Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Cancer Center
Treating the mind, body and spirit, the award-winning Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Cancer Center boasts the most comprehensive, technologically-advanced treatments in the Valley. The Harold & Carole Pump Department of Radiation Oncology offers state-of-the-art Mammosite, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, and high-dose rate treatment for all stages of cancer.
Fully-accredited by the American College of Surgeons as a comprehensive cancer center, the Cancer Center has the most complete diagnosis and treatment program for cancer in the San Fernando Valley. If you or a loved one is looking for compassionate cancer care, call the Cancer Center at (818) 885-5431.
The Center fosters a healing environment with features like an atrium with natural light, warm finishes, live plants, a fountain, and access to gardens and sanctuaries for rest and reflection. Plus, all suites and rooms are equipped with individual flatscreen TVs, headphones, comfortable oversized lounge chairs for patients, and family seating. Here, each patient receives medical and emotional support from our skilled team of Board-certified surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, nurses, and others.
A Navigator serves as a personal guide who meets with newly diagnosed cancer patients one-on-one to better acquaint them with all our integrated servides. Patients can rely on their Navigator for compassionate support, encouragement and education to ensure they have every available resource to make informed decisions regarding treatment options and symptom management.
Our treatment brings together all of the services you and your family will need. From the time you are diagnosed we integrate your medical, surgical, nutritional, rehabilitative, cosmetic, pain management, psychosocial, and emotional needs. We are the only dual accredited Cancer Center in the Valley - we are accredited by the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), and the American College of Surgeons (ACOS).
It's our belief that cancer treatment is not simply a matter of giving the right medicine for the right illness. We understand it's the entire person who is going through this difficult time and we strive to aid you physically, psychologically, and spiritually. We also work to help your family and friends as you all go through this difficult life journey.
Our Breast Cancer Program
The Women's Center has the most comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options for women with cancer in the San Fernando Valley. We offer reliable diagnostic service, disease prevention education and state-of-the-art treatment technology - all within a sensitive and compassionate environment for women.
Patients receive timely mammography screenings, breast biopsies, and 3-D mapping, which can be scheduled immediately to assist physicians as they plan the best course of treatment if necessary. Free mammogram test offered to underinsured and uninsured women. Call 885-5400 for more information.
All-Inclusive Diagnosis to Recovery Program
Women with breast cancer are supported by the Diagnosis to Recovery Program. A specialized treatment coordinator provides supportive care for each breast cancer patient - taking her step-by-step through the treatment and recovery of the disease. Support groups and social service personnel offer additional emotional care when needed.
Our Breast Cancer Tumor Board consists of the Valley's top physicians specializing in all aspects of breast cancer treatment. As a team, the radiation oncologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, mammography technologists, treatment coordinators, and therapists, review and assess each case history to maximize resources and develops a treatment plan that works best for the patient. Mammosite is a breast cancer treatment option that takes only five days to complete.
Radiation Therapy
The Cancer Center staff understands the enormous amounts of strength it takes for patients and their families to fight cancer, and takes the time to provide individualized care and respect every step of the way. Our goal is to partner with each patient to determine the best road to recovery - according to each unique circumstance. We accomplish this by using a team approach to cancer care and offering everything a patient may need all under one roof.
The Harold & Carole Pump Department of Radiation Oncology offers the most advanced forms of radiation treatments. The Leavey Cancer Center partners with the Cancer Care Consultants, a group of board-certified radiation oncologists who have the largest community based practice of IMRT in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Mammosite is a device used to internally administer a prescribed dose of radiation on site using a balloon catheter. Because of the less-invasive nature and short duration of the treatment, Mammosite could make it easier for more women to consider breast preservation options over mastectomy. Eligible patients can complete their entire course of treatment in one week, rather than six weeks of daily treatments.
High Dose Rate Treatment (Brachytherapy)
Skilled specialists are able to insert small tubes, which are temporarily filled with radioactive element and placed as close as possible to the cancerous area while limiting its contact with healthy tissue. This innovative form of internal radiation treatment is excellent for the fight against cancer, which is concentrated in one area of the body such as in the prostate.
Prostate Seed Implant
Our cancer surgeons can perform outpatient surgery to implant small radiation seeds in the prostate gland to ensure that no other areas such as the rectum, bladder, or urethra are harmed by radiation. The seeds contain just enough radiation to eliminate cancerous growths, and are left in the prostate gland permanently.
For more information about our Radiation Therapy technology and services, please call (818) 885-5331.
Prostate Cancer
As a fully accredited comprehensive cancer center, the Leavey Cancer Center offers men a variety of technologically advanced prostate cancer treatment options in a comfortable and private setting. The advanced radiation technology we offer for the fight against prostate cancer includes:
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
IMRT is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment method that delivers high doses of radiation through a programmed beam, which can take on the precise size and shape of the cancerous growth - preserving as much healthy, non-cancerous tissue as possible.
High Dose Rate Treatment (Brachytherapy)
Skilled specialists are able to insert small tubes, which are temporarily filled with radioactive element and placed as close as possible to the cancerous area while limiting its contact with healthy tissue. This innovative form of internal radiation treatment is excellence for the fight against cancer, which is concentrated in one area of the body such as in the prostate.
Seed Implant
Our cancer surgeons can perform outpatient surgery to implant small radiation seeds in the prostate gland to ensure that no other areas such as the rectum, bladder or urethra are harmed by radiation. The seeds contain just enough radiation to eliminate cancerous growths, and are left in the prostate gland permanently.
Chemotherapy
Our Cancer Center is home to the Valley's top physicians and health care staff who are experienced in the most advanced methods in chemotherapy treatment. Our patients are given a comfortable, supportive setting while undergoing chemotherapy. We offer additional supportive care for all our patients, which may include individual and family counseling, spiritual counseling, visualization, diet consultation, physical therapy, and human-to-human interaction. For more information, please call the Leavey Cancer Center at (818) 885-5431.
Rehabilitation
The Center for Rehabilitation Medicine provides a variety of therapy services for cancer patients throughout the different stages of treatment. The Center uses a team approach for treatment that incorporates the family and community - helping patients resume as normal a life as possible. Services are available for hospital patients and on an outpatient basis as needed. Call (818) 885-5334 for more information.
Home Health
The Home Health Department offers a number of services for patients once they leave the hospital including at-home skilled nursing care, personal care, IV therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, enterstomal therapy, social services, and nutritional guidance. A physician referral is required for home health services.
Palliative Care
Our Palliative Care Program, or "comfort care," encompasses a variety of hospital departments and resources focused on comfort for the terminally and/or critically ill patient. Through this program we work closely with the patient and his or her family to find the best way to reduce suffering and control symptoms while remaining sensitive to personal, cultural, and religious values and practices. Call (818) 885-8500, ext. 4601 for more information.
Hospice Services
For the terminally ill, we recognize dying as a natural process of life. Our Hospice Services provide support and care for individuals in the last phases of incurable disease, allowing them to live fully and comfortably as possible. Directed by a physician's order, we are able to eliminate the patient's pain while working with the family, clergy, and other counselors to meet the desires of patients and their loved ones. A physician referral is required for hospice services.
