Thursday, August 17, 2017

How the WINGS Foundation Makes a Difference


A board-certified radiation oncologist, Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya, MD, is co-founder of Predictive Medical Solutions in Dallas, TX. Outside of work, Dr. Raj Dahiya gives to a number of charitable organizations, including WINGS, which provides aid to victims of domestic violence.

Founded in 1985, WINGS Program, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that works to support those who have had the courage to flee an abusive relationship, providing the tools they need to find independence, safety and self-sufficiency. WINGS maintains an emergency shelter for those fleeing a violent situation, where families may stay for up to three months. There is also transitional and permanent housing, available for up to two years. 

Since the foundation began, over 1,000 individuals have been helped, with almost 75,000 nights of safe shelter provided. WINGS also works closely with hospitals. Its representatives visit emergency rooms to give support to victims and help them understand how to devise a safety plan.

After abuse is addressed, counseling is available for families through the foundation, including children. Among the services are assessing behavior, providing art and play therapy, and teaching them how to build healthy relationships.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

CyberKnife M6 Treatment by Premier Cancer Centers


Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine in 1994. A physician with Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Raj Dahiya makes use of the latest cancer treatment solutions, including the CyberKnife® M6 system.

The CyberKnife® M6 FI System has been established as a leading solution in areas of full-body robotic radiosurgery and the precision and accuracy of CyberKnife® technology allows physicians to customize treatment for each individual patient. Medical professionals also benefit from the system’s advanced clinical features, which range from true robotic mobility to targeted tumor tracking with automatic correction capabilities.

The CyberKnife® system has effectively treated an array of medical conditions, including cancerous and non-cancerous lesions developing in the brain, lungs, liver, pancreas, and other areas of recurrent cancer. Individuals interested in learning more about the CyberKnife® M6 system can visit www.premiercancercenters.com.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Cyberknife M6 System - Patient Benefits


Having worked in the field of medicine for more than 20 years, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya has served at several medical centers, including Premier Cancer Centers and Predictive Medical Solutions of Dallas, TX. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya, MD, is trained in the newest advanced radiation therapy technologies, including the TomoTherapy H Series and the Cyberknife M6 System.

The Cyberknife M6 System gives medical professionals the ability to provide the most efficient treatment in full-body robotic radiosurgery. The system utilizes integrated software that helps guide physicians during the procedure, greatly reducing side effects and patient discomfort. The precision and pinpoint accuracy of the Cyberknife system also aids in recovery time by sparing the body's healthy tissue through sub-millimeter accuracy.

The modern sculpted design of the Cyberknife M6 System offers patients a no breath-hold, noninvasive experience while also providing a soothing environmental element to the treatment. The radiosurgery allows patients to breathe normally while lying in a comfortable position during treatment procedures.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

American Cancer Society Report Shows Ongoing Decline in Cancer Rates

 
A radiation oncologist with an MD from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya works as a physician with Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. Beyond his day-to-day activities treating patients, Dr. Raj Dahiya maintains memberships with several organizations, including the American Cancer Society. 

Each year since 1998, the American Cancer Society has partnered with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Cancer Institute to produce the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. The report highlights new cancer cases and provides stats on death rates and cancer trends in the United States. 

According to the 2017 report, which was released in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on March 31, cancer rates among men, women, and children continue to decline nationwide. The report also shows that survival rates for several types of cancer have increased significantly, even among those diagnosed with late-stage disease. 

The study authors point to advancements in early detection and treatment methods as well as a decline in tobacco use as the reasons for the decrease in overall cancer rates and increase in survival rates. With over 40 million American adults still smoking on a regular basis, however, the report highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce the number of American smokers even further.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

TMA Presents First Health Hero Award


A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya serves as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, where he makes use of tools such as the Predictive Medical Solutions Cyberknife to provide the very latest in radiation therapy tools to his patients. Engaged in the ongoing development and evolution of his profession, Dr. Raj Dahiya belongs to the Texas Medical Association.

