Research Finds New Options For Women with Stage IV Breast Cancer
May 29th, 2009
Breakthrough Brings Physicians Closer to Developing Customized Cancer Treatments
Falls Church, VA — Researchers at Inova Fairfax Hospital led a study that gives Stage IV breast cancer patients new treatment options. This breakthrough brings physicians one step closer to developing customized and targeted cancer treatments for their patients.
The results of the international study will be announced June 1 at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cancer Oncologists in Orlando, FL, where more than 500 abstracts will be presented.
A collaboration of oncologists from around the world and throughout Northern Virginia, the Phase III study evaluated use of Bevacizumab (Avastin) — which stops cancerous tumors from growing by altering blood vessels — in addition to prescribed chemotherapy treatment. Breast cancer treated with Avastin and chemotherapy drugs slowed the progression of the cancer in patients when compared to using chemotherapy by itself. The results of this study provide more options in treating Stage IV breast cancer.
“There are multiple chemotherapy medicines for women with advanced breast cancer, so it is important to understand Avastin’s efficacy and safety in combination with these different treatments,” said Nicholas Robert, MD, chair, cancer committee, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and principal investigator of the study. “Combining Avastin with commonly used chemotherapies could give physicians more flexibility to tailor the most appropriate course of Avastin-based therapy for patients.”
Nearly 50 percent of the Stage IV metastatic breast cancer patients who participated in the Phase III randomized study were from the United States. Patients administered Avastin and an oral chemotherapy drug reduced the chances of their breast cancer worsening by 45 percent.
Avastin is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in metastatic cancers, which are cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
“Avastin has been studied as a first-line treatment in more than 2,600 women with advanced breast cancer in three Phase III trials, and we have confidence in its ability to help delay breast cancer progression,” said Hal Barron, M.D., executive vice president, Global Development and chief medical officer, Genentech. “We plan to submit data to the Food and Drug Administration in the second half of 2009.”
Inova Fairfax Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and is a recipient of its 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award for cancer care.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Life With Cancer Receives Grant to Encourage Cancer Outreach Nationwide
May 28th, 2009
$50,000 Grant Will Increase Access for Cancer Patients, Families
L-R: Gordon Hay, Director, Life with Cancer; Joanne Royaltey, Development Director, Life with Cancer; John Fay, Vice President, Inova Health System Foundation; Rick Dunetz, Side-Out Foundation; Gloria Dunetz, Side-Out Foundation; and Bryant Dunetz, Side-Out Foundation.
Falls Church, VA — Inova Health System’s Life with Cancer® has received a $50,000 grant for two years to improve access for cancer patients and families to Life with Cancer programs, and to encourage development of similar comprehensive cancer programs throughout the nation.
“We are truly honored to be awarded this grant from the Side-Out Foundation, an organization whose mission is to fight breast cancer,” said Gordon Hay, Director, Life with Cancer. “This grant will directly and indirectly address the unique needs of patients and their families nationwide, well past the two years that the grant has been awarded us.”
Side-Out Foundation raises funds through volleyball tournaments to assist breast cancer patients and their healthcare providers with cancer education, awareness, detection and treatment.
The grant will fund:
- Redevelopment of the Life with Cancer Web site to provide resources to cancer patients, their families and healthcare providers
- National teleconferences to educate breast cancer patients about the newest treatments and support programs
- Improved access to Life with Cancer support groups and programs in the Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland region
- The two-year $50,000 grant will assist not only Life with Cancer but also the Side-Out Foundation’s ability to continue providing outreach, education and support services to cancer patients and their families on a local, regional and national basis.
