Cancer Center
From routine cancer screenings to complex treatment, the Cancer Center at Memorial Hermann Northwest brings together world-class skill, leading-edge technology and the most modern care available. We offer a continuum of diagnostic, treatment and support services designed with the needs of cancer patients in mind.
The physicians at the Cancer Center have been trained at highly regarded institutions. Our Oncology Certified Nurses (OCNs) are board-certified in oncology nursing, which ensures they have the specialized knowledge, proper qualifications and experience necessary to provide exceptional care.
In addition to highly personalized physical care, the care team at the Cancer Center also provides emotional support during the entire course of each patient’s treatment. Nutritionists and social workers support the physicians and nurses, assisting patients through recovery and healing.
The Cancer Center at Memorial Hermann Northwest is accredited as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This distinction is achieved only by 25 percent of all cancer centers nationwide.
We specialize in the following cancers:
- Anal/colorectal
- Breast
- Gynecologic
- Head and neck
- Lung
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Urological (kidney, bladder, testicular and prostate)
- Neurological
- Thyroid
Our treatment services include:
- Imaging
- Surgical oncology
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Outpatient chemotherapy infusion
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Clinical trials
- Inpatient oncology unit
- Palliative care and hospice
Our support services include:
- Genetic counseling
- Tumor board
- Cancer registry
- Psychosocial counseling and support
- Lymphedema services
- Spiritual care
- Nutritional counseling
- Support groups
- Physical and rehabilitation services
- Pain management
Unique elements of our cancer program include:
Comprehensive, State-of-the-art Radiation Therapy
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
External beam radiation therapy is generally delivered in the form of either X-rays (photons) or electrons. This therapy can be used to treat cancer that lies deep in the body or close to the skin surface, adjusting the energy of the beam accordingly.
Dual-Energy Linear Accelerator
Linear accelerators deliver a uniform dose of high-energy X-ray to the tumor, destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. Our linear accelerator offers the most advanced clinical capabilities in the industry. Its advantages include high-precision, high-energy radiation beams focused accurately on the tumor.
Multileaf Collimator
Our computer-controlled multileaf collimator accurately designs the size and shape of a radiation beam to conform to the tumor during the treatment planning process. Individually adjusted metal leaves vary beam intensity by blocking and filtering to protect healthy tissue and ensure precise distribution of radiation therapy.
Intensity Modulation Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
The most precise form of external radiation therapy, IMRT is an advanced form of 3-D conformal radiation, which uses computer-generated, 3-D images to vary the shape and intensity of the radiation that is delivered directly to the tumor. IMRT helps destroy cancer cells while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy
Services available at adjacent Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers:
High-Dose Radiation (HDR) Brachytherapy
HDR treats cancer from within specific tumor sites, as opposed to delivery of external radiation therapy. HDR brachytherapy involves placing very tiny plastic catheters near the tumor site, and then delivering a series of radiation treatments through these catheters. This technique provides higher radiation doses directly to the tumor with lower toxicity to normal surrounding structures and organs.
Seed Implant Brachytherapy
Used to treat prostate cancer, tiny radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate, where they emit low levels of radiation over a few months, minimizing the dose of radiation to the bladder and rectum. The use of ultrasound guidance ensures accurate seed implantation.
CT Simulator
CT simulation transmits X-rays through tissue to create a graphic display of the tumor and surrounding normal tissue. Using a high-speed, high-capacity computer, the CT simulator helps physicians understand the complex relationship between healthy and cancerous tissues. The information is recorded, analyzed and used to design an optimal treatment plan.
Memorial Hermann Northwest
Cancer Center
1635 N. Loop W.
Houston, Texas 77008
713-867-3350