As a referral practice, the Department of Radiation Oncology sees more rare cancers and more complicated cases. Treatment of primary vaginal cancers, which are rare to begin with, is further complicated by previous irradiation, recurrences of disease and anatomical distortion caused by the disease. These techniques are enhanced by several technologies available at the IU Cancer Center, as well as its interdisciplinary approach to treatment. Another technology that leads to improvements in treatment safety and patient comfort is a sophisticated device called the remote afterloader, notes Marcus Randall, MD, chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, who is an international authority in gynecologic radiation oncology. The remote afterloader is mobile and safely encloses the sources and transfer apparatus.
Caregivers use remote controls to operate and monitor the unit.
A switch on the door to the room ensures that sources are automatically withdrawn in the event that someone enters the room by mistake. Free screenings for anxiety disorders will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, in the Indiana University Hospital Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, room 3124. Appointments are not necessary. Screenings will consist of a written self-test for anxiety and a brief screening interview with a mental health professional. Educational information also will be available.