Inova Health System’s Life with Cancer offers cancer and treatment education, complementary therapies, support groups, classes, nutrition programs and outreach throughout Northern Virginia, free of charge, regardless of where patients seek care.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Golf Tournament Dedicated to Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
May 27th, 2009
Proceeds Will Benefit Women’s Imaging Center
Alexandria, VA — Time to tee off in the 11th annual Bender Group Golf Tournament! Proceeds from the golf outing will help provide state-of-the-art breast biopsy equipment for the Women’s Imaging Center at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
This year’s charity and golf tournament, scheduled for Monday, June 1, will include a barbeque, a professionally staffed long-drive clinic, a putting contest, gift bags and a chance at winning $1,000,000 in a shoot-out contest.
The Bender Group, which specializes in real estate sales, has raised money through these tournaments for Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s recent renovation and expansion, its Rehab Center and other areas. Proceeds have totaled more than $20,000 in three years. For more information or to participate, contact 703-906-7102, or visit www.thebendergroup.net.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System Recognized by Practice Greenhealth for ‘Going Green’
May 22nd, 2009
All Five Inova Hospitals Win Awards at Global Conference
Falls Church, VA — Inova Health System was recognized this week for its environmental improvement efforts at CleanMed 2009, a global conference held in Chicago for healthcare’s environmental leaders.
Inova Fairfax Hospital was named a winner of Practice Greenhealth’s “Partner for Change” award for working to improve and expand upon programs to eliminate mercury, reduce waste and prevent pollution. In addition, Inova Alexandria, Inova Fair Oaks, Inova Loudoun and Inova Mount Vernon hospitals were honored with Practice Greenhealth’s “Partner Recognition” award for taking important first steps to improve their environmental performance.
“Each of our Environmental Excellence awards represents a tremendous effort on the part of hospital staff to reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with health delivery,” said Bob Jarboe, Executive Director, Practice Greenhealth.
“Inova has made a serious commitment to reduce its impact on the environment and take care of the communities it serves,” said Seema Wadhwa, Sustainability Coordinator, Inova Health System. “We’re excited that all five Inova hospitals were recognized. These awards confirm for us that we’re going in the right direction.”
Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Awards were presented in seven categories to more than 140 facilities. In addition, Practice Greenhealth will sponsor the planting of 100 trees in Haiti for each award presented.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children’s Cardiovascular Program Reports Stellar Outcomes
May 20th, 2009
Overall Mortality Rate at 1 Percent, Well Below National Average
Falls Church, VA — Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children is pleased to announce that in 2008 the overall mortality rate for its pediatric cardiovascular program was 1 percent – well below the national average of 2.9 percent. The national average program mortality rate is based on outcomes from 11 Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society hospitals.
In 2008 the program performed 302 cardiac surgical procedures on children, and 25 congenital cases on adults. Doctors in the program are recognized as specialists for pediatric and adult congenital heart surgery. Erin, a 12-year-old from Alexandria, Va., was born with her aortic and pulmonary arteries reversed. She underwent surgery at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children as an infant and returned in 2008 for a valve replacement. She is now back on the softball field as a pitcher and catcher.
Jim Thompson, MD, Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiology at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, commented, “Our center is able to perform all types of repairs for congenital heart defects, from the simplest to the most complex, including surgical, catheter-based and innovative hybrid procedures. Despite the complexity of cases that we treat, we have the best published results in the region. Parents and physicians seeking the best possible care for their children will find it here at Inova.”
Irving Shen, MD, Director of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery for Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, remarked, “We have a collaborative team of cardiovascular experts and healthcare team members who provide personalized attention and family-centered care to each child who undergoes a heart surgery or procedure.”
Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children is a 186-bed, full-service children’s hospital devoted to the healthcare of infants, children and adolescents. It is Northern Virginia’s only pediatric tertiary-care center, and includes a full-service pediatric emergency department, the region’s only pediatric intensive-care unit – staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by board-certified pediatric intensivists – and the region’s largest neonatal intensive-care unit. Learn more about the hospital’s pediatric cardiovascular program.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Fairfax Hospital Recognized by Fairfax County Leadership for Outstanding Quality Care
May 18th, 2009
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Recognizes Hospital as One of ‘America’s 50 Best Hospitals’
Top Row (L-R): Fairfax County Supervisors Catherine Hudgins (Hunter Mill), Michael Frey (Sully), John Cook (Braddock), Gerald Hyland (Mount Vernon), Penelope Gross (Mason), John Foust (Dranesville), Jeff McKay (Lee), Pat Herrity (Springfield) and Linda Smyth (Providence).
