Annual Report - Saint Alphonsus

Healing Therapies
2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT
MISSION
THE SAINT ALPHONSUS
CANCER CARE CENTER
Cancer Care Center has develop-
is committed to enhancing the
to healing. Our comprehensive
quality of life for patients and
methods
their families.
the-art techniques to diagnose
ed an integrative care approach
and
integrate
treat
state-of-
cancer,
including
imaging,
radiation
The diagnosis of cancer can have
advanced
a profound effect on patients and
therapy, and chemotherapy, with
their families, affecting physical,
nutrition,
psychological,
and
complementary therapies proven
spiritual foundations. Mindful of
to meet a patient’s physical,
this reality, the Saint Alphonsus
mental and spiritual needs.
emotional,
2 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
exercise
and
other
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Report from the Cancer Committee Chair...................................................4
2014-2015 Cancer Committee Membership................................................. 5
Donors to the Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center...........................6-7
Outreach and Education in the Community............................................8-9
•Cancer Screenings
•Community Education Offerings
•Community Event Participation
•Highlights of Community Events
Programs and Resources.............................................................................. 10-14
•Integrative Care Program
•Breast Cancer Navigator
•General Patient Navigator
•Genetic Counseling
•Clinical Research
•Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)
•Performance Improvement
Treatment Assessment and Evaluation.........................................................15
Cancer Registry Report.................................................................................16-22
Cancer Conferences..............................................................................................23
Meet Our Medical Staff................................................................................ 24-26
Locations & Phones...............................................................................................27
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 3
CANCER COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
OUR PROGRAMS continue to focus on improving the care experience, providing high
quality care, implementing state of the art treatment technologies, and meeting the
needs of our patients through integrative care offerings. I want to recognize our team
of highly skilled, dedicated staff who provides the expertise, resources and passion that
allow us to meet our goals and expectations.
Program highlights this year include:
• Implementation of an oncology outpatient medical record – Improving patient safety, quality of care,
and providing access to one medical record.
• A Music Therapy Program – This Evidence Based Practice therapy has received so many accolades from
our patients and staff. Music therapy addresses patient needs related to chronic pain and respiration
(among many other patient needs).
• Lung Screening Program – A service provided in all our clinic locations. Lung cancer is typically
discovered at a late stage and our goal, through lung screenings, is to identify it at an earlier, curable
stage. We are recognized as a Lung Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance.
• Implementing new radiation technologies that can more effectively target tumors or deliver the course
of treatment in fewer days:
• High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation therapy for gynecologic and breast cancers
• Rapid Arc
• Respiratory Gating
• Use of telemedicine to provide support to our Baker City practice for medical oncology on-treatment
patient visits and for Genetic Counseling consults for Baker City and Grande Ronde patients.
• Institution of Survivorship visits for patients who have completed their course of treatment. These
visits provide patients with a summary of their care and a follow-up care plan.
• Offering over 100 clinical trials for cancer patients to participate in.
We are intentional as we develop our goals and expectations each year - using high quality, safe,
comprehensive care as our roadmap. We value our patients and the trust they put in our care and we
take that very seriously.
It is a pleasure to share these accomplishments with you.
4 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
2014-2015 CANCER COMMITTEE
2014-2015 CANCER COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
PHYSICIAN MEMBERS
Michael Blumhardt, MD, Pulmonology
Joseph Brooks, MD, Radiation Oncology
Austin Cushman, MD, General Surgery
Cancer Committee Chairperson
Jack Chaffin, MD, Pathology
Kevin Clifford, MD, Palliative Care
Stephanie Hodson, MD, Medical Oncology
John Knochel, MD, Radiology
Alan Langerak, MD, Medical Oncology
A. Scott Pierson, MD, Medical Oncology
Kerry Pulver, MD, Medical Oncology
Lindsay Sales, MD, Radiation Oncology
Karl Schultheiss, MD, Medical Oncology
Joseph Williams, MD, Urology
Shauna Williams, MD, General Surgery
NON-PHYSICIAN MEMBERS
Loretta Amy, Clinical Research Associate
Laura w, FNP-BC, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Jackie Babb, Director of Women’s Health
Lesa Breding, Social Worker
Jessica Butterfield, MS, FNP, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Calvin, Rehabilitation Services
Paula Coulter, Director or Oncology Services
Amy Crunk, Genetics Counselor
Jayne Freeman, BSN, RN Breast Cancer Navigator
Ruth Goldthwaite, Chaplain
Barbara Grant, Nutritionist
Tiffany Hon, General Cancer Navigator
Heather Jones, Cancer Registrar
Priscilla Lynn, Outpatient Nurse Manager
Kim Martin, Pharmacist
Cheryl Nelson, Coordinator, Integrative Care Services
Lindsay Nelson, American Cancer Society Patient Navigator
Tessa Morrison, Cancer Registrar
Tina Schied, Clinical Research Nurse
Esther Sears, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner
Tammie Sherner, CNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Megan Skeem, Radiation Oncology Coordinator
Tammy Stewart, Coordinator, Caldwell/Nampa Cancer Care Centers
Holly Swensen, FNP-BC, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Heather Webb, Clinical Research Associate
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 5
2014-2015 DONORS
TO THE SAINT ALPHONSUS CANCER CARE CENTER
GIFTS, GRANTS, MEMORIALS AND
TRIBUTES to the Saint Alphonsus Cancer
Patient Financial Support for TreatmentRelated Services. The Patient Support Fund is
Care Center are used to support patients
and innovative cancer care, research and
clinical trials. These gifts are also used
to provide cancer screenings, awareness,
education, prevention and integrative care
programs. Some of the programs that
benefit from donations are:
intended to pay for services that are treatment-
Amyx Family Resource Libraries/American
Cancer Society Resource Centers for Patient
Education. The libraries and resource centers are
located on the first floor of the Cancer Care Center in
related and considered important to the patient’s
overall plan of care.
Distributions of the Patient
Support Fund are decided and based on patient
need by a Cancer Care Center social worker and
manager.
•Fred Meyer Fundraiser. For five consecutive
years, employees and customers of the Treasure
Valley Fred Meyer stores have made donations
totaling $15,481 to support the Patient Financial
Support Fund.
Boise and in the lobbies of the Nampa and Caldwell
patients and members of the community easy access
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Idaho: Breast
Care Patient Assistance Funds. Komen funds
to reliable information and resources on cancer
assist breast cancer patients with essential living
prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment,
expenses such as housing, groceries, utility bills,
integrative therapies and survivorship issues. The
daycare, transportation, and other essentials. Saint
centers are staffed by American Cancer Society
Alphonsus Cancer Care Center in Boise has been
volunteers that are specially trained by both Saint
fortunate to be awarded grant funds from the Boise
Alphonsus and the American Cancer Society.
