Media Alert: May 2, 2007

Presbyterian Healthcare Services is pleased to announce that the new M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Radiation Treatment Center at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital is now open to begin proving world-class radiation cancer services to New Mexicans.

For many people with cancer, radiation treatments are a daily routine to help kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's world-class radiation cancer services are now available in the Albuquerque area through Presbyterian.

"We are truly pleased to offer more choices for radiation cancer treatment to our state by providing patients access to world-class, quality cancer care," said Jim Hinton, Presbyterian president and CEO. "Presbyterian is very excited to begin our new partnership with M.D. Anderson who brings nationally-recognized cancer expertise to New Mexico."

Led by board-certified radiation oncologist, Ramesh Gopal, M.D., Ph.D., the radiation therapy care team includes radiation therapists, medical physicists, dosimetrists (specialists who use computers to help design treatment plans), nurses and patient service coordinators who have all been trained at M.D. Anderson.

"I'm looking forward to caring for cancer patients in New Mexico with the expertise I have gained through my valuable training with M.D. Anderson," said Ramesh Gopal, M.D., and medical director of radiation oncology.

The new community-based center at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital houses state-of-the-art equipment, such as CT diagnostic imaging, PET/CT diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, 3D treatment planning, high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, permanent seed prostate implant and a MammoSite Radiation Therapy (RTS) to treat breast cancer.

Later this year, the center will also house New Mexico's only Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) delivery system, capable of administering ultra precise doses of radiation to previously unreachable tumors.

New Mexico patients currently undergoing radiation treatment will continue to be seen by their current provider in order to maintain continuity with their treatment plan and physician. Once their treatment is completed they may choose to have follow-up care and treatment provided at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Radiation Treatment Center at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital. Patients can also self-refer by calling (505) 291-2606.

Presbyterian serves to improve the health of individuals, families and communities. Presbyterian Healthcare Services was founded in New Mexico in 1908, and is the state's only private, not-for-profit healthcare system. Presbyterian offers eight hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Presbyterian employs more than 9,500 people throughout New Mexico.