Bottom Row (L-R): Buzz Smith, Chairman, Inova Health Care Services Board of Trustees; Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System; Jennifer Siciliano, Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, Inova Health System; Pat Conway-Morana, MA, RNC, Chief Nurse Executive, Inova Fairfax Hospital; Sharon Bulova, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; Reuven Pasternak, MD, CEO, Inova Fairfax Hospital ; Russell Seneca, MD, Chairman, Department of Surgery, Inova Fairfax Hospital; and John Toups, Past Chairman, Inova Health System Board of Trustees.
Falls Church, VA — Inova Fairfax Hospital was recognized today by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for providing world-class healthcare to the county. The hospital recently made national headlines after HealthGrades® named Inova Fairfax one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” for 2008.
“What a feather in our caps to have Inova Health System recognized as one of the best 50 hospitals in the country!” said Sharon Bulova, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “Inova consistently demonstrates excellence in the delivery of healthcare to our community. It’s great to have affirmation of that fact from the HealthGrades organization.”
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the members of the Board of Supervisors here in Fairfax County,” said Reuven Pasternak, MD, CEO, Inova Fairfax Hospital Campus. “The hospital is proud to be a healthcare leader in our region with a staff of doctors and nurses committed to excellence and dedicated to caring for our community.”
HealthGrades is an independent healthcare-ratings organization that ranks the quality of hospitals based exclusively on clinical outcomes. Hospitals that made the list have mortality rates 27 percent lower and complication rates nearly 10 percent lower than national averages.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital to Hold Annual Seniors Health Fair
May 18th, 2009
Alexandria, VA— Do you worry about high blood pressure? Are you at risk for skin cancer? Are you concerned about having a stroke? Learn more about these and other important health issues at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s Annual Seniors Health Fair, June 3.
Receive free massages and screenings, and receive current information from medical professionals who specialize in treatment of stroke, high cholesterol and other pressing health concerns.
WHAT:
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s Annual Seniors Fair
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 3rd
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Inova Mount Vernon Hospital
Lobby
2501 Parker’s Lane
Alexandria, VA
Attendees can choose from a host of screenings, including blood pressure and sun exposure. Nurses and hospital staff will be on hand at the health event to answer questions about glucose readings, flexibility, stroke prevention, body-fat percentage and more.
For additional information or to register for this free event, call 703-750-8800 or visit www.inova.org/events.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Fairfax Hospital Initiates Enrollment for Heart Failure Clinical Trial
May 13th, 2009
Study to Explore Effectiveness of Implantable ‘Net’ Device
Falls Church, VA – Inova Fairfax Hospital is participating in a new research study for HeartNet™, a cardiac-support device that is wrapped around the heart. The PEERLESS-HF study (Prospective Evaluation of Elastic Restraint to Lessen the Effects of Heart Failure) is a phase III clinical trial.
Delivered through the HeartNet™ Ventricular Support System, the elastic nickel-titanium mesh device is designed to reinforce the walls of the heart and slow or stop its enlargement. By augmenting the heart’s pumping chambers, or ventricles, the device has shown the potential to help the heart work more efficiently and decrease the debilitating symptoms of heart failure.
“Heart failure is an epidemic in this country with half a million new patients being diagnosed annually, with no cure in sight,” said Shashank Desai, MD, Medical Director, Heart Failure and Transplant Program at the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI), and lead investigator for the PEERLESS study at IHVI . “Current medical therapy only delays cardiac deterioration and we remain constantly on the search for new therapies. We’re excited about the HeartNet device because many patients continue to decline despite our best medical treatment. HeartNet offers another therapeutic option that may improve the quantity and quality of life for our patients.”