Komen for the Cure every year since 2007 and now
Cancer Care Centers.
The centers provide our
again in 2015. The Cancer Care Center is grateful to
Nalen Fund: Patient Financial Assistance for
the Boise Komen for the Cure for their continued
Essential Living Expenses. The Nalen Fund is
generous support that allows our center to help
intended to help patients with essential living
breast care patients in need across our service area.
expenses that become a burden due to a patient
being indigent, losing income due to their illness,
Other Donations. We received donations from
or having an unanticipated or overly burdensome
several organizations and individuals to support our
financial need. The Nalen Fund was established by
cancer programs and our community and patient
David Nalen, a man who had cancer and knew first-
services:
hand the challenges cancer can pose for patients
and their families. The Nalen Fund has become a
living tribute to his memory. One-hundred percent of
contributions to the Nalen Fund are used to provide
emergency financial assistance to patients and their
families who are unable to afford basic expenses
while going through cancer treatment.
6 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
• Saint Alphonsus Auxiliary and the LIVESTRONG
Foundation to support our new Music Therapy
program.
• Sockeye Brewing Company for breast cancer
awareness efforts.
• 13 donors gave generously to support our
prostate cancer patient assistance fund.
DONORS
WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE FOR THEIR GENEROSITY
The Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Staff of the Cancer Care Center extend their gratitude
to the generous donors who gave July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. The funds have been
used to further enhance the service and care provided at our centers. The following is a list the
organizations and the names of these individuals and families.
Amyx Foundation, Inc.
James T. Owen
Mitchell Ward Relief Society
Anonymous
Janet M. Davis
Patricia Taylor
Advanced Health Media
Jeffrey C. Austin
Peace in Jesus Lutheran Church
Britta Nelson
Jeffrey G. Fitzloff
Ralph L. Hawkins
Carrie S. Hall
Joe A. Morrow
Randy Schmitz
Comfort Creations, Inc.
Joyce Oswald
Rebecca Critchfield
Cynthia Mann Elementary School
Judith O. Steindorf
Robin Cazan
David Nalen Foundation
Kristin A. Hicks
Russ Rowley
Disabled American Veterans
Lisa Tapp-Egusquiza
Saint Alphonsus Auxiliary
Fred Jacobi
Marianne Hickman
Shirley Crismon
Fred Meyer, Inc.
Mary Lou Lavery
Sockeye Grill and Brewery
Garrett L. Coburn
Michael Willits
Star Diamonds
Greg Gass
Michelle A. DeLeon Guerrero
Stephanie R. Knepp
Hayden Beverage Company
Mildred S. Gass
Susan A. Glick
Jaclynn M. Stritzke
Milligan & Associates
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Idaho
The LIVESTRONG Foundation
Travis Foster
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH EVENTS
COMMUNITY EDUCATION OFFERINGS
CANCER SCREENINGS
July 2014 through June 2015 – Mobile
Mammography Screenings:
The Saint Alphonsus Breast Care Center
mobile mammography coach is a patientfriendly, comfortable, convenient, efficient and
technologically sophisticated vehicle designed
to bring services to clinics, businesses, schools
and community events where such services
are not readily available. Over 4,300 women
are screened for breast cancer annually using
the mobile mammography. The coach made
stops and provided screening mammograms to
women in the following communities: Caldwell,
Cascade, Central District Health in Caldwell &
Mountain Home, Chula Vista/Farmway Village,
Council, Emmett, Fruitland, Garden Valley,
Hailey, Horseshoe Bend, Homedale, Idaho
City, Jordan Valley, Marsing, Melba, Middleton,
Mountain Home, Nampa, New Plymouth, Nyssa,
Ontario, Parma, Payette, Shoshone, Terry Reilly
Clinic, Weiser and Wilder. Free mammography
screenings were available through the Susan G.
Komen grant that Saint Alphonsus received.
Year Round Screening Programs
Each year, Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center
strives to provide outreach and cancer prevention
education to our surrounding communities through
cancer screenings, educational offerings, and
participation in local health fairs and cancer-related
community events. The effectiveness of our outreach
activities are enhanced through collaboration with
our community partners, including the American
Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and
the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Community Event Participation:
July 2014:
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life,
Ada County
August 2014:
• American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Emmett
• Caldwell Night Rodeo Buckaroo Breakfast
• Caldwell Night Rodeo Power of Pink Night
September 2014:
• Iron Cross Warriors and Iron Cross Babes Ride for
Men’s Health
• A Slight Discomfort
October 2014:
Lung Screening Program:
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Light the
Night Walk
Saint Alphonsus Cancer Center, dedicated to
providing leading-edge technology and cancer
diagnostics, started a low-dose CT lung screening
program for those at increased risk for lung cancer.
With the latest advances in imaging, lung cancer
can be detected early on. High risk patients
• Lung Cancer Symposium
are scanned for nodules or masses growing in
the chest. If these nodules or masses are small
when found, treatment can be highly successful
and significantly improve a patient’s chances for
survival.
8 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
• Breast Cancer Symposium
April 2015:
• Melanoma Cancer Symposium
May 2015:
• Komen Race for the Cure
June 2015:
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Nampa
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Caldwell
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Highlights of 2014 – 2015
Community Events:
American Cancer Society
Relay for Life: The Cancer Care Centers
co-sponsored the 2014 Relay for Life. Saint
Alphonsus teams comprised of staff, family
members, and patients participated in the
overnight event and raised money to help
fund research, education, and patient support
programs and services of the American
Cancer Society.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Light the Night Walk: Saint Alphonsus was
pleased to once again be a supporting
sponsor of the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society’s (LLS) Light the Night Walk.
Participants carried illuminated balloons to
celebrate and commemorate lives touched
by cancer—white for cancer survivors and
red for supporters. Funds raised are used to
support the LLS’s mission to cure leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and multiple
myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of
patients and families.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure,
Boise Affiliate ~ 2014 Race for the Cure
Saint Alphonsus was again a presenting
sponsor of the Komen Boise Race for the
Cure, which raises funds for cancer research
and local programs providing breast
cancer education, screening, and treatment
assistance. The day of the race, Cancer Care
Center staff provided race participants with
breast cancer prevention and screening
information.
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 9
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Artists in Residence (AIRs)
INTEGRATIVE CARE PROGRAM:
Caring for Body, Mind and Spirit
Our Integrative Care Program continues to provide
excellent evidence based support for our patients,
their loved ones and our community. Emotional and
spiritual counseling, supportive care programming
and support groups, massage, yoga and exercise,
nutritional counseling, mindfulness meditation,
Movement Therapy, and Survivorship programs
remain core to our mission of healing body, mind and
spirit.
