Connections SPRING, 2011

Blending Next Generation Care with a Tradition of Caring and Compassion

Personalized Healthcare – Revolutionizing

Jivesh Sharma, MD Cancer Treatment
NexGen Oncology is focused on Traditionally, treatments for cancer Alimta (PEMETREXED) than it does to
implementing the newest forms of have been a one-size-fits-all approach. other drugs and her treatment plan is
personalized medicine tools for the Until medical technology progressed, tailored appropriately.
physicians didn’t have the necessary
care of our patients. We remain
tools to give them a clear picture of The specific characteristics of the
committed to serving patients in patient’s general health (other illnesses,
how one patient might react to treat-
Dallas as we have done for nearly ment as opposed to another. Because age, previous surgeries, etc.)
18 years, and to bringing new of the complex nature of the different A number of clinical studies have
technology and new treatments to types of cancers, and the individual demonstrated that age as a determin-
our patients. response to both the disease and the ing factor with respect to treatment
treatments, new therapies were called is becoming less meaningful. Many
for that would give doctors, and their older patients are in excellent condi-
We currently accept Medicare patients, hope for better outcomes. tion and are able to tolerate therapies,
Advantage plans including: Medical technology has evolved in even as extensive as bone marrow
• Health Spring the last decade to make it possible to transplantations, much more success-
• Secure Horizons personalize treatments, revolution- fully. An elderly, 70 year-old patient
izing healthcare, but most particularly who presented with poor lung func-
• Humana
cancer care. A number of factors are tion and myleodysplasia, underwent a
• Texan Plus very successful transplant.
involved:
The unique attributes of the patient –
genetic and metabolic properties Medical Advancements in drug thera-
Our Services Genomic data can give doctors pies, technological breakthroughs on
the cellular level, diagnostic imaging
Medical Oncology an individual profile of their patient,
technology and preventive applications
Our specially trained physicians, their disease susceptibilities and likely
responses to therapies. This data is Strategies in cancer treatment rely
nurses, and medical assistants on drugs that sometimes have nega-
especially helpful in the treatment of
provide patient evaluation, treat- various types of cancer as evidenced in tive side effects. With personalized
ment, personal support, and the following Nexgen Oncology case. healthcare, identifying which drugs
education. will most benefit the individual patient
The unique features of the cancer; allows physicians to tailor the drug
Second Opinion Clinic identifying disease sub-types therapy to minimize these side effects.
A 69 year-old with previous breast A 59 year old female colon cancer
For many cancers, no one par-
cancer; presents with non-small cell patient had a rare mutation of 5FU
ticular treatment is clearly the
lung cancer two years after treat- metabolism. Employing a personalized
best for all patients. This is the care approach allowed her physician
ment. There are four different types
motivation for patients to seek a of NSCLC and they used to be treated to adjust the doses to conform with
second opinion, and is a perfectly the same. Based on histology it is her unique and individual needs. She is
acceptable and common practice determined that the patient’s sub- responding well to treatment and is ex-
in oncology care. type of cancer responds better to pected to make full recovery long term.
Continued on back

______________________www.mycancercenter.com____________________
 Connections SPRING 2011

Blending Next Generation Care with a Tradition of Caring and Compassion

In addition, to tailoring drug treat-
ments, doctors also have better diag- Engage us online at
nostic tools at their disposal than ever www.mycancercenter.com
before – such as improved molecular
and nuclear imaging that reflect cellu-
lar and molecular pathways of disease
formation. Preventive applications, too,
are helpful in defining individuals that
are likely to develop certain types of
cancers – such as breast cancer – by in-
terpreting gene expression predictors.
At Nexgen Oncology patients are
given a through workup. Genetic
testing is done to determine the best On Facebook
treatment options. Dr. Jivesh Sharma • Meet our staff • Get news and join discussions
says, “We also consider other health • Participate in polls
factors that might influence how we
treat a patient such as hormonal im-
balances, dietary or nutritional issues 8440 Walnut Hill Lane, Bldg 4,
or other disease factors.” Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75231
PH: 214-345-5775
Personalized healthcare is changing
FX • 214-345-5776
traditional thinking by physicians. Dr.
Sharma says, “It is the promise of the Saturday Appointments Available
future for cancer care.” He believes,
“The explosion in genomic medicine Dr. Jivesh sharma
and the advent of labs that provide Dr. Ritu Lapsiwala
tests for prognostic risks is encourag- Dr. Khusroo Quereshi
ing. We use these tools to maximize Call Tiffany ahead of appointment
for curbside wheelchair assistance.
the patient’s chances of having their
cancer controlled or cured while mini- 7415 Las Colinas Blvd.
mizing their risks of side effects. This is Valley Ranch
Suite 100
another great step forward in the fight I-63
Irving, Texas 75063
against cancer.”
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Saturday Appointments Available

Cancer
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or TX

Health
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MacArthur Blvd.

NexGen Oncology

Tip
Las
Colinas
Medical
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Collwell Blvd.

Fluor Drive

Understand how your 825 Medical Drive,

cancer drugs interact with Tyler, TX 75701
other prescriptions you are
taking. Your doctor
or nurse can give you
guidance on how to take
your medicines.
We accept most insurance plans including Secure Horizons.