• Homect_img
  • Cancer Care Technology

Cancer Care Technology

Cancer Care Technology

Leading Edge Diagnostic and Treatment Technologies

photo of lab technician performing tests

Portsmouth Regional Hospital has added PET Imaging to the leading edge diagnostic technology available to our patients.

PET Imaging is changing the face of disease detection in a variety of ways.

For cancer patients, PET is used to determine the exact location and stage of cancerous tissue which can prevent unnecessary surgery and biopsies and inappropriate treatments. PET imaging has a major impact on clinical evaluations of cancer patients and, in many cases, enables physicians to begin treatment earlier and increase the odds for successful outcomes.

PRH is now the only hospital in the region offering Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to patients with esophageal cancer and high grade dysplasia in Barretts esophagus, as a result of acid reflux. PDT is a minimally invasive, rapid response treatment that can dramatically improve the quality of life for may patients with advanced-stage cancer by unblocking partial or total obstructions caused by tumors. It can also obliterate the premalignant changes of Barrett’s with high grade dysplasia in a majority of patients.

PDT requires minimal sedation and is relatively pain-free. It involves the intravenous administration of a photo-sensitive drug that is subsequently activated by a non-thermal laser light. The laser illumination is then able to target the tumor, causing damage and death to its cells. No in-hospital stay is required in most cases.

Portsmouth Regional Hospital is the ONLY facility in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont offering PDT. Dr. Aristotle Damianos, Gasteroenterologist, has been specially trained to administer this treatment, using the only photosensitizing agent approved by the FDA.

PDT is an important new tool in our arsenal for improving the quality of life for our cancer patients and their families. This progressive treatment can offer relief and increased independence without invasive surgery or side effects. We welcome your questions and comments.

Diagnostic capabilities also include our state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit for visually examining internal organs, our Lightspeed CT Scanner and our advanced MRI scanner. Resources for breast cancer diagnosis include a mammography department fully accredited by the American College of Radiology, gadolinium-enhanced MRI scanning and the stereotactic system for breast biopsies.

Therapeutic resources include a comprehensive chemotherapy clinic, laparoscopic surgery capabilities for colon and abdominal procedures, image-guided-surgery technology for brain tumors, and an emphasis on alternatives to total mastectomy in breast surgery. Additionally, post-operative breast reconstruction is available for breast surgery patients.

Find a Physician

Search all Portsmouth Regional Hospital Physicians »

Locations

  • Radiation Oncology Associates<br>

    Radiation Oncology Associates
    One Elliot Way
    Manchester, NH 3101

    Directions
  • Seacoast Cancer Center<br>

    Seacoast Cancer Center
    789 Central Avenue
    Dover, NH 3820

    Directions
  • The Hematology and Oncology Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital<br>

    The Hematology and Oncology Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
    155 Borthwick Ave
    Suite 301
    Portsmouth, NH 03801

    Directions
  • Hematology and Oncology Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital<br>

    Hematology and Oncology Center at Portsmouth Regional Hospital
    155 Borthwick Avenue
    Suite 303
    Portsmouth, NH 3801

    Directions

Related Health Content

Cancer Treatment Support

July 1, 2012

Not only is cancer the second leading cause of death in the United States (after heart disease), its insidious nature gives it a special terror. Most diseases give warning in the form of escalating symptoms, while others strike so suddenly that there’s no time to brood on it. Cancer follows a differ ...

Read more »

Treatments for Kidney Cancer

September 1, 2012

...

Read more »

Feature Articles

September 1, 2012

What are the latest treatments for cancer? Should you take part in a clinical trial? What cancer screening tests should you be getting, and how often? What can you do to reduce the side effects of cancer and cancer therapy? Our consumer-focused feature articles address these questions and many other ...

Read more »

Resource Guide for Breast Cancer

September 1, 2012

...

Read more »

Chemotherapy for Stomach Cancer

$related_health_item.publish_date

...

Read more »