In November 2014, the Cancer Care Center initiated
our Music Therapy Program, funded for one year
by a generous grant from the LIVESTRONG
Foundation. Music Therapy is an evidence-based,
non-pharmacologic, non-invasive modality that is
beneficial for managing pain and nausea, decreasing
anxiety, increasing relaxation, and decreasing fatigue. These are all symptoms that many cancer patients
contend with at some point in their treatment. With
funding from the Saint Alphonsus Foundation, the
Hospital Auxiliary, and the Canyon County CHI Grant,
we will be able to continue our Music Therapy program
through 2017. Music Therapy is available in Boise,
Nampa and Caldwell. In 2014, the Nampa Cancer Care Center continued
providing Integrative Care Programs in Canyon County
thorough a generous grant. Social work, exercise and
yoga classes, support groups in Spanish and English
are all provided in Nampa and Caldwell. This year we
also added our CLIMB program for children.
Artists in Residence (AIRs) visit patients and
caregivers in the infusion room and waiting rooms
providing art as a positive distraction from the stress
of cancer. Our AIRs are funded from a generous
grant from Mission Integration and Foundation.
CLIMB: Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery
This six week program offers support for children and
teens ages 6-18 that have a parent, grandparent or
guardian with cancer. CLIMB is activities based with
focus on cancer education, family communication,
emotional coping and resiliency skill building. It is
free to all families of the Treasure Valley affected
by cancer and includes dinner. Funding is provided
by a SARMC Foundation Endowment Grant and
proceeds from the 2012 Capital Classic.
Coping Connections
Our monthly education and support program is
open to the community, providing an opportunity
for patients and caregivers to learn about various
cancer related topics while supporting each other
on the cancer journey. Topics include Spiritual
Care and Advance Directives, Genetics, Cancer
Related Fatigue, LIVESTRONG and Survivorship
Education, Nutrition, Mindfulness-Based Stress
Reduction, Pathology and many more. We also
host an Ice Cream Social in July and a Holiday Party
in December. The program includes dinner and is
free of charge.
Partnership with the YMCA LIVESTRONG
Cancer Survivorship Program
Our partnership continues to serve cancer survivors
in Boise, Nampa and Caldwell. The Cancer Center
staff offer their expertise in providing nutritional
education, disease management expertise and
emotional care in partnership with LIVESTRONG
at the YMCA programs. Together we also offer a
fall Women’s Cancer Survivor Healing Retreat and
weekly Movement Therapy providing community
based support and healing for all cancer survivors
in our area.
10 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
American Cancer Society Patient Navigator
Our ACS Navigator assists patients with information
pertaining to a cancer diagnosis and treatment as well
as providing referrals to community resources. The
ACS Navigator also works as a collaborative bridge
for all ACS Community Programs such as Road to
Recovery, Reach for Recovery, and Look Good Feel
Better. Our ACS Navigator position is funded in part
by a generous Endowment Grant from the Saint
Alphonsus Foundation.
Amyx Family Library and
ACS Resource Center
The Library and Resource Center has numerous
additions to its shelves: books, CDs, computers
and printers. The desk top and lap top computers
make access to reputable cancer related websites
easy. American Cancer Society volunteers provide
information and education on what is available in the
library to patients in the infusion room. Tours of the
library are also provided upon request.
Spiritual Counseling
Chaplains provide support and spiritual guidance
using a non-denominational approach. They honor
the beliefs of each individual while offering a listening
presence, spiritual support and the opportunity
for ritual.
Massage
Massage appointments are offered by oncology
trained massage therapists from our Family Center at
greatly reduced rates for patients and caregivers.
Exercise and Yoga
Our exercise and yoga classes are offered to patients
while on treatment and in follow up. Research indicates
physical activity can offset the side effects and improve
overall quality of life for patients both during treatment
STAR Oncology
Rehabilitation
Cancer has become a chronic disease with more
survivors than ever before! Seventy to eighty newly
diagnosed cancer patients are seen in our Saint
Alphonsus Cancer Care Center monthly. As patients
go through treatment and into survivorship, many
have difficulty returning to their previous level of
activity because of weakness, lymphedema, chronic
fatigue, lingering pain, incontinence, difficulty with
memory or concentration, perceptual problems,
balance problems, speech or swallowing problems, or
difficulty with activities like bathing and dressing.
Rehabilitation is a crucial element of a Survivor Care
Plan. Saint Alphonsus Rehabilitation Services (STARS)
and the Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center are
committed to providing you with the best available
services through our Survivorship Training and Rehab
Program (S.T.A.R.). The S.T.A.R. Program is offered to
everyone at any stage of cancer or phase of recovery
in order to prevent, manage and heal the physical
and psychosocial conditions that arise during and
after treatment. Cancer and its related treatments
(chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery) can
cause side effects that interfere with daily function
and well-being.
Previously, cancer patients were not consistently
being screened or evaluated regarding their functional
abilities and emotional needs, during and after
cancer treatments. A grant from the Saint Alphonsus
Foundation provided the ability to train and certify
50 cancer care providers in our facility, making Saint
Alphonsus the first certified facility in the Western
United States! Physical and occupational therapists,
speech therapists, nurses, social workers, physician
assistants, navigators, dietitians and clergy are
certified in the S.T.A.R. Program. The S.T.A.R. Program
also provides continuing education and keeps us up
to date on the latest research. This certification has
elevated staff education and strengthened our ability
to provide the highest level of care.
and in follow up. A physician referral is required for
participation. The classes are run by Saint Alphonsus
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation staff.
More information on the S.T.A.R. Program can be
found by calling (208) 367-STAR (7827) or going to
our website www.starspt.org.
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 11
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Nutritional Counseling
Registered dietitian nutritionists provide nutrition
counseling and information to help patients feel
better and stay stronger. They offer individualized
information and care for patients’ nutrition-related
concerns and questions before, during and after
their cancer treatment.
The Breast Cancer Navigator is responsible for
guiding patients diagnosed with breast cancer
through the medical, emotional and educational
aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis. The program
is designed to assure standard of care is provided
to each patient once the initial diagnosis is
determined. This is accomplished by eliminating
barriers to care, ensuring timely delivery of services,
and following through with a course of action
determined by a panel of experts which include
primary care practitioners, surgeons, radiologists,
medical oncologists and radiation oncologists.
Cancer Care and You Education Class
Above all, Saint Alphonsus Breast Navigators focus
on the patients’ quality of care, stretching beyond
technology, treatment and medicine and touching
the human side of cancer. In the end, patients
experience care that isn’t just easier to navigate; it’s
better as well.
Our Cancer Care and You class is a two part
educational program offered to all patients receiving
care at the Cancer Care Center.
Breast Cancer Navigator services are available at all
Saint Alphonsus hospital locations.