According to the American Heart Association, heart failure is the leading cause of hospital admissions in the U.S., with more than 300,000 people dying from the disease annually.
Early findings show that HeartNet appears to improve cardiovascular function and exercise capacity in patients with an advanced stage of heart failure called dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently.
Implantation of the HeartNet device takes about one hour to perform and is done through a small incision in the chest. There are 30 U.S. and four Canadian medical centers investigating the effectiveness of the HeartNet device as part of the PEERLES-HF study.
The HeartNet, device was developed and is manufactured by Paracor Medical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, the sponsor of the PEERLESS-HF trial.
For more information on the PEERLESS-HF trial and the HeartNet™, or to learn how you can participate, call 1-866-344-0628 or go to www.bigheartstudy.com.
HeartNet
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Fairfax Hospital Earns ‘Silver Award’ for Following Key Stroke, Heart Guidelines
May 12th, 2009
Hospital Only One in Commonwealth to Earn AHA Honor
Falls Church, VA — The American Heart Association has awarded Inova Fairfax Hospital its Silver Award, as part of the its “Get With The Guidelines” (GWTG) program. Inova Fairfax Hospital is the only hospital in the Commonwealth of Virginia to earn a Silver Award.
GWTG is an acute-care, hospital-based quality-improvement program that empowers healthcare providers to consistently treat heart and stroke patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines. To earn a Silver Award, hospitals must follow treatment guidelines in certain key measures at least 85 percent of the time, and must maintain this performance level for one year. AHA has established guidelines for the treatment of coronary artery disease, stroke and heart failure.
“The work we’re doing at Inova Fairfax Hospital is really about our commitment to hardwire best practices and make them part of our daily routines,” says Jack Cochran, MD, medical director, Neuroscience and Stroke, Inova Fairfax Hospital. “By consistently monitoring cholesterol, blood pressure and other factors, we’re able to improve the care we offer and significantly improve our patients’ outcomes.”
Participation in AHA’s GWTG program is voluntary. Get more information about cardiac services in Northern Virginia.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Alexandria Hospital Thanks Local EMS
May 12th, 2009
Hospital Will Recognize the City’s Emergency Medical Services during National EMS Week
Alexandria, VA — Inova Alexandria Hospital will serve a special breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, to honor the outstanding contributions of the City of Alexandria Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employees, who dedicate their lives to caring for the community.
“The EMS team is an extension of any hospital emergency department,” said Martin Brown, MD, medical director, emergency medicine, Inova Alexandria Hospital. “What these men and women do at the scene of an emergency directly affects our ability to successfully treat any patient that comes through our doors. We are very grateful for the contributions this dedicated group of professionals makes each and every day.”
WHAT:
Annual Breakfast to Honor the City of Alexandria Emergency Medical Services, during
National EMS Week
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 20
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Inova Alexandria Hospital – Atrium
4320 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
WHO:
Christine Candio, CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital
William Euille, Mayor, City of Alexandria
Adam Thiel, Fire Chief, City of Alexandria
Pamela Copley, Chair, Alexandria EMS Council
Each year the hospital invites the City’s EMS teams to a breakfast to recognize their valiant efforts and to educate these first responders about state-of-the-art procedures and stabilization techniques. This year, Keith Sterling, MD, Chief of Interventional Radiology at Inova Alexandria Hospital, will discuss state-of-the-art treatments for patients suffering from a stroke. James Dispenza, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, Inova Alexandria Hospital, will discuss “Emergencies in Obstetrics.”
In addition, Pamela Copley, Chair of the Alexandria EMS Council, will present the “Call of the Quarter” award to the EMS team that demonstrated outstanding skill and ability while responding to an emergency call.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
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