Earlier this year, the Texas Medical Association (TMA) debuted a new “Health Hero” award designed to recognize organization members who have been key voices in its three major outreach initiatives: Be Wise-Immunize, Walks With a Doc Texas, and Hard Hats for Little Heads. The organization’s Council on Health Promotion, which serves as the oversight arm for all three initiatives, selected C. Leilani Valdes, MD, a pathologist from Victoria, Texas, as its first Health Hero award recipient.

Commenting on the selection, Dr. Valdes called it a “great honor” to be recognized as the first recipient. She also says she is excited about continuing to participate in the programs in the future, as she is passionate about these types of community awareness initiatives.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

American College of Radiology Holds 2017 Annual Meeting


An MD with Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya specializes in radiation oncology. Throughout his medical career, Dr. Raj Dahiya has maintained affiliations with a number of professional groups, including the American College of Radiology (ACR). 

In its efforts to advance radiological care, the ACR offers members a variety of education programs and events throughout the year. The organization recently wrapped up its 2017 Annual Meeting, which took place May 21-25. 

Over 2,000 medical professionals attended the five-day event to take part in an education program comprising a variety of sessions organized into several broad knowledge pathways, including quality and safety, leadership, and clinical research. There were also a number of sessions for medical students, residents, and early-career physicians. 

Alongside the learning activities, the ACR 2017 Annual Meeting featured networking events, speed mentoring, an exhibit hall, and an advocacy day on Capitol Hill. Those who missed the event can access session content on the ACR website. ACR’s next Annual Meeting will be held May 20-24, 2018. Information about other upcoming events can be found at www.acr.org.

Sunday, June 18, 2017

ACR Launches New Leadership Course


Based in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya uses minimally invasive techniques, such as the Predictive Medical Solutions Cyberknife, in his role as a radiation oncologist. In addition to his everyday radiation oncology work, Dr. Raj Dahiya is extremely active in his field through membership in numerous professional societies, including the American College of Radiology. 

This October, the American College of Radiology (ACR) will launch a new program aimed at equipping up-and-coming radiologists with the skills they need to step into leadership positions at their respective hospital posts. Dubbed the Radiology Leadership Institute (RLI), the 12-week course will provide informative instruction on topics such as hospital administration and governance, departmental leadership and accountability initiatives, and how to be a voice of positive change at a hospital.

The self-paced learning launches October 3, 2017, and runs until May 8, 2018. It will feature virtual courses as well as group discussion platforms that include expert faculty members.

Friday, June 9, 2017

ACS Says Prostate Cancer Screening Rates Have Stabilized


A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya has worked at a number of facilities during his career, including at Predictive Medical Solutions, before taking his current job as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. Outside of his work as an MD, Dr. Raj Dahiya helps in the fight against cancer by supporting the efforts of the American Cancer Society.

According to researchers with the American Cancer Society, changes to screening recommendations which initially led to a decline in prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests now have less of an impact, with the decline now tapering off. When the US Preventive Services Task Force issued its recommendations against PSA testing in 2008, rates dropped by seven percent over a three-year period in men over the age of 50.

Recent research shows, however, that the screening rate has stabilized since 2015, with approximately 32.1 percent of men aged 50-plus receiving PSA screenings. Researchers attribute the stabilization to recent research indicating that older men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at a slightly increased rate, prompting more men to get screened and others to be screened more frequently.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Radiation Therapy - What to Expect at Premier Cancer Centers


Radiation oncologist Dr. Rajiv (Raj) Dahiya holds an MD from the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine. Alongside his work with Predictive Medical Solutions, Dr. Raj Dahiya treats patients at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX.

At Premier Cancer Centers, the first thing patients can expect is a consultation. After reviewing educational materials, patients have the opportunity to discuss their concerns and treatment goals. 

Patients who choose to have treatment will then undergo a CT scan. This information, as well as data gathered from other tests, is used as a planning tool for physicians, enabling them to create truly custom treatment plans that effectively target tumors while minimizing harm to the surrounding areas. 

A radiation oncologist and physicist will both review treatment plans to ensure they are suitable. Once a treatment plan is finalized, patients begin undergoing treatments. 

