HACKENSACK, N.J. (June 07, 2010)—The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center announced today that the Division of Radiation Oncology has recognized Joseph Hanley, Ph.D., Director, Medical Physics, the John Theurer Cancer Center and his team for outstanding excellence in patient safety. The team was presented with an award for their exceptional work developing and maintaining Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) quality assurance.
"Led by Dr. Hanley, our medical physics team has developed a nationally recognized program that surpasses IMRT quality assurance practice guidelines established by the American College of Radiology," said Loren Godfrey, M.D., Director, Brachytherapy, Radiation Oncology, the John Theurer Cancer Center. "Our expertise in IMRT quality assurance has helped us become a primary training center for IMRT in the tri-state area."
The John Theurer Cancer Center has been accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for more than seven years with no deviation from safety standards and is ranked above the 95th percentile for its safety program. IMRT is a type of high-precision radiotherapy used to treat cancers that require extremely targeted therapy, such as head and neck, prostate and breast cancer. In order to achieve optimal patient outcomes, extensive safety measures must be taken by a highly-skilled radiation oncology team who follow strict IMRT quality assurance guidelines developed by the ACR.
"While I'm honored to receive this award, it is the support of my dedicated team that has allowed us to achieve such a great quality assurance track record," said Dr. Hanley. "It is important to all of us that our cancer patients feel confident that radiation is a safe, life-saving treatment option. We strive to reach the highest safety levels possible on a daily basis."
The John Theurer Cancer Center is committed to exceeding the ACR quality assurance guidelines to provide the highest level of safety for patients. For instance, the clinical medical physics team performs patient-specific IMRT safety checks prior to the patient' first treatment, even though ACR only requires safety checks before the third treatment.
"The Department of Radiation Oncology exemplifies the John Theurer Cancer Center's commitment to extraordinary care," said Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., Chairman and Executive Director, the John Theurer Cancer Center. "Safety is a top priority in assuring each patient receives the level of treatment needed while maintaining a high quality of life."
The award was presented by Dr. Godfrey at the Third Annual Head & Neck Cancer Forum: Unmasked, a celebration for head and neck cancer survivors that took place April 26 at the John Theurer Cancer Center.
About the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. The 15 specialized divisions covering the complete spectrum of cancer care have developed a close-knit team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. Housed within a 775-bed not-for-profit teaching, tertiary care, and research hospital, the John Theurer Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art technological advances, compassionate care, research innovations, medical expertise, and a full range of after care services that distinguish the John Theurer Cancer Center from other facilities.