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Last Updated: Feb 10, 2012 - 10:38 AM |
COLUMBUS—Convenient care is important to Dr. Joan Keit. Dr. Keit knows how important it is for patients to receive treatment close to home whenever possible. After she started practicing in Columbus, Dr. Keit, a radiation oncologist, realized that patients had to travel to Lincoln or Omaha for cancer treatment using radioactive drugs. So Dr. Keit partnered with Columbus Community Hospital to bring those treatments to Columbus.
According to Dr. Keit, the radiopharmaceutical treatments now offered at Columbus Community Hospital are common and effective. The most common is radioiodine, used to treat thyroid cancer and a condition known as hyperthyroidism. “Radioiodine treatment is used in combination with surgery for treatment of thyroid cancer, and it’s very effective,” said Dr. Keit.
The radiopharmaceutical program at Columbus Community Hospital began this past December. The hospital obtained state certification before launching the program, and Dr. Keit led efforts to train staff. Radiopharmaceutical drugs may be administered orally or intravenously. Treatments are outpatient, but they can require several visits for imaging prior to and after the treatment. Now those trips can be significantly shorter for patients and families.
“The main reason for this program is to provide this important, effective treatment closer to home for people in Columbus and the surrounding area,” said Dr. Keit.
© Copyright 2012 by polkcountynewspaper.com
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