FROM THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS and active treatment through what could be many years of survivorship, cancer care is a highly complex endeavor, demanding the coordinated efforts of multiple experts and specialists to not only fight the disease itself, but also to manage the many potential symptoms and side effects. In addition to the myriad medical issues, there are various emotional, spiritual, and, of course, financial factors to address. Considering the multifaceted nature of cancer, where patients go for treatment matters a great deal.
Local hematologist/oncologist Tim Kasunic, MD, contends that cancer patients who choose to seek treatment at The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers (TCCC) stand to reap many benefits. Among them:
A unique care philosophy that considers cost
As a community-based cancer center, The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers’ aim is, and always will be, to provide the highest quality of care in the most cost-effective manner and to treat the whole person. Dr. Kasunic explains, “Our diagnostic testing, imaging, and lab costs are significantly lower than what you can expect at hospitals or other entities. We also work to defer expenses for patients who are struggling financially. For example, our in-house pharmacy investigates copay foundations and other ways to help patients cover the high cost of medications. In addition, we collaborate with other community organizations to help patients defray costs and access vital resources. Such organizations include Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio, who connect patients with a wide range of support services and programming; Nightingales Harvest for support with food and nutrition; The Toledo Clinic Foundation for assistance with other bills; the Victory Center for support through services such as massage and counseling; and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for patients with those specific diagnoses.”
Unparalleled quality of care
The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers offers world-class cancer care right here at home—a short drive from any point in the community. Dr. Kasunic states, “The oncologists at Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers are by far the most experienced in the region. No one else even comes close. From the moment patients walk in the door, they can expect exceptional, compassionate service beginning at the front desk and continuing with our medical assistants, nursing staff, and everyone else they encounter along the way. We also have excellent nurse practitioners on staff who form close bonds with patients and work very closely with them to ensure their symptoms are managed and their pain is controlled.”
Patients obviously agree with this assessment—a recent survey revealed a satisfaction rate of 97 per cent among TCCC’s patients.
In terms of treating the whole person, the TCCC staff includes counselors who address the patients’ emotional needs, and a dietitian who meets with all patients to discuss how good nutrition can enhance their treatment and outcomes. “We also have a close relationship with Sincera Palliative Care, who sees patients both in the clinic and at home to help manage their symptoms. Plus, we’re the only cancer center in the area that is able to prevent treatment-related hair loss through scalp cooling, we offer CBD products to help with symptom management, and some of our oncologists are certified to refer patients for medical marijuana,” Dr. Kasunic says.
Extensive professional collaboration
TCCC collaborates with all the major tertiary centers in our region, including the University of Michigan, the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University Hospitals, Henry Ford Hospital, and The Ohio State University. They’re also now collaborating formally with Karmanos Cancer Center on the new Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers location that will open in Maumee next spring. In addition to Karmanos, The Toledo Clinic Cancer Center has also partnered with the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center at The University of Toledo Medical Center and with the Maurer Family Cancer Care Center at Wood County Hospital. These organizations have come together to increase access to cancer care in Northwest Ohio through academics and recruitment. And, The Toledo Clinic and the Maurer Family Cancer Care Center at Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green have come together to expand community care outreach.
One of TCCC’s most recent collaborations is with the Neighborhood Health Association. “Through this relationship, we’re really trying to give back to the community, seeing patients in underserved areas or who are underinsured to make sure they get the same level of care as everyone else in the community,” Dr. Kasunic comments.
Access to cutting-edge clinical trials
Offering the most robust clinical trial program in our area, TCCC has consistently enrolled more patients in cutting-edge research studies than any other cancer center. Dr. Kasunic gives the example of a new study TCCC is involved in that is looking at the use of alternating electrical fields to improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. He notes that this treatment is currently used with success in patients with brain tumors, and he’s hopeful that it will show a similar benefit in the pancreatic cancer population.
The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers, located at 4126 N. Holland Sylvania Road, Suite 105, also provides imaging, laboratory, chemotherapy and IV services. The cancer center consists of 7 medical and 3 radiation oncologists along with 8 nurse practitioners and 4 research nurses. The cancer center also has satellite centers in Maumee, Napoleon, Bowling Green, Wauseon, and Monroe.
The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers has earned Patient-Centered Specialty Practice level 3 recognition and Oncology Medical Home recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Oncology homes align systems and resources with coordinated care focused on cancer patients and their needs. This reduces fragmentation, supports shared decision making, and improves the patient experience. They are the first oncology practice in the state of Michigan and the second oncology practice in the state of Ohio to receive this recognition.
For more information, please call The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers at 419-479-5605.