The timing and duration of treatments vary greatly by patient. When therapy has concluded, patients receive continued support through follow-up appointments.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Three Types of Common Head and Neck Cancers


Rajiv Dahiya, MD, of Predictive Medical Solutions and Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, is a leader in oncology. Dr. Raj Dahiya focuses on advanced radiation technologies in his practice. Many of Dr. Raj Dahiya’s patients undergo treatments for cancer of the head or neck, which include:

- Hypopharyngeal cancer. Occurring in the hypopharynx, the opening to the esophagus, this cancer usually forms in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the inside of the hypopharynx. Early signs include sore throats and ear pain. 

- Laryngeal cancer. Occurring when malignant cells form in the larynx, the part of the throat that contains vocal cords, this type of cancer often begins in squamous cells and can include symptoms such as ear pain and a sore throat. It some cases, laryngeal cancer can spread to nearby structures such as lymph nodes. 

- Oropharyngeal cancer. With symptoms that may include a lump and a sore throat, this cancer affects the oropharynx, including the back third of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and back of the throat. People with HPV may be at increased risk for this particular cancer.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

An Overview of the CyberKnife System




Formerly with Predictive Medical Solutions, Dr. Rajiv "Raj" Dahiya, a radiation oncologist with an MD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, now treats patients as a physician with Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. At Premier Cancer Centers, Dr. Raj Dahiya uses the latest treatment technologies, including the CyberKnife System

First cleared for use by the FDA in 1999, the CyberKnife System was originally employed to radiate treatment targets in the head and the base of the skull. Since then, the noninvasive radiation system has been approved to treat conditions outside of the skull, and hundreds of thousands of patients have benefitted from the advanced technology. 

Using a robotic system and real-time imaging, CyberKnife is able to deliver high doses of radiation directly targets with sub-millimeter precision. The accuracy of the system greatly reduces the negative effects that radiation exposure can have on surrounding healthy organs and tissue. 

Designed to treat both cancerous and noncancerous tumors, CyberKnife can target sites in various organs and areas throughout the body. It is especially beneficial for patients with tumors that are inoperable or difficult to reach through traditional surgical methods.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Head Start III Trial Suggests Radiation Benefits May Outweigh Risks


Dr. Rajiv (Raj) Dahiya holds an MD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Medicine. He serves as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, and concurrently works with Predictive Medical Solutions, a state-of-the-art diagnostic testing service. Dr. Raj Dahiya is accomplished in minimally invasive therapies, including advanced radiation technologies.

In April 2017, researchers published findings from the recent Head Start III trial. This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of treatments for pediatric patients with brain tumors that exposed them to minimal or no radiation. Some patients received standard radiation treatments as a control group, while a second group underwent high-dose chemotherapy and then a stem cell transfusion in lieu of radiation. 

Radiation can be very harmful to children, especially very young children. Many parents and physicians have been reluctant to start pediatric patients on radiation because of its impact on brain development. However, the Head Start III trial suggests that radiation therapy leads to the best outcomes for pediatric patients. Those who did not receive radiation generally experienced worse outcomes, highlighting the importance of well-timed, well-dosed radiation treatments.

Monday, April 10, 2017

IMPT Study Presented at ASTRO Meeting


As a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya employs some of the most innovative radiation techniques available to treat cancer patients. In order to stay informed about current industry trends and network with peers, Dr. Raj Dahiya maintains membership in the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

A study introduced during the recent Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium suggests that intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) could help patients with lung cancer, keeping the disease from coming back within a year following the radiation therapy. Using the proton therapy technique, radiation oncologists target cancer cells while leaving normal tissue intact. This therapy is also able to focus on a specific tumor even if it envelops vital organs like the lung.

The average rate of overall survival for those in the study who received IMPT was 18 months. Those who were subject to higher doses experienced even more benefits, as they experienced local failure at only half the rate of the average population and local-regional failure at a quarter of the rate.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

American College of Radiology - Cancer Screening for Medicare Patients


In Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv (Raj) Dahiya uses minimally invasive technologies including the Predictive Medical Solutions Cyberknife in his work as a radiation oncologist. Dr. Raj Dahiya holds an MD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, is a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology, and maintains a membership with the American College of Radiology

The American College of Radiology is a voluntary professional organization for radiologists and other physicians and scientists who practice and advance radiologic care. The nonprofit organization works to advance radiology by supporting these radiological professionals and those who benefit from their efforts.

