Cancer care at CalvertHealth continues
to evolve and change every day – from the
addition of cutting-edge technology and
multidisciplinary teams focused on specific
tumor sites to the latest in genetic testing
and immunotherapy.
“Cancer research discoveries are forthcoming at a
rapid pace,” said Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
and CalvertHealth Cancer Committee Chairman Dr.
Kenneth Abbott. “New and specific ways of targeting
the vulnerabilities of cancer cells produce, in many
cases, more favorable outcomes with fewer problems. As
a result, our community has access to this revolution in
cancer care.”
In 2001, there was only one medical oncologist in
Calvert County. Today, CalvertHealth Medical Center
has developed an Oncology Service line, marshaling
the health system’s resources into a single team that
includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social
workers, dietitians, palliative care professionals,
genetic counselors, community outreach workers, and
partners from tertiary hospitals. This multidisciplinary
approach ensures that patients have the benefit of a
comprehensive team of experts working on their behalf.
Multidisciplinary Expertise Benefits Patient Care
CalvertHealth Medical Center hosts treatment planning
meetings called tumor conferences on a weekly basis.
There are conferences for specific cancer types – like breast and thoracic – and general tumor conferences
where all different types of cancers are discussed. These
meetings bring together all the specialists involved in
the care of a patient- medical oncologists, radiation
oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, urologists,
pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors and more
to discuss specific cases of recently diagnosed cancers.
This is the team that delivers care to the patient.
They share their expertise from years in their related
field, and together, discuss the best options for each
individual patient. And, because they are a team, the
patient doesn’t have to start at the beginning for every
new doctor or specialist they see. Their ‘team’ of cancer
care specialists is already familiar with their individual
situation and can hit the ground running.
Providing State-of-the-Art Technology
Diagnostic imaging is a critical component of cancer
care. When cancer is found at its earliest stages, it
is typically easier to treat. Since its opening in 2000,
American Radiology Services | Calvert Medical
Imaging Center (CMIC) has been at the forefront of
technological advancements in imaging. The first
in Southern Maryland to offer 3D mammography,
CMIC is a designated “Breast Imaging Center of
Excellence” by the American College of Radiology.
This accreditation is the gold standard for excellence
and is only given to facilities with proven best practice
standards in image quality, personnel qualifications,
facility equipment, quality control procedures
and quality assurance programs. Additionally, all
screening mammograms are read by specialized
breast imagers, who exclusively read breast images.
A partnership with Johns
Hopkins Medicine brings Johns
Hopkins breast imagers onsite
for diagnostic studies and procedures.
Keeping Pace with Medical Advances
CalvertHealth is proud to offer full-time
genetic counseling and testing services
to our community. Genetic testing can
play an important role in a patient’s
personalized cancer treatment program.
A genetic counselor can help assess your
risk, explain your options and address
how the results can impact your care.
“The field of genetic testing for
hereditary cancers is rapidly evolving,
resulting in more comprehensive
information than we’ve ever had before,”
said Dr. Arati Patel, medical director
for the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center
for Breast Care at CalvertHealth.
“This testing is having a positive impact
on patient care and medical decision-making.”
She went on to add, “Although there
are various avenues for testing, we
strongly encourage patients to meet with
a certified genetic counselor who can help
them understand the process and what
steps to take based on their results.”
Breakthroughs in immunotherapy
are giving new hope to cancer patients
through cutting edge treatments that enlist
the body’s own immune system to fight the
disease. According to Dr. Bilal Ahmed,
immunotherapy is one of the most exciting
things to happen in cancer treatment in
the last 30 years.“These drugs are more
targeted,” he said, “which means the
collateral damage to other parts of the
body is limited in comparison to other
types of cancer treatment like radiation
and chemotherapy. They may also lead to
a persistent immune response, helping to keep the cancer in check over
time.” There are many studies
ongoing, but immunotherapy has
been approved for treating cancers of the
lung, colon, bladder, head and neck, as well
as lymphoma and metastatic melanoma.
These drugs offer great potential for
effectiveness and longer survival with
fewer side effects, even for people with
stage IV cancers.
Know Us Now for Cancer Care in Calvert County
“Our cancer care program combines
multidisciplinary expertise and
dedicated support staff with stateof-
the-art technology and evidencedbased
treatment protocols,” said Kasia
Sweeney, who oversees oncology
services at CHMC. “And, as a community
hospital, we are able to provide care in
a personalized way that our patients tell
me they really appreciate.”
CalvertHealthMedicine.org/CancerCare,
a new website, was launched this year
to help patients and families navigate
treatment options. “We’re always
looking for new ways meet the needs of
our community,” said Dr. Abbott. “Our
patients told us they wanted an online
resource, so we spent the better part
of a year developing new online tools
to complement our clinical program.”
The new, 54-page website provides
information on all cancer types treated
at CalvertHealth as well as information
on treatment options and the resources
available.
“If you or a loved one has received
a cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to feel
overwhelmed, but you won’t take this
journey alone,” said Abbott.
Get to know the new CalvertHealth as we fight cancer together.