The first component of the program is designed for
patients and caregivers to meet our Integrative Care
Team and to receive information and literature on all
the supportive care staff and programs available at
the Cancer Care Centers.
The second component of the program is
chemotherapy education taught by an Oncology
Certified RN. The information provided is a review
of specific chemotherapy treatment, side effects,
when to call the physician and other medical
information related to chemotherapy.
Breast Cancer Navigator
When a patient hears the words “breast cancer” and
before the reality of the words have had a chance to
settle into their minds, they are thrust into a system
of specialists, treatment and medical terms they might
not understand. They may feel overwhelmed and find
the healthcare system confusing or difficult to navigate. 12 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
General Patient Navigator
The Saint Alphonsus General Nurse Navigator
provides a point of contact throughout the patient’s
cancer journey. It is difficult to receive a cancer
diagnosis and overwhelming trying to juggle
emotions with understanding medical jargon,
scheduling appointments, and multiple other new
responsibilities.
The Nurse Navigators are deeply committed, highly
skilled oncology nurses navigating the medical
system on behalf of patients and their families,
working collaboratively with family physicians,
surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists,
radiologists, pathologists, dietitians, social workers
and other health professionals. They know the
patients, they know the hospital, and they know
how to relay critical information between medical
departments in a timely manner – making the
experience easier and less stressful for everyone.
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Genetic Counseling
Clinical Research
Our genetic counselor has been very
busy this past year. She led 443
genetic counseling sessions, doubling
the number of sessions done the
previous year. She sees patients in
Boise, Nampa, Caldwell and Ontario,
Oregon. She provides telemedicine
sessions to Baker City, Oregon and to
Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande,
Oregon.
In addition the genetic
counselor assists West Valley Medical
Center with their Breast Center’s
High Risk Program.
The Saint Alphonsus Health System has partnered
with the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium (MCRC) to bring
more than 100 active adult cancer research trials to patients at the
Cancer Care Centers in Boise, Nampa and Caldwell. MCRC is a wellestablished NCORP (NCI Community Oncology Research Program).
First established at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor,
Michigan; the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium CCOP is one
of only 34 community based research programs supported by the
National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Genetic testing keeps advancing.
There are an increased number
of genes we can test for. Our
genetic counselor has seen patients
diagnosed with breast, ovarian,
uterine, colon, and thyroid cancers.
She also sees individuals who have
not been diagnosed with cancer, but
are at an increased risk for cancer
based on their family history.
The Saint Alphonsus Cancer Genetics
Program continues to collaborate
with the City of Hope Clinical
Cancer Genetics Department. This
collaboration has provided the
opportunity for patients to participate
in the City of Hope Research Registry. We have consented 114 patients for
participation in the registry in the
past fiscal year.
Through our membership in the MCRC, we ensure that our patients
have access to the newest available treatments being studied
nationwide. The Michigan Cancer Research Consortium NCORP provides
access to a wide variety of research studies. These include treatment,
prevention, along with control and symptom management studies for
adult cancer or for those who seek to reduce their risk of cancer.
We participate with the following national clinical trial cooperative
group and leading research institutions to offer a broad range of trials
for our patients:
• ECOG-ACRIN NCORP Research Base
• MD Anderson Research Base CCOP (MDA)
• SWOG NCORP Research Base
• NRG Oncology Research Base
• Alliance for Cancer Clinical Trials NCORP Research Base
• Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU)
• Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Consortium (MCCRC)
• Wake Forest NCORP Research Base
• Fred Hutch University of Washington Cancer Consortium
• City of Hope
• Select Pharmaceutical Research Trials
For a current list of active clinical trials please go to the Michigan
Cancer Research Consortium Website at:
http://www.mcrconline.org/active-clinical/index.php .
Call (208) 367-7070 to speak with a clinical trial coordinator.
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 13
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
The Performance Improvement Committee is a multidisciplinary team that identifies opportunities for
improvement to patient care activities in the Cancer Care Center. They monitor and evaluate projects throughout
the year and report quarterly to the Cancer Committee. Performance Improvement Studies are designed to
measure the quality of care and outcomes for cancer patients by focusing on problematic quality-related
issues. Noteworthy studies for 2014-2015 include:
• EGFR and ALK Testing for Lung Cancer
• LEAN: Radiation Oncology Productivity
Implementation of new or improved processes, practices or services is another focus of the PI Committee as a
commitment to providing high-quality cancer care. A few of the improvements implemented were:
•Breast HDR — Providing quality outcomes for
breast cancer patients with 10 treatments over 5
days instead of 6 1/2 weeks of treatment.
•Distress Tool Update — Improved methodology
for identifying patients with integrative care
support needs.
•Cancer Care Patient Advisory Forum and
Survivorship Care Plan Enrollment — Provide
opportunity for patients to enroll in survivorship
plan and provide feedback to CCC on the patient
experience.
•LEAN - Patient Satisfaction — Patient Satisfaction
is a priority focus of the health system. The Cancer
Care Center identified the following as areas for
improvement: Valet parking, patient education
to survey process, wait time scripting, pharmacy
chair side chemotherapy education, waiting room
comment cards, waiting room education cards
and patient orientation to staff and programs
via TV monitors. Staff also completed patient
experience training.
• Nurse Practitioner Led Survivorship Program —
Implemented a survivorship clinic with intent to
provide patient with treatment summary and expectations for continuation of care.
14 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
•LEAN: Pre-Auth Process — Improve efficiency
amongst Physicians, nurses, Reimbursement
Specialist, and Scheduling. Avoid providing unauthorized treatment and minimize patient’s wait.
•Electronic Medical Record Implementation
(EMR): RAD and MED Onc — Optimize the
efficiencies that ARIA (cancer program EMR)
provides and standardize practices between all
sites and disciplines.
•LEAN: ARIA patient scheduling — Improve
efficiencies for patient scheduling with the
implementation of the EMR. Decrease the number
of errors or re-work caused by multiple attending
physicians on record.
•LEAN: ROMO — Improve document management
in ARIA by standardizing use of “Journal” section,
scanning and document naming conventions and
high alert comments.
•LEAN: Research Database Development —
Increased efficiency in the research staff by
creating a database for research patients. Improve
ability to mine data for trends and reporting. Decrease time for entering and searching for
patient information. Increase accuracy and
access to information to provide continuity of
care amongst research patients.
TREATMENT ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION
nnually, a physician performs a study
A
Carcinoma histology in 2012 was done.
to assess whether patients within the
repeat study was done with 2014 newly
program are evaluated and treated according
diagnosed Stage IV Non-Small Cell lung
to national treatment guidelines. In 2013,
cancers.
while completing the chart data for The
and analyzed using National Comprehensive
Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI),
Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for Stage
documentation of Epidermal Growth Factor
IV lung cancer. The findings revealed a 55%
Receptor (EGFR) and Anaplastic Lymphoma
EGFR order rate with a 13% positivity rate.