The American College of Radiology often focuses on advocacy work related to public policy matters. It has recently been working to expand access to CT lung cancer screenings for Medicare patients. Data gathered in the National Lung Screening Trial shows that patients who receive these screenings annually experience a 20 percent lower rate of lung cancer mortality. 

These exams are highly cost effective, but not always covered for Medicare patients. The American College of Radiology has successfully helped many high-risk patients access screenings, but many more remain unable to obtain this preventive service.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Radiation Therapy Options for Prostate Cancer


An MD for more than 30 years, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya serves as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. There, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya uses innovative treatment technologies to address prostate and other cancers.

For patients with prostate cancer, radiation therapy can be an effective first-line treatment as well as an intervention for recurrent or advanced cancers. One option is external beam radiation therapy, or EBRT, which delivers therapeutic radiation to the tumor from outside the body. Most contemporary forms of EBRT involve image-guided radiation delivery that creates the shape of the radiation beam so as to minimize exposure of nearby tissues.

EBRT may be an element of a potentially curative treatment plan for patients with early stage cancers, though it is also used as a symptom mitigation measure for patients whose cancer has spread. Another option for treating early-stage prostate cancer is brachytherapy, also known as interstitial or internal radiation therapy. This methodology involves placing inside the prostate a series of small radioactive structures, each the size of a grain of rice. 

Most such interventions fall into a category known as permanent or low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy, in which the implanted pellets continually emit small doses of radiation and then remain safely in the prostate after treatment is complete. Other patients receive what is known as temporary or high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, which delivers increased levels of radiation through implanted catheters, with the catheters being removed after the therapy is complete.

High dose rate brachytherapy is often used in combination with EBRT, particularly for those patients who are at risk of the cancer spreading. Brachytherapy may also be used alone, though this is more common in patients with slow-growing cancers.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

About the TomoTherapy H Series





As an MD and radiation oncologist with Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya offers patients access to innovative treatment technologies. Dr. Raj Dahiya makes use of the innovative TomoTherapy H Series HD, which provides targeted radiation therapy using advanced image guidance.

In 2012, Accuray introduced the TomoTherapy H Series radiation treatment technology, which features the advanced TomoHDA system. This system offers the industry's most advanced type of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with accuracy enhanced through the use of computerized topography (CT) scanning. This combination of technologies allows the system to send radiation to a precise location, thus minimizing the chances of injury to surrounding organs and tissues.

Through extremely fast modulation and efficient image guidance, the TomoTherapy H Series allows users to reduce the time that patients spend in treatment. It also facilitates the development of individualized treatment plans, even for particularly complex cases. Advanced software provides guidance at all stages of treatment, including imaging and delivery, while also providing the option for care team members to contribute from remote workstations.

The treatment itself features a slice-therapy approach, which addresses tumors layer-by-layer. The system's advanced software provides daily image guidance and enables delivery changes in accordance with patient needs, so that treatment planning be adjusted to the evolving results.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Researchers Discover DNA Link to Cancer





Dr. Rajiv (Raj) Dahiya received his MD from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine in 1994. Since January of 2016, Dr. Rajiv Dahiya has worked as an oncologist at the Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX.

Premier Cancer Centers is setting the new standard for cancer treatments, and one potentially revolutionary new development in cancer treatment is the breakthrough in gene research. Every cancer results from some type of mutation in DNA in the patient’s body.

In 2013, British researchers developed the first map for the mutational process of tumors, and this should lead to superior treatment for many different cancers. In the study published in the journal Nature, scientists investigated more than 7,000 genomes of various cancers, and isolated 21 unique processes that result in DNA mutation.

The study also revealed that there are at least two processes involved in the 30 cancer types in the study, with even more for some cancers. For instance, ovarian cancer had only two mutational processes, while six were present in liver cancer. 

They also found that a group of enzymes called APOBECs which have been shown to mutate DNA were also involved in more than half the cancers involved in the research.

Friday, February 17, 2017

Advantages of the CyberKnife M6 System


  As a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya works with a broad range of advanced radiation technologies. Dr. Rajiv “Raj” Dahiya treats many of his patients with the CyberKnife M6, a robotic radiosurgery system.

