Cancer Care in Chicagoland

We use new-generation gentle imaging technology to ensure that patients receive the lowest radiation dose possible while delivering the highest image resolution. Our cancer imaging and diagnostic services include:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Digital mammography with 3D capabilities for dense breasts
• General X-ray
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Stereotactic image-guided breast biopsy
• Ultrasound

Our radiation therapies include:

• High-dose radiotherapy (HDR)
• Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
• Respiratory gating and skin surface tracking technology
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)

We’ll surround you with support at every step. In addition to your primary cancer treatment plan, we offer:

• Genetic counseling
• Infusion services
• Integrative medicine
• Nurse navigation
• Nutritional counseling
• Outpatient lab testing
• Psychosocial counseling
• Spiritual counseling
• Wellness House patient resources

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. — but because it’s often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage, it’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women. If lung cancer is found when it’s still small and before it has spread, it’s more likely to be treated successfully. That’s why early detection is key to overcoming lung cancer.

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth now offers the Ion system for next-generation, minimally invasive peripheral robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. Ion uses ultra-thin, maneuverable, shape-sensing navigation technology to allow your surgeon to visualize and safely biopsy remote parts of the lung that were previously inaccessible — and where more than 70% of cancerous lung nodules may be located.

The Ion robotic system offers an alternative to more invasive procedures. The enhanced reach, precision and flexibility compared to manual bronchoscope and biopsy techniques significantly improve the success of lung nodule biopsy, which, in turn, shortens your journey from diagnosis to treatment.

We make high-level breast care available in Chicago's western suburbs at our nationally accredited comprehensive breast centers. Designated as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, our centers offer the latest in screening and diagnostic testing.

They are staffed by experienced surgeons and radiologists who are trained in the latest treatment approaches. You’ll have access to genetic counseling, clinical trials and a range of support services — all coordinated by our compassionate, specially trained nurse navigators.

MammoSite Therapy
This system is used to deliver internal radiation therapy to breast cancer patients after surgery. MammoSite is an internal therapy in which the radiation source is placed inside the breast, allowing it to target only the part of the breast where the cancer was found.

We’re dedicated to helping patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer get through the challenging journey of treatment. We welcome patients seeking a second opinion for esophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, bile duct, anal, colon, rectal and other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. A team of GI cancer experts develops personalized care pathways for each patient. We’re honored to be a destination for gastrointestinal cancer care, in part because of the wide range of advanced procedures we perform.

Our team includes experienced and fellowship-trained oncologists and hematologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, pain management doctors, integrative oncologists, dedicated genetic consultants, pharmacists, oncology nurse navigators, financial counselors, research coordinators, social workers and spiritual care providers.

Plus, our research team provides opportunities to participate in the same clinical trials conducted at academic medical centers without the need to travel far from home.

Our expert assessment and counseling help patients with hereditary cancers (such as breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, melanoma and others) prevent and manage their risk. Our team can work together to review your family's cancer history and determine if you have a predisposition for cancer.

Whether it’s uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer, the sensitive nature of gynecologic cancer requires a delicate balance of effective care and personal compassion. That’s why our gynecologic cancer specialists take the time to understand your whole health, providing you with compassionate, effective treatment that eases your mind.

Integrative oncology is the latest treatment approach in cancer care. Not only does it aid cancer treatment, but it also helps prevent a recurrence, reduce side effects, improve long-term quality of life and — most importantly — empowers patients to take an active role in their health. In this new approach to cancer treatment, complementary therapies, including nutrition and exercise, are combined with conventional clinical treatments.

Our multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse navigators and social workers dedicate themselves to ensuring each patient has the best possible chance of recovery. Depending on the type and stage of a liver tumor, our surgical oncologists might remove it surgically, possibly with a minimally invasive approach. Or your treatment plan might combine surgery with other advanced testing and treatments.

We also offer a unique therapy called selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), which delivers tiny radioactive beads, or microspheres, directly to the liver tumor. This therapy can be performed alongside traditional cancer therapies and gives new hope to patients with liver cancers that were once considered incurable.

Every year, lung cancer claims more lives than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, making early detection critical. Using the latest technology and techniques, our oncologists, interventional pulmonologists and nurse navigators are here for you, from screening and diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

We offer patients access to academic-level care and a multidisciplinary approach that includes specialists in pathology, oncology, hematology, urology and surgery working together to develop a unique care plan for each individual.

• Our prostate cancer screening services include:
• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Physical exam and medical history
• Prostate biopsy
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• Transrectal MRI
• Transrectal ultrasound

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may not need surgery or chemotherapy. Our experienced oncologists and urologists will discuss your options with you, including minimally invasive treatments with fewer side effects, active surveillance and monitoring, immunotherapy and hormone therapy.

Radiation Therapy

If radiation therapy or surgery is the best path, we offer the latest approaches:

• Brachytherapy: We offer both low-dose and high-dose brachytherapy, or seed implantation radiation therapy, which delivers the radiation directly to the cancer in the prostate by inserting tiny radioactive seeds. These seeds act like batteries, releasing their energy over time to treat the cancer.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): This advanced, 3D radiation therapy allows us to treat hard-to-reach tumors while preserving healthy tissue, especially in recurrent prostate cancer.
• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): This treatment couples a high degree of tumor-targeting accuracy with very high doses of extremely precise ionizing radiation. With SBRT, one to five treatments are given over the course of one or two weeks. SBRT treats tumors which are difficult to remove surgically or with patients who may not be candidates for surgery. In addition to prostate cancer, SBRT can treat liver and lung cancer.

SpaceOAR®
This innovative hydrogel provides space between the rectum and prostate, giving patients more protection from radiation and fewer long-term effects.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery and Prostatectomy
We use the da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgical system. This revolutionary, minimally invasive technology enables more precise care with smaller incisions, resulting in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Xofigo®
This sophisticated medication treats advanced prostate cancer that is resistant to other therapies.

Iodine 131 Thyroid Therapy
This radioactive iodine treatment uses a form of iodine that emits radiation to treat thyroid cancer.

Our radiation oncology program is staffed by a team of specialists who understand the challenges cancer patients face and provide a warm, welcoming environment.

Treatment begins with a simulation intended to help you get to know your expert team, which may include a radiation oncologist (a doctor specializing in radiation treatment), a dosimetrist (who determines the appropriate radiation dose), a radiation therapist and a nurse. They'll choose a personalized treatment plan for your cancer type and coordinate all your care.

Whenever possible, they'll use advanced technology, such as TrueBeam™ image-guided radiation therapy, to target cancer while avoiding healthy tissue and organs. You'll experience highly personalized, compassionate treatment that gives you the best possible chance of recovery.