Plymouth Cancer Institute

Advanced treatment & technology

A partnership aimed at reducing treatments and improving outcomes.

We’ve partnered with Michiana Hematology Oncology to deliver radiation therapy at the Plymouth Cancer Institute, including the region’s first and only linear accelerator with "rapid arc" technology and respiratory gaiting. Rapid arc IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), along with 3-D conformal radiation therapy, help deliver radiation more precisely to better target the tumor and minimize exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. The linear accelerator also utilizes IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy) that uses X-ray images to more precisely target the beam. In fall of 2016 the Plymouth Cancer Institute plans to add SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy), which uses multiple, coordinated beams to deliver higher doses with fewer treatments to improve cure rates.

With our wide-bore CT simulator, we help your physician plan the course of radiation therapy before treatment begins. This advanced equipment offers increased comfort while reducing any feeling of claustrophobia.

On-site services

For your convenience, our laboratory is located within the medical oncology department. Radiology services and diagnostic tests and screenings can be scheduled before or after treatments, so you can minimize your drive time and the total number of trips.

The Outpatient Treatment & Infusion Center at Plymouth Medical Center provides:

• Chemotherapy administration
• Blood & blood product transfusions
• IV medication administration
• Dressing changes
• Catherizations
• Injections
• IV fluids for hydration

Multi-disciplinary team

Radiation treatment is directed by board-certified radiation oncologist Brion Shin, MD. Dr. Shin earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University. He served an internship in internal medicine at the University of Arizona, then did his residency in radiation oncology and served as Chief Resident at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He became Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at the Plymouth Cancer Institute in January 2016.

Medical oncology care at the Plymouth Cancer Institute is provided by Ronald H. Kawauchi, MD, board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist. Dr. Kawauchi offers inpatient and outpatient consultations and medical oncology services to better meet the needs of patients in Plymouth and the surrounding communities.

To assist you and your family through the treatment process, the Plymouth Cancer Institute offers the support of an oncology patient navigator, free of charge, in addition to spiritual care, nutritional counselors and the services and resources of our Wound Healing Center.