Doctors and cancer care teams at Ascension Saint Agnes provide more than cancer care. We deliver compassionate, personalized care for the whole person. Cancer is personal, so is how we care for you. Your medical oncology doctor and care team start by listening to understand you and your health concerns.
Hematology-medical oncology specialists diagnose and treat adults with blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Our doctors may also be part of your cancer care team if you have another type of cancer.
When cells cluster and form a tumor or when cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body, you may need a combination of surgery and other cancer treatments. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy are non-surgical treatments that help eliminate the cancer cells and can help prevent recurrence.
Our infusion unit at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute combines modern technology with a hopeful, healing environment. Oncology nurses and medical oncology care teams are here to help make your treatments as comfortable as possible.
Benefits of our approach to cancer care
You’ll find a healing place to renew your body, mind and spirit. Our cancer center is on the campus of Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in southwest Baltimore. Our network of cancer specialists extends throughout Baltimore County, Catonsville, Columbia and Laurel, Maryland.
When you choose us, you have an entire team dedicated to your care and connecting the dots for you. For more information about cancer services, call 667-234-2918.
We offer a range of services on our campus, with convenient valet parking. Transportation to and from appointments can be arranged for you. Our oncology care teams work together to help make your appointments as easy and coordinated as possible.
Cancer support programs and services
When you’re going through cancer care, we’re by your side. Your doctors and care team are here to help, listen and offer services that help support your treatment plan. Have a conversation with our patient consult coordinator — ask any question, big or small. And we offer an extended care team for emotional support — chaplain, palliative care specialist and oncology-certified social worker. Our healing garden and chapel are always open for you and your loved ones. Other services include:
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Financial aid counselors
- Nutritionists
- Oncology-trained pharmacists
- Patient and caregiver support groups
Regional perfusion targets cancer cells
At Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute, we provide a range of oncology treatments. Chemotherapy is well known, but we also offer many other options, such as regional perfusion. It’s different from traditional chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be delivered intravenously through a catheter, orally, or topically. Chemotherapy drugs help destroy cancer cells. Regional perfusion circulates a high concentration of chemotherapy drugs through an organ or within a defined region of the body to eliminate the cancer cells and protect healthy tissue. Hair loss and nausea associated with traditional chemotherapy are less of a side effect with regional perfusion.
Regional perfusion may be considered for these types of cancer:
- Chest cancers in the lining between the lungs and chest wall
- Liver cancer
- Melanoma skin cancer, regionally confined
- Neuroendocrine tumors that grow from cells released by hormones
- Peritoneal (abdominal and gastrointestinal) cancer and mesothelioma
- Sarcoma soft tissue, bone and cartilage cancer
Perfusion treatments may also be delivered during surgery. With hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC), the surgeon removes as much tumor as possible. During surgery, a heated chemotherapy solution circulates through the organ to destroy cancer cells.
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) involves medical oncology and interventional radiology. Your care team delivers anticancer drugs to block the blood supply to a tumor to help it shrink.
Immunotherapy and hormone therapy
Our doctors evaluate if your immune system can recognize the cancer cells and destroy them. This type of cancer treatment is called immunotherapy. A monoclonal antibody solution is given to help bind to specific targets on the cancer cells. This approach helps your immune system seek and destroy some types of cancer. When given in combination with chemotherapy, it can also help improve the effectiveness of your treatment plan.
Some cancers are fueled by hormones, such as hormone-sensitive breast tumors. In combination with other treatments, hormone therapy may be used to help prevent the spread and recurrence of cancer.
Multispecialty cancer care teams and clinical trials
At Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital Cancer Institute, medical oncologists meet regularly with the radiation oncologists, surgeons, cancer specialists, and oncology nurses. We work together to review your care plan and monitor your progress. Our multispecialty team approach offers advanced cancer care close to home. If you are interested in participating in cancer care clinical trials, ask your oncologist. We can work to help connect you to ongoing clinical trials that may be right for you.
