COVER STORY · AUGUST 2017
TEXAS ONCOLOGY – BROWNSVILLE PROVIDES LEADING-EDGE CANCER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES TO PATIENTS , INCLUDING :
• Chemotherapy
• Linear Accelerator with Image-Guided Radiation Therapy ( IGRT ) technology
• Cone Beam Computed Tomography ( CBCT ) Capabilities
• 3D Conformal Radiotherapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy ( IMRT )
• Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography ( PET / CT )
• Diagnostic CT
• Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment
• Social Services
• Values Assessment
• Advance Care Planning
• Benefit Counseling
• Full Service Retail Pharmacy
• Laboratory Services
For some , proton therapy may be the best treatment option for their cancer . This advanced form of radiation therapy is only offered at two locations in the state . Texas Center for Proton Therapy is a part of Texas Oncology and has the latest proton
technology available in Texas . Rio Grande Valley patients can have virtual proton therapy consultation at Texas Oncology – Brownsville with physicians from Texas Center for Proton Therapy . Patients benefit from the expertise of Texas Center for Proton Therapy physicians while minimizing the amount of travel needed .
This year , Texas Oncology – Brownsville was the first cancer center in the Rio Grande Valley able to offer the FDA-approved , antimitotic electric field device , Optune , as part of the treatment of glioblastoma , a type of brain cancer . It is a wearable , portable device that is worn to slow or stop cancer cells from multiplying and may cause cancer cells to die .
COMMUNITY-BASED CARE
Texas Oncology – Brownsville plays a crucial role in the community , providing local residents with access to advanced cancer treatment right in their backyard . Without it , patients would have to travel outside of their community , sometimes multiple times per week , to receive their treatment . Dr . Carlos Gonzalez specializes in radiation oncology and has seen the practice grow and thrive since arriving in 1999 . Over the past 18 years , Dr . Gonzalez and his colleagues have developed strong relationships with the patients and families of Brownsville .
“ My colleagues and I have the honor of serving the noble people of Brownsville ,” said Dr . Gonzalez . “ I enjoy the challenge of the ever-evolving landscape of cancer care , but the patient relationships are by far the most rewarding aspect of this profession .”
Dr . Gonzalez works alongside medical oncologists Drs . Marcelo Boek and Balesh Sharma . All three physicians are active in the community and frequently speak to groups throughout Cameron County .
The practice also offers volunteer programs for those who are interested in participating more in the cancer community .
To learn more about Texas Oncology – Brownsville located at 2150 N . Expressway 83 , Brownsville , TX 78521 , visit TexasOncology . com or call 956-548-0810 .
15 HEALTHY MAGAZINE