The Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is now offering easier, shorter radiation treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer. 

Known as Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI), this course of treatment is limited to the immediate area surrounding the tumor and minimizes radiation exposure to the rest of the breast, skin, ribs, lungs and heart. UM Shore Regional Health is a member organization of University of Maryland Medical System.

“Along with more precise targeting of the immediate area surrounding the original tumor, a significant advantage of APBI is that it is accomplished in five sessions over five treatment days, as opposed to 15 to 20 sessions over several weeks,” said Rashmi Benda, MD, Medical Director of the Cancer Center’s Requard Radiation Oncology Center. “In addition, patients experience little to no pain, swelling or skin redness with the treatment.”

Rashmi Benda, MD

APBI treatments begin after the patient’s lumpectomy and a CT scan that pinpoints the tumor site for the radiation oncology team. In an outpatient procedure, tiny gold markers are placed in the breast. After a second CT scan, a treatment plan is generated, and the patient returns for five treatments. The gold markers are tracked during each treatment, allowing radiation to focus on a smaller volume of breast tissue.

Rebecca Bartholow of Kent Island completed APBI treatment in early July of 2023.\ “I received five treatments that lasted about an hour, with a day in between each,” she said. ”The experience was awesome – it went great! Other than being a little tired, I felt really good. I couldn’t have been happier.” 

APBI has been shown to be effective compared with traditional longer and more intensive treatment regimens. “We are pleased to offer this innovative and beneficial treatment to our patients in the Shore community,” said Dr. Benda.

Every year, the Spy makes it a point to talk to Heather Guerieri, the CEO of Compass, the Mid-Shore’s largest nonprofit hospice organization, for an annual check-in about one of the region’s most important and sometimes most misunderstood health providers.

Beginning in 1985, Compass has been a critical resource for those with end-of-life decisions and the management of chronic illnesses. Starting in Queen Anne’s County and now expanded to three counties, thanks to community support.

In our most recent conversation with Heather, she notes how Compass has broadened its care, focusing not just on hospice but also on managing chronic illnesses with telehealth, helping people navigate their health choices. The hospice leader also talks about changing how we view end-of-life care, emphasizing options like hospice and palliative care and ensuring patients lead the life they choose.

This video is approximately minutes in length. For more information about Compass please go here.

It’s hard to forget for many Americans that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, millions lose friends and family to heart attacks, but a growing number of men and women are not only surviving that significant traumatic event but actually thriving with the help of places like UM Shore Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic.

In an insightful discussion with Sherrie Hill, RN, and Sally Worm, RN, from the rehabilitation clinics in both Chestertown and Easton, the Spy learned a considerable amount on cardiovascular disease risk management, distinguishing between uncontrollable (age, heredity, sex) and controllable (blood pressure, lifestyle) factors. We also had a new appreciation for the remarkable work these clinics perform in supervising programs for those recovering from high-risk heart conditions and supporting patients psychologically and physically.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about  UM Shore Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic program please go here.