Developed by the Accuray company, the CyberKnife M6 offers a noninvasive alternative to surgery for many cancer patients. It uses image guidance technology to specifically pinpoint a patient's tumor, which the system tracks throughout the course of treatment. This leads to precisely targeted radiation delivery with strong tumor-coverage rates and optimized conformal dosing, which maximizes effectiveness while minimizing secondary damage.

The treatment starts with preliminary imaging, which the radiation oncologist uses to plan the delivery of a dose. This plan serves as an instruction to the CyberKnife's computer-facilitated robot, which positions the machine in those locations determined to be most effective. The robot delivers the necessary radiation over the course of up to five sessions, each of which lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

The CyberKnife system has the capacity to treat tumors throughout the body and does not require any rigid positioning systems. Patients remain comfortably positioned throughout the treatment process and most often experience only minimal side effects, which typically resolve themselves in less than 48 hours.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

The 58th ASTRO Annual Meeting


Rajiv Dahiya, MD, is a radiation oncologist with more than two decades of medical experience. In addition to practicing his specialty at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX, Dr. Raj Dahiya is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

ASTRO is made up of more than 10,000 medical professionals in the field of radiation treatment, a community that, together, annually treats more than a million patients suffering from cancer. 

Each year, ASTRO hosts an annual meeting attended by more than 11,000 individuals. The 58th installment took place in September 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts, and focused on “Enhancing Value, Improving Outcomes.” Over the course of five days, the annual meeting offered educational workshops and seminars, networking receptions, panels, and an exhibition. 

In addition to presidential symposiums, which examined value in radiation oncology and comparison of treatment modalities, the event held sessions on hematology, innovative technologies in physics, palliative care, and the effect of radiation on tissue.

Participants also had the opportunity to attend specialized sessions studying aspects of individual cancer diagnoses such as cervical, prostate, bladder, lung, and head and neck cancers. 

The 59th ASTRO annual meeting – “The Healing Art and Science of Radiation Oncology” – will take place September 24-27, 2017, in San Diego, California.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

The American College of Radiology's 2017 Annual Meeting


Dr. Rajiv Dahiya serves as a radiation oncologist at Premier Cancer Centers in Dallas, TX. Active in his broader professional community, Rajiv Dahiya, MD, maintains membership in numerous medical organizations, including the American College of Radiology (ACR). 

From May 21 through May 25, 2017, the ACR will hold its annual meeting at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The meeting will include numerous educational sessions across pathways that include Clinical Education and Leadership, Clinical Research, and Informatics & Innovations. 

With session titles such as How to Evaluate the Patient With Chronic Liver Disease, Understanding Costs in Radiology and Healthcare, and Understanding Unconscious Bias in the Health Professions, the conference promises to offer something for all members of the association. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from colleagues who present abstracts via electronic posters on such topics as economics and health policy. 

To learn more about the ACR Annual Meeting, visit www.acr.org/Annual-Meeting.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Outdoor Destinations in Argentina


A radiation oncologist in Dallas, TX, Dr. Rajiv Dahiya treats patients at Premier Cancer Centers. In his free time, Rajiv Dahiya, MD, travels extensively and has been to a range of countries in Europe and South America, including Argentina.

In addition to its vibrant cities, Argentina offers several destinations for those seeking outdoor beauty. Below are just a few:

- Perito Moreno. Located in Los Glacieres National Park, Perito Moreno is a 60-foot glacier and the main attraction in the park. Visitors take a boat past four glaciers before getting to Perito Moreno, where they might get to witness the spectacular sight of large chunks of ice falling into the water.

- Puerto Madryn. A popular place to visit in the summer, Puerto Madryn offers not only beautiful beaches but also opportunities to go whale watching. While visitors can take whale-watching tours by boat, during the winter months (July through September in Argentina), the whales are visible from land.

- Iguazu Falls. Iguazu Falls consist of several waterfalls surrounded by lush, green forest on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Visitors can enjoy the scenery on multiple walkways or take a boat that gets them close enough to the falls to feel the spray of the water.