Nov. 21, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Sanford Health.

More than ever, patients have options for when, where and how they approach their cancer treatment, resulting in better outcomes and a better quality of life. At Sanford Health, a top-notch cancer care team, cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art technology help personalize a treatment plan for every patient.

Team approach to cancer care

In Sioux Falls, the Sanford Cancer Center is a regional hub providing the latest treatments. Because it’s an accredited cancer center, patients can expect a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.

“It’s a very robust, interdisciplinary team,” said Rachel Wagemann, executive director of the Sanford Cancer Center. “From medical and radiation oncologists to specialized surgeons, pathologists and more, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a team with a wide range of expertise.”

In addition to a team of physicians, patients have the support of nurse navigators — registered nurses with in-depth knowledge about a specific cancer type. As patients go through treatment, their nurse navigator not only helps them stay on top of appointments and questions but also becomes a trusted confidant as well.

The nurse navigators’ coordination skills and emotional support paired with their top-notch clinical knowledge make them a vital part of the team.

“Nurse navigators are the Swiss Army Knife of cancer care,” Wagemann said. “They go above and beyond to make sure the patient and their family are taken care of.”

The cancer center team is more than just physicians and nurses. From board-certified oncology pharmacists and dieticians to integrated health therapists and licensed cosmetologists, the support services available touch almost every aspect of a patient’s life. 

Research trials

Oncology researchers also are a part of the cancer care team. At the Sanford Research Center, the goal is to find the best treatment for every patient. Sometimes, the best treatment is something brand-new.

When a new cancer drug is introduced, it usually takes about a decade to be approved by the FDA for general use. Patients at Sanford Health, however, receive cutting-edge treatments early through phase one clinical trials.

“We have found treatments that work really well and can allow patients to live long and productive lives,” said Jenna Hove, the clinical research director at Sanford Research.

A phase one clinical trial is the first phase of a research study where a treatment is tested on humans. Providers usually turn to phase one clinical trials if a patient has tried approved therapies without success.

Phase one clinical trials often are available only at large hospitals on the coasts, where traveling to and from treatments is required. Access in Sioux Falls is incredibly beneficial to cancer patients in the region.

“We’ve had patients on a clinical trial treatment for over 15 years,” Hove said. “Having the opportunity to get