Kinase
was
Per NCCN, cases that tested negative for
thought to be insufficient. A baseline study
EGFR are to then be tested for ALK. Results
reviewing newly diagnosed Stage IV lung
showed a 100% order rate for ALK testing
cancers with a tissue proven Non-Small Cell
with a 5% positivity rate.
(ALK)
gene
rearrangement
A
In 2014, 49 cases were reported
Carcinoma
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 15
CANCER REGISTRY REPORT
THE SAINT ALPHONSUS CANCER REGISTRY
1,086 of those cases were newly diagnosed and/or
is an essential component of the American College
treated at Saint Alphonsus Boise.
of Surgeons (ACoS) approved cancer program and
maintains an electronic database of case records on
Beginning in 2011, the Cancer Registry began
all tumor types diagnosed and/or treated at Saint
abstracting
Alphonsus Boise, Saint Alphonsus Nampa, and Saint
Alphonsus Medical Center - Nampa and Saint
Alphonsus Ontario. This data includes demographics,
Alphonsus Medical Center - Ontario, formerly known
primary site of each person’s cancer, diagnosis,
as Mercy Medical Center and Holy Rosary Medical
stage of disease, treatment and lifetime follow-up
Center, respectively.
reportable
cancer
cases
for
Saint
of patients. Survival data provides medical staff the
ability to address quality of care of Saint Alphonsus
Previously, the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho
cancer patients.
consulted with Mercy Medical Center and Holy
Data is maintained in accordance
with state and national standards.
Rosary in abstracting cancer cases.
In 2014, the
Cancer Registry abstracted data on 383 cancer cases
Originally established in 1970, the Boise Cancer
for Saint Alphonsus Nampa; 318 cases of which were
Registry has 32,000 accessioned patients to date. To
newly diagnosed and/or treated at the facility. The
optimize quality of survival and follow-up data, our
Registry abstracted data on 171 cancer cases for
reference date is now January 1, 1995. In 2014, the
Saint Alphonsus Ontario; 154 of which were newly
Cancer Registry abstracted data on 1,228 cancer cases;
diagnosed and/or treated at the facility.
16 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
Boise - 5 YEAR CASE MIX
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Total Cases
1228
1088
1159
1170
1271
Analytical Cases
1086
976
1040
1050
1156
% of Total Case Mix
88.4%
89.7%
89.7%
89.7%
91.0%
Nampa/Caldwell - 5 YEAR CASE MIX
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010*
Total Cases
383
359
398
262
129
Analytical Cases
318
306
319
186
122
% of Total Case Mix
83.0%
85.2%
80.2%
70.9%
94.6%
*Data per Cancer Data Registry of Idaho for Mercy Medical Center
Ontario - 5 YEAR CASE MIX
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010*
Total Cases
171
162
177
145
132
Analytical Cases
154
148
162
137
--
% of Total Case Mix
91.8%
91.4%
94.4%
94.5%
--
*Data per Cancer Data Registry of Idaho for Holy Rosary Medical Center
FOLLOW-UP ON CANCER REGISTRY PATIENTS — Boise only
Total number of cases required to follow
4,315
Number deceased
1,202
Number of cases under follow-up activity
3,113
Number seen within last 15 months
2,864
Number lost to follow-up
Overall follow-up rate for all patients
Target rate is great than or equal to 80%
Follow-up for patients diagnosed in past 5 years
Target rate greater than or equal to 90%
249
92%
94%
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 17
UNIFORMITY OF DATA COLLECTION
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW REQUIREMENTS, the Cancer Registry submits its data to the Cancer
Data Registry of Idaho (CDRI) monthly and to other government agencies annually such as the National
Cancer Data Base (NCDB).
The cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) through the ACoS. The Cancer Care
Center participates in an on-site survey every three years performed by a physician surveyor with ACoS.
The Cancer Registry is an integral part of the cancer program and consists of two registrars, both of whom
are certified by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA). The registrars had the opportunity to
attend a local educational program in 2014 to stay informed about the latest advances in cancer care and the
requirements of the ACoS and CoC.
The registrars also attended a regional educational program in Portland, Oregon in March 2015. The registrars
remain active in their professional associations including Idaho Association of Cancer Data Registrars (IACDR)
and NCRA.
We strive to provide the highest quality data. We achieve this through uniformity of data collection, monthly
physician review of a random sample of our new cases, software edit checks, and accurate as well as timely
follow-up on our patients. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the prevention and treatment of cancer. All
patient data is protected by HIPAA and secured by electronic safeguards.
Boise 2014 Top 10 Sites
% Per Total Analytic Cases (1086)
Breast
Breast
Lung
Lung
Breast
256
23.6%
Colon
Colon&&Rectum
Rectum
Lung
155
14.3%
Prostate
Prostate
Colon & Rectum
104
9.6%
Prostate
69
6.4%
Brain
59
5.4%
Lymphoma
Lymphoma
Lymphoma
45
4.1%
BoneMarrow
Marrow
Bone
Bone Marrow
43
4.0%
Kidney
42
3.9%
Corpus Uteri
33
3.0%
CorpusUteri
Uteri
Corpus
Thyroid
31
2.9%
Thyroid
Thyroid
Brain
Brain
Kidney
Kidney
0
18 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
75
75
150
150
225
300
300
2014 TOP CANCER SITES
Nampa/Caldwell
2014 Top 10 Sites
Breast
Breast
% Per Total Analytic Cases (318)
Lung
Lung
Colon&&Rectum
Rectum
Colon
Breast
88
27.7%
Lung
51
16.0%
Colon & Rectum
32
10.1%
Bone Marrow
18
5.7%
Lymphoma
18
5.7%
Other/Ill Defined 14
4.4%
Kidney
12
3.8%
Stomach
8
2.5%
Brain
7
2.2%
Corpus
Uteri
Bladder
Bladder
7
2.2%
Corpus
Uteri
Thyroid
Corpus Uteri
7
2.2%
Pancreas
Pancreas
7
2.2%
Ontario 2014 Top 5 Sites
% Per Total Analytic Cases (154)
BoneProstate
Marrow
Lymphoma
Brain
Other/Ill Defined
Lymphoma
Kidney
Bone Marrow
Stomach
Kidney
Brain
0
22.5
45
67.5
90
0
12.5
25
37.5
50
Breast
Rectum
Breast
48
31.2%
Colon & Rectum
19
12.3%
Lung
16
10.4%
Brain
7
4.5%
Other/Ill Defined 7
4.5%
Melanoma
6
3.9%
Melanoma
Prostate
6
3.9%
Prostate
Lung
Brain
Other/Ill Defined
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 19
Summary of Saint Alphonsus Boise Cancer Cases by Primary Site
Combined Stage, and Sex - 2014 (pAJCC/cAJCC)
I = in situ, L - local, R = regional, D - distant, U = unknown
SITE
STAGE
I
L
R
D
U
Total
Head and Neck
Lip
Tongue
Major salivary gland
Floor of mouth
Gum and other mouth
Nasopharynx
Tonsil
Oropharynx
Hypopharynx
