe TownshipStephanie Fitzsimmons-Sexton, RN, NP609-655-2220

SHARE Support Group(for those who have suffered miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death)JUNE 12, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMIrina Mariano-Brown, MSW, LCSW 732-745-8522

COMMUNITy MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES For more information about screenings and educational programs, please call 732-745-8600, x8903. Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings JUNE 3, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Kiddie Keep Well Camp, Edison Campers only.

JUNE 13, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM New Brunswick Senior Center, New Brunswick

JUNE 13, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Elijah’s Promise, New Brunswick

JUNE 18, NOON – 1:30 PM SHIPS @ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Somerville

JUNE 22, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Traveler’s Fellowship Community Church, Piscataway

Bone Density Screening JUNE 9, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Hidden Brook Seniors, Franklin

Health Fairs JUNE 2, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Ponds Adult Community, Monroe Township Residents only.

JUNE 4, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Stonebridge Adult Community, Monroe Township Residents only.

JUNE 7, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pine Street Park, New Brunswick

JUNE 7, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EMS Summer Health and Safety Fair, Avenel/Colonia

JUNE 11, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Regency Adult Community, Monroe Township Residents only.

JUNE 14, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Edison Family Day, New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison

JUNE 17, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Clearbrook Adult Community, Monroe Township Residents only.

JUNE 25, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Somerset Fun Adult Community, Franklin Residents only.

JUNE 26, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Franklin Township Employee Health Fair, Franklin Employees only.

JUNE 29, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Plainfield Health Fair, Supremo Supermarket, Front Street, Plainfield

Stroke ScreeningJUNE 3, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM Spotswood Senior Center, Spotswood

Sun Damage Screening Using the DermaScan Machine JUNE 12, NOON – 1:30 PM Manville VFW, Senior citizens residents only.

PARENT EDUCATIONFor information, fees and registration, call Parent Education at 732-745-8579, unless otherwise indicated.

Baby Care JUNE 2 & 14, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

JUNE 9, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Breastfeeding ClassJUNE 28, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Breastfeeding Support GroupJUNE 6, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM732-745-8600, x8820

Marvelous Multiples JUNE 2, 9 & 16, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

New Daddy Class JUNE 26, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

New Mom Support GroupJUNE 6, NOON – 1:00 PMLight lunch will be served at noon. Registration required.

Postnatal yoga and Exercise Class(four-week sessions)FRIDAYS, 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM Registration required.

Prenatal yoga and Exercise Class(four-week sessions)WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Registration required.

Prepared Childbirth ClassesMONDAYS, THURSDAYS, OR ALL-DAY SESSIONS SECOND AND FOURTH WEEKENDSRegistration required.

Sibling Class JUNE 28, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

CANCER SERVICES The American Cancer Society offers daily information and support to cancer patients and their families. Call 1-800-227-2345 to talk to a cancer information specialist 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week or visit us online at www.cancer.org.

Breast Cancer Support GroupJUNE 2 & 16, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMGuest speaker and open discussion.Registration required.Cancer Institute of New Jersey Deborah Leif, MSW, LCSW • 732-235-7011

Gynecologic Cancer Support GroupJUNE 10, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMCancer Institute of New Jersey • 732-235-6792

Latina Women with Cancer Support Group JUNE 8, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM JUNE 26, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center Light lunch will be served. Free, but registration requested. Sessions conducted in Spanish. Call 908-658-5400 for more information.

Living with Cancer Support GroupJUNE 11 & 25, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMCancer Institute of New JerseyBarbara Hale, LCSW • 732-235-7557

Catholic hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen | State-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center

Regional medical campus of Drexel University College of Medicine | Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

jUNE 2014

All programs are designed for community members and are held at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register for a program, call the contact number listed or visit saintpetershcs.com/newsandevents.

SEVENTH ANNUAL BIkE RIDE FOR AMySUNDAY, JUNE 1 7:00 AM check-in; 8:00 AM start South Brunswick High School To register or donate visit The Amy Foundation.org/bikreride

STROkE SCREENINGSLIFE LINE SCREENING has partnered with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System to provide health screenings throughout Central Jersey. Stroke screenings will be available at the following locations. Pre-registration is required. All screenings begin at 9:00 AM. Call 1-877-557-7497.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6 Hyatt House Hotel, BridgewaterSATURDAY, JUNE 7 St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral – Community Room, Metuchen MONDAY, JUNE 9 American Legion Post 306, MiddlesexTUESDAY, JUNE 10 West Long Branch Community Center, West Long BranchWEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 Matawan United Methodist Church, MatawanTHURSDAY, JUNE 19 Congregation B’nai Tikvah, North BrunswickFRIDAY, JUNE 20 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, HowellTUESDAY, JUNE 24 Manasquan United Methodist Church, ManasquanTHURSDAY, JUNE 26 Red Bank Knights of Columbus Post 3187, Fair HavenFRIDAY, JUNE 27 First United Methodist Church, Westfield

COMMUNITy GOLF OUTINGTUESDAY, JUNE 10 Forsgate Country Club, Monroe TownshipFor more information, call Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732-745-8542.

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR THURSDAY, JUNE 127:15 PM - 9:30 PM For more information, and to register, call Lisa Lapinski, RD, at 732-745-8600, x8159.

EMS EDUCATION SERIESTHURSDAY, JUNE 267:00 PM TOPIC: ROADSIDE INCIDENT SAFETY Free; refreshments served. CEU credits. Call 908-238-3254 to register.

CANCER SURVIVOR’S DAySATURDAY, JUNE 21 By invitation only. Pines Manor, Edison

NEW MOM OR PREGNANT? ARE yOU ExPERIENCING ACHES AND PAINS? Our physical therapists at the Sports Medicine Institute provide physical therapy for pregnancy women and new moms as well as classes designed to acquaint you with lifestyle changes and exercises you can do to help yourself during this time. Classes are held the last Thursday of every month.Sports Medicine Institute 562 Easton Avenue, Somerset Call 732-565-5455 for more information and to register for a class.

NEW MOM CLASSTHURSDAY, JUNE 261:30 PM

PREGNANCy CLASSTHURSDAY, JUNE 267:30 PM

254 Easton Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | 732-745-8600 | 800-269-7508 | www.saintpetershcs.com

Top Performer on Joint Commission Key Quality Measures™ 2012

This calendar is for information only. Do not rely on it to make healthcare decisions on your own; instead, talk with your healthcare provider for advice and treatment. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. We do not suggest or endorse that you have any tests, use products, or use other information in this document without advice from your healthcare provider.

SPECIAL EVENTS

28TH ANNUAL SAINT PETER’S GOLF CLASSICMONDAY, SEPTEMbER 8The Ridge at Back Brook in Ringoes Call 732-745-8542.

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