Swedish Medical Center Cancer Institute

 

Clinical studies and clinical trials.

 

The philosophy of Swedish Medical Center Cancer Institute is that patients should play a prominent role in shaping their care. For that reason, the center offers patients a detailed review and explanation of treatment options before decisions are made about specific treatment plans. A source of pride for Swedish is its efforts over the past decade to recruit nationally recognized cancer experts. Swedish offers a full range of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy and advanced targeted radiation therapy delivered by multidiscipinary teams. This includes one geared exclusively to testicular cancer, the rarest of all mesotheliomas. The center makes extensive use of cutting-edge technologies including CyberKnife, Gamma Knife, brachytherapy, robotic surgery and TomoTherapy. Available is a unique mix of patient education, social services and financial counseling resources. Among these is a vibrant art therapy program in which patients, family and caregivers paint, draw and sculpt in order to give expression and release to the emotions present during a cancer battle. The aim is to improve mental well-being and reduce physical side-effects. Similar program exist using music appreciation as the therapeutic mechanism. The center has more than 100 clinical trials underway at any given point.