Cancer Treatments

Effective cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, we combine the expertise of specialists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and additional support services to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of these. Your involvement in the decision-making process is essential, and we prioritize open communication throughout your care.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses radiation to eliminate cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation is directed to the affected area, minimizing damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.

Electrons are used to treat skin cancers and other superficial lesions, as they are absorbed by the first few centimeters of skin, leaving very little dose to pass into the body. Radiation therapy is used to both destroy cancer cells and alleviate the symptoms of cancer. There are several non-malignant conditions treated using radiation therapy.

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

Thanks to advances in radiation therapy technology, treatment is more precise than ever. Advantages of our radiation technology include:

• Quicker and more precise treatments allow us to target the tumor with a high level of accuracy while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
• Imaging techniques allow the radiation oncologist to closely track tumors before and during radiation, allowing for personalized treatment plan adjustments as needed.

Radiation therapy may be given alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy. Because each cancer type requires a different approach, each patient’s treatment plan is customized to their unique needs and treatment goals.

Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is often combined with immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer. During your medication treatment, your medical oncologist will closely monitor your progress and make adjustments based on your body’s response, side effects and treatment goals. Cancer-fighting medications may be administered intravenously (IV), orally (pills) or by injection (shot) at intervals determined by your care team. Most treatments are delivered in an outpatient setting, though some may require a hospital stay. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan may also include other therapies, such as radiation or surgery, to provide a comprehensive approach to care.

At the Lake Cumberland Infusion Center, our mission is to provide patient-centered cancer care in a calm, nurturing setting, delivering advanced infusion therapies with safety and compassion. Our facility is designed to make your experience as soothing as possible, complete with warm blankets, heated and massaging chairs, and individual TVs. You can expect privacy curtains for comfort and refreshments available throughout your visit. A family member is welcome to accompany you in our cozy space, and our conveniently located lab ensures quick blood draws. Our compassionate nursing staff works collaboratively with your oncologist to offer advanced treatment options in a serene environment.

Infusion services include:

• Chemotherapy Administration: Customized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
• Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy: Advanced therapies based on the latest research.
• Supportive Infusions: Providing anti-nausea medications, iron infusions, and more to ensure your comfort.
• On-Site Monitoring: Continuous care to guarantee a safe and pleasant experience.
• Comfortable, semi-private bays designed for ease and relaxation.
• Amenities including warm blankets, snacks, and beverages.
• Efficient scheduling and coordinated care with your oncology team.
• Comprehensive education and support for patients and families.
• Safe & supportive environment
• Friendly check-in and pre-treatment assessment.
• Detailed review of your medication plan and any questions answered.
• Safe, closely monitored infusion therapy.
• Post-treatment instructions and access to support resources.

Cancer Conference

 At Lake Cumberland, our weekly Cancer Conference operates solely for this purpose — to allow practitioners to meet as a team to discuss difficult cancer cases and work out the best way to treat each patient.  If a case demands discussion and input — such as an advanced tumor, an unusual pathology finding or something concerning after surgery — it is best done at the tumor board.

The Lake Cumberland Cancer Conference is made up of surgeons, oncologists, radiation specialists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and hematologists who may seek input from other disciplines, such as pain management. The conference function in several formats, including: 

• As part of a regularly held, multidisciplinary clinic where specialists personally evaluate patients, then meet as a board to discuss each case (they also may review cases requested by community-based clinicians);
• As stand-alone meetings to review cases complete with diagnostic imaging, biopsy findings and the patients’ medical histories; and
• As virtual meetings with visual and audio communication between multiple locations.

Services to patients may include genetic counseling, nutrition education, or guidance about social services and financial assistance. The conference sometimes gives their treatment recommendations directly to the patient; but in most cases, findings are relayed to the requesting physician.