Pharynx, other buccal ca
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
4
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
13
0
6
1
1
0
1
2
2
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
0
10
3
2
2
1
4
3
0
0
Digestive System
Esophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Colon excluding rectum
Rectum and rectosigmoid
Anus, anal canal, anorec
Liver
Gallbladder
Other biliary
Pancreas
Retroperitoneum
Peritoneum
Other digestive organs
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
72
2
3
2
28
18
4
7
1
1
6
0
0
0
65
7
6
0
22
14
4
5
1
2
3
0
1
0
63
8
6
2
11
9
0
5
2
1
16
0
3
0
5
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
Respiratory system
Nasal Cavity/Sinus
Larynx
Lung and Bronchus
Trachea, pleura and other
1
0
0
1
0
44
0
1
43
0
28
1
2
25
0
84
0
0
83
1
3
0
0
3
0
Bones and joints
0
2
0
1
0
3
0.3%
2
1
Soft Tissues
0
1
1
1
0
3
0.3%
2
1
Skin
Melanoma
Other Skin
3
3
0
6
5
1
4
2
2
2
2
0
1
1
0
16
13
3
1.5%
1.2%
0.3%
9
7
2
7
6
1
Breast
SEX
Male
Female
2.3%
0.0%
0.9%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.4%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
17
0
7
2
2
0
1
4
1
0
0
8
0
3
1
0
2
0
0
2
0
0
206
17
16
4
63
41
8
17
4
6
26
0
4
0
19.0%
1.6%
1.5%
0.4%
5.8%
3.8%
0.7%
1.6%
0.4%
0.6%
2.4%
0.0%
0.4%
0.0%
104
15
10
1
28
17
1
14
2
5
11
0
0
0
102
2
6
3
35
24
7
3
2
1
15
0
4
0
160
1
3
155
1
14.7%
0.1%
0.3%
14.3%
0.1%
73
0
2
70
1
87
1
1
85
0
% Total
29
142
77
8
0
256
23.6%
2
254
Female Genital System
Cervix
Corpus
Uterus, NOS
Ovary
Vagina
Vulva
Other female genital org
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
31
6
22
0
2
0
1
0
12
1
9
0
1
0
1
0
11
2
2
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
54
9
33
0
10
0
2
0
5.0%
0.8%
3.0%
0.0%
0.9%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
54
9
33
0
10
0
2
0
Male Genital System
Prostate
Testis
Penis
Other male genital organ
0
0
0
0
0
58
50
8
0
0
16
14
1
1
0
4
4
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
80
69
10
1
0
7.4%
6.4%
0.9%
0.1%
0.0%
80
69
10
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Urinary System
Bladder
Kidney and renal pelvis
Ureter
Other urinary organs
Eye
5
4
1
0
0
0
47
13
31
3
0
1
8
6
2
0
0
0
9
1
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
69
24
42
3
0
1
6.4%
2.2%
3.9%
0.3%
0.0%
0.1%
37
13
23
1
0
1
32
11
19
2
0
0
Brain/Nervous System
Brain Other nervous system
0
0
0
18
18
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
40
6
34
59
25
34
5.3%
2.3%
3.0%
32
17
15
27
8
19
Endocrine System
Thyroid gland
Other endocrine
0
0
0
19
18
1
13
12
1
1
1
0
9
0
9
42
31
11
3.9%
2.9%
1.0%
11
6
5
31
25
6
Lymphomas
Hodgkin’s Disease
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
0
0
0
9
0
9
10
5
5
25
0
25
1
0
1
45
5
40
4.1%
0.5%
3.7%
26
3
23
19
2
17
Multiple Myeloma
0
0
0
18
0
18
1.7%
9
9
Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic
Chronic lymphocytic
Acute Myeloid
Chronic Myeloid
Other leukemia
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
2
5
12
1
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
2
6
12
1
4
2.3%
2.0%
0.6%
1.1%
0.1%
0.4%
13
1
2
7
1
1
12
1
3
5
0
3
Other/Ill Defined
0
0
0
12
12
24
2.2%
14
10
39
458
248
267
74
1086
100.1%
432
654
Total
20 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
Summary of Saint Alphonsus Nampa/Caldwell Cancer Cases by Primary Site
Combined Stage, and Sex - 2014 (pAJCC/cAJCC)
SITE
I = in situ, L - local, R = regional, D - distant, U = unknown
STAGE
SEX
I
L
R
D
U
Total
% Total
Male
Female
Head and Neck
Lip
Tongue
Major salivary gland
Floor of mouth
Gum and other mouth
Nasopharynx
Tonsil
Oropharynx
Hypopharynx
Pharynx, other buccal ca
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
6
0
2
2
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
3
3
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
3.1%
0.0%
0.9%
0.9%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.6%
0.6%
0.0%
0.0%
6
0
1
2
0
0
0
2
1
0
0
4
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
Digestive System
Esophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Colon excluding rectum
Rectum and rectosigmoid
Anus, anal canal, anorec
Liver
Gallbladder
Other biliary
Pancreas
Retroperitoneum
Peritoneum
Other digestive organs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
14
0
2
0
7
3
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
21
4
4
0
3
7
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
23
1
1
0
7
5
0
1
0
0
6
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
59
5
8
0
17
15
1
4
0
0
7
0
2
0
18.6%
1.6%
2.5%
0.0%
5.3%
4.7%
0.3%
1.3%
0.0%
0.0%
2.2%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
28
5
3
0
7
6
0
3
0
0
4
0
0
0
31
0
5
0
10
9
1
1
0
0
3
0
2
0
Respiratory system
Nasal Cavity/Sinus
Larynx
Lung and Bronchus
Trachea, pleura and other
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
8
0
15
1
1
13
0
29
0
0
29
0
1
0
0
1
0
53
1
1
51
0
16.7%
0.3%
0.3%
16.0%
0.0%
25
0
1
24
0
28
1
0
27
0
Bones and joints
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0%
0
0
Soft Tissues
Skin
Melanoma
Other Skin
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
2
2
0
0.3%
0.6%
0.6%
0.0%
0
2
2
0
1
0
0
0
Breast
11
43
31
3
0
88
27.7%
0
88
Female Genital System
Cervix
Corpus
Uterus, NOS
Ovary
Vagina
Vulva
Other female genital org
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
1
4
0
0
0
2
1
3
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
8
1
1
0
5
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
2
8
0
5
0
2
2
6.0%
0.6%
2.5%
0.0%
1.6%
0.0%
0.6%
0.6%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
2
8
0
5
0
2
2
Male Genital System
Prostate
Testis
Penis
Other male genital organ
Urinary System
Bladder
Kidney and renal pelvis
Ureter
Other urinary organs
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
1
6
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
5
3
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
2
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
20
7
12
1
0
0.3%
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.0%
6.0%
1.9%
3.8%
0.3%
0.0%
1
0
1
0
0
10
4
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
3
6
1
0
Eye
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0%
0
0
Brain/Nervous System
Brain Other nervous system
0
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
5
7
2
5
2.2%
0.6%
1.6%
2
1
1
5
1
4
Endocrine System
Thyroid gland
Other endocrine
0
0
0
3
3
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
3
0
3
8
5
3
2.5%
1.6%
0.9%
4
2
2
4
3
1
Lymphomas
Hodgkin’s Disease
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Multiple Myeloma
0
0
0
0
6
0
6
0
3
1
2
0
9
1
8
7
0
0
0
0
18
2
16
7
5.7%
0.6%
5.0%
2.2%
12
2
10
3
6
0
6
4
Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic
Chronic lymphocytic
Acute Myeloid
Chronic Myeloid
Other leukemia
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
0
5
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
0
5
3
2
1
3.8%
0.0%
1.6%
0.9%
0.6%
0.6%
5
0
2
2
0
1
6
0
3
1
2
0
Other/Ill Defined
0
0
0
9
5
14
4.4%
5
9
12
96
86
108
16
318
100.1%
103
215
Total
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 21
Summary of Saint Alphonsus Ontario Cancer Cases by Primary Site
Combined Stage, and Sex - 2014 (pAJCC/cAJCC)
I = in situ, L - local, R = regional, D - distant, U = unknown
SITE
STAGE
SEX
I
L
R
D
U
Total
% Total
Male
Female
Head and Neck
Lip
Tongue
Major salivary gland
Floor of mouth
Gum and other mouth
Nasopharynx
Tonsil
Oropharynx
Hypopharynx
Pharynx, other buccal ca
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
3.2%
0.0%
1.9%
0.6%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
4
0
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Digestive System
Esophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Colon excluding rectum
Rectum and rectosigmoid
Anus, anal canal, anorec
Liver
Gallbladder
Other biliary
Pancreas
Retroperitoneum
Peritoneum
Other digestive organs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
2
4
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
0
0
0
3
5
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
1
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
3
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
32
1
1
3
10
9
1
4
0
0
2
0
0
1
20.8%
0.6%
0.6%
1.9%
6.5%
5.8%
0.6%
2.6%
0.0%
0.0%
1.3%
0.0%
0.0%
0.6%
19
0
1
2
4
8
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
1
0
1
6
1
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
1
Respiratory system
Nasal Cavity/Sinus
Larynx
Lung and Bronchus
Trachea, pleura and other
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
1
0
13
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
16
0
16
0
0
10.4
0
10.4%
0.0%
0.0%
10.4%
0.0%
7
0
0
7
0
9
0
0
9
0
Bones and joints
Soft Tissues
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
0
0
0
Skin
Melanoma
Other Skin
0
0
0
4
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
0
6
6
0
3.9%
3.9%
0.0%
4
4
0
2
2
0
Breast
3
30
10
5
0
48
31.2%
1
47
Female Genital System
Cervix
Corpus
Uterus, NOS
Ovary
Vagina
Vulva
Other female genital org
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
4
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
1
5
0
0
0
1
1
5.2%
0.6%
3.2%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.6%
0.6%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
1
5
0
0
0
1
1
Male Genital System
Prostate
Testis
Penis
Other male genital organ
0
0
0
0
0
5
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
6
0
0
0
3.9%
3.9%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
6
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Urinary System
Bladder
Kidney and renal pelvis
Ureter
Other urinary organs
2
2
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
4
1
0
0
3.2%
2.6%
0.6%
0.0%
0.0%
5
4
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Eye
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0%
0
0
Brain/Nervous System
Brain Other nervous system
0
0
0
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
4
7
3
4
4.5%
1.9%
2.6%
2
2
0
5
1
4
Endocrine System
Thyroid gland
Other endocrine
0
0
0
2
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
2
1
1
6
4
2
3.9%
2.6%
1.3%
1
1
0
5
3
2
Lymphomas
Hodgkin’s Disease
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
2
1
1
1
0
1
5
1
4
3.2%
0.6%
2.6%
2
1
1
3
0
3
Multiple Myeloma
0
0
0
1
0
1
0.3%
1
0
Leukemia
Acute lymphocytic
Chronic lymphocytic
Acute Myeloid
Chronic Myeloid
Other leukemia
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
1
0
1.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
1
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
Other/Ill Defined
0
0
0
0
0
7
4.5%
5
2
Total
6
67
26
36
12
154
100%
58
96
22 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
CANCER CONFERENCES
Cancer Conferences
Tumor Board
Cancer Conferences are integral to improving the
care of cancer patients by contributing to the patient
management process, outcomes and providing
continuing education to healthcare providers.
Tumor
Saint Alphonsus Cancer Conferences are held each
week to provide an opportunity for specialists
to review and discuss specialized cancer cases.
Representatives from Medical Oncology, Radiation
Oncology, Surgery, Radiology, and Pathology review
the cases with surgeons and other health care
professionals. Physicians from all Saint Alphonsus
Medical Centers can attend Cancer Conferences via
Webex teleconferencing.
Board
meetings
are
held Thursdays at noon. During 2014, 45 meetings
were held with 174 total cases discussed.
On
average, 12 physicians attended each meeting. The
major primary sites presented were lung, colon/
rectum, liver, unknown primary, and esophagus. The
Cancer Registry acts as a liaison in scheduling and
coordinating the essentials for each meeting.
Breast Care Panel
Breast Care Panel meets Tuesday mornings to review
all positive breast biopsies. During 2014, 51 meetings
were offered with a total of 479 cases presented. On
Cancer Conference meetings are approved for one
unit of CME (Continuing Medical Education) credit,
in collaboration with Ada Canyon Medical Education
Consortium (ACMEC). Providers in attendance at
these meetings are eligible to receive one unit of
CME credit to help fulfill their continuing education
requirements.
average, 12 physicians attended each meeting. The
Breast Cancer Navigator schedules and coordinates
each Breast Care Panel meeting.
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 23
MEET OUR MEDICAL STAFF
Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center Physicians & Nurse Practitioners
S. MAYNARD BRONSTEIN, MD, PHD, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Bronstein, Medical Oncologist, is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in
Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology. He provides oncology and hematology services
in Baker City and LaGrande, Oregon. He received his medical degree from Duke University Medical
Center in Durham, NY and completed his residency in specialty medicine (Clinical Investigator)
at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NY. His fellowship in hematology was also completed
through Duke University Medical Center.
JOSEPH P. BROOKS, MD, RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Brooks is a board-certified radiation oncologist. He received his medical degree from Thomas
Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA and completed his residency in radiation oncology at the
National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Brooks has been involved in research and
published numerous articles focusing on breast and prostate cancers.
He has been the principle investigator on a multi-million dollar federal grant and has conducted several clinical studies focusing on improved tumor targeting in prostate cancer. Prior to relocating to
Boise, Dr. Brooks was Major in the US Army and was Chief of Radiation Oncology at Madigan Army
Medical Center in Tacoma, WA.
PATRICK CONNOR, MD, GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Connor is a board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and fellow with the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology. He received his medical degree and completed his residency at
Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. His fellowship was through the
University of Michigan.
He has served as an instructor at the University of Michigan as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor in
the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both Louisiana State University and the University
of North Carolina. He was named Professor of the Year at both LSUHSC and UNCW and was a
principle investigator for the Gynecologic Group and board member of the Investigational Review.
LINSEY ETHERINGTON, MD, PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
Dr. Linsey Etherington attended Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT, where she received her
bachelor’s degree graduating summa cum laude. She received her medical degree at the University
of Utah School of Medicine. Her general surgery residency was completed at the University of Utah
Hospitals and Clinics followed by a plastic surgery residency, also at the University of Utah.
She is a member of the American College of Surgeons and a candidate for membership in the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
24 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
STEPHANIE HODSON, MD, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST
Dr. Hodson is our breast cancer specialist and the Director of the Saint Alphonsus Comprehensive
Breast Care Program. With her expertise, the program provides state-of-the-art breast cancer
therapy and participates in ongoing clinical research of promising new therapies. An Idaho native,
Dr. Hodson received her medical degree from the University of Washington. She completed her
internal medicine training at Providence Portland Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, then went
on to complete subspecialty training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Oregon Health and
Science University in Portland, Oregon. She received additional training specifically in the therapy
of breast cancer at Indiana University Medical Center. She is Board Certified in Medical Oncology,
Hematology, and Internal Medicine. She joined Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center in 2002.
ALAN LANGERAK, MD, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Langerak received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University where he graduated
summa cum laude. He received his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
He fulfilled an internship and residency in internal medicine as well as a fellowship in Hematology and
Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Arizona Cancer Center.
Dr. Langerak is board certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology by the
American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology,
American Society of Hematology, and the Oklahoma Society of Clinical Oncology. Additionally, he is
co-author of a handbook entitled “Chemotherapy Regimens and Cancer Care.”
A. SCOTT PIERSON, MD, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST
CANCER CARE CENTER MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Pierson is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist. He attended Princeton University as an undergraduate where he majored in political science. Dr. Pierson was a member of the
Princeton varsity soccer team. He then attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and graduated magna cum laude.
A native of the East Coast, following medical school he moved west completing his internal medicine
residency and fellowships at the University of Colorado. During fellowship, Dr. Pierson did research
with the Phase 1 and Gastrointestinal Oncology groups. He has particular interests in the treatment
of Breast, Lung and GI cancers.
ELIZABETH M. PRIER, MD, FACS, BREAST SURGEON
Dr. Prier is a fellowship trained Breast Surgeon and will be the Medical Director of the Saint Alphonsus
Comprehensive Breast Surgery Center. She is board certified in general surgery, and a fellow of
the American College of Surgeons. She earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia
School of Medicine in Charlottesville, VA. Her residency in general surgery was completed through
the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver, CO and her Breast Surgical Oncology
Fellowship was completed at the University of California San Francisco in San Francisco, CA. She
has served as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Surgery at the University of California, San
Francisco, CA and was previously a general surgeon with Boise Surgical Group.
Dr. Prier is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American Society of Breast
Disease and the Idaho Medical Society.
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 25
MEDICAL STAFF
(continued)
Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center Physicians & Nurse Practitioners
KERRY PULVER, MD, PhD, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST
Dr. Pulver joined Saint Alphonsus in August 2002. He received a dual degree in medicine and a PhD
in biochemistry at Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1981. After
completing his residency training in internal medicine, he went on to complete fellowship training
in oncology and hematology at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. Dr. Pulver is board certified in
both medical oncology and hematology and internal medicine. He is the principal investigator for
the research program at Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center. He has a strong interest in prostate
cancer and brain tumors.
LINDSAY SALES, MD, RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Lindsay Sales is a board-certified radiation oncologist. She received her medical degree from
the University of Washington School of Medicine, and completed her residency at the University
of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Her preliminary medicine internship was completed
through Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. She was the Chief Resident at the University of
Washington Medical Center 2012- 2013, has written numerous publications and received a number of
awards including; University of Washington Radiation Oncology Resident Day Clinical Award (2012);
University of Washington Georgiana Kirby Award (2008); and the Western Student Medical Research
Forum Subspecialty Abstract Award (2006), to name a few.
She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Society of Radiation Oncology, and
American Society of Clinical Oncology.
KARL SCHULTHEISS, MD, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST
Dr. Schultheiss joined Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center in 2002. He received his M.D. from
the University of Freiburg, Germany, where he also served as a post- doctoral research fellow. Dr.
Schultheiss completed his internship at Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver, and his residency
at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, OR. He completed his oncology/hematology fellowship at the
University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He is strongly interested in clinical trials and has a special interest
in lung, gastrointestinal, and lymphoid malignancies. Dr. Schultheiss is board certified in Oncology,
Hematology, and Internal Medicine.
Laura Asaro, FNP-BC
Jessica Butterfield, MS, FNP
26 | 2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report
Esther Sears, FNP-BC
Holly Swensen, FNP-BC
LOCATIONS & PHONES
BOISE
1055 N. Curtis Road,
Boise, ID 83706
(208) 367-DOCS (3627)
CALDWELL
3123 Medical Drive,
Caldwell, ID 83605
(208) 367-4810
NAMPA
319 E. Hawaii Avenue,
Nampa, ID 83686
(208) 288-4679
EMMETT
Walter Knox Hospital
Rural Clinic
1202 E. Locust Street,
Emmett, ID 83617
(208) 453-2033
ONTARIO
351 SW 9th Street,
Ontario, OR 97914
(208) 288-4679
BAKER CITY
3325 Pocahontas Rd.,
Baker City, OR 97814
(541) 523-8112
Gynecologic Oncology
(all locations)
(208) 367-5050
2014-2015 Annual Cancer Care Center Report | 27
“Music
speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind
and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole.”
2014-2015 ANNUAL REPORT