Grey’s Anatomy Airing January 21, 2010 Portrays Hipec Cancer Treatment

Jan. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- Decatur, Ga.  – The popular show “Grey’s Anatomy” of ABC will feature the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)  procedure in its episode airing on January 21, 2010. HIPEC is an advanced procedure that has been shown to extend the lives of patients with certain types of abdominal cancers by an average of 21 months . It’s done by administering heated chemotherapy directly, rather than intravenously (IV), to cancer sites during surgery, essentially bathing the abdomen with medication. This innovative procedure is used to treat cancer that has spread to the abdominal cavity, including cancers of the stomach, colon, appendix, large and small intestines, and ovaries.
Although HIPEC is known to double the survival rates of patients with intraperitoneal cancers, “ HIPEC can even cure some forms of these diseases , meaning some patients become cancer-free after having the HIPEC procedure , and we’re very excited about that,” says Dr. Michael Quiñones, M.D., FACS a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist based in the Atlanta area.

HIPEC is just now making its way to prime time TV, but Dr. Quiñones has been performing this procedure for more than 10 years . He is the first surgeon in Georgia to perform this procedure , and has helped patients become cancer-free by administering HIPEC in the operating room immediately after surgically removing all visible tumors. DeKalb Medical is one of only two hospitals in Georgia to offer this innovative cancer treatment.

Jerre Ramlow, age 74, whose cancer was cured in part from HIPEC treatment from Dr. Quiñones, says, “I have been cancer-free for the past two and a half years now… the high quality of life I have today is due to being in Dr. Quiñones’s care. Those facing cancer should consider HIPEC as a treatment option.”

To learn more about the HIPEC procedure and review patient testimonials, visit DeKalb Medical’s Cancer Center at http://www.dekalbmedical.org/ProgramsServices/MoreService... or www.drqmd.com/hipec.php .

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About DeKalb Medical: DeKalb Medical continues to be a leader in cancer research and treatment, one of only 20% of hospitals in the United States to achieve an additional three-year approval as a community hospital comprehensive cancer program from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer .

A leader in heart attack treatment and orthopedics, DeKalb Medical is a non-profit
hospital system serving half a million patients annually. Founded in 1961, the system includes the 451-bed DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, which was named in the top 5% of all U.S. hospitals in 2009 for clinical excellence by HealthGrades ® . DeKalb Medical at North Decatur was recently awarded 5-Star ratings by HealthGrades for 2010 for Heart Attack Treatment and Heart Failure Treatment, Overall Orthopedic Services, Joint Replacement, Total Knee Replacement, Hip Fracture Repair, Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Bypass and Sepsis. For more information on DeKalb Medical, visit www.dekalbmedical.org