Preventive screening program assesses risk and lung health of current and former smokers.

1. June 13, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Tiambeng, Zehnder Communications, (504) 962-3731, saraht@z-comm.com
St. Louis CyberKnife Promotes SSM Cancer Care at St. Clare Lung Cancer Early
Detection Initiative, Offers Treatment
Preventive screening program assesses risk and lung health of current and former smokers
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis CyberKnife joins efforts to raise awareness for its partner, SSM Cancer Care
at St. Clare Health Center, newly launched preventive lung cancer screenings as part of the
International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP).
The screenings use annual spiral low-dose CT scans to search for lung cancer in current and former
heavy smokers. In contrast to conventional CT scans, a spiral CT scan results in less radiation
exposure. Researchers have found that low-dose spiral CT scans, which identify potentially
cancerous nodules in the lung before they present symptoms, can reduce lung cancer deaths by 20
percent.
“The goal is to detect lung cancer in its early stages when it is much more curable than when it is
found in later stages,” Cindy Broder, I-ELCAP Coordinator for SSM Cancer Care said. “When patients
begin showing symptoms of lung cancer, the cancer can already be at an advanced stage. This
program offers those at high risk for lung cancer the chance to be diagnosed earlier and receive
treatment sooner.”
If potentially cancerous nodules are discovered, the SSM St. Clare respiratory department can
perform biopsies of tumors deep in the lungs using the recently acquired SuperDimension i-Logic
System. The new technology extends the reach of conventional equipment and enables physicians to
perform navigational bronchoscopy and diagnose benign and malignant tumors with minimal
invasiveness and suggest treatment options.
“An early lung cancer diagnosis can give patients treatment options like CyberKnife®
to choose from
and increase the likelihood of successful treatment,” Dr. David Morris, St. Louis CyberKnife and SSM
Cancer Care radiation oncologist said.
St. Louis CyberKnife treats lung tumors with an advanced procedure called stereotactic body
radiation therapy. During treatment, precisely focused beams of radiation are delivered to the tumor
from a variety of angles without incisions or sedation. Lung cancer patients account for more than a
quarter of total patients treated at the center, many of whom travel from neighboring areas to receive
treatment.
“CyberKnife is uniquely capable of tracking a tumor during treatment, allowing the machine to adjust
for patient movement,” said Dr. Morris. “This advantage further reduces radiation exposure to nearby
healthy tissue and is particularly important for patients who require a nonsurgical treatment alternative
due to an inoperable tumor or pre-existing condition.”

2. In addition to treating lung cancer, St. Louis CyberKnife treats malignant and benign tumors in the
brain, spine, lung, liver, pancreas, kidney and orbit of the eye. Brain and lung tumors comprise the
majority of treatments at the center.
St. Louis CyberKnife is a service of SSM Cancer Care at St. Clare Health Center and is located at
1011 Bowles Ave. in Fenton, Mo. For more information, call 636-496-4660.
For more information on the I-ELCAP program call 1-877-947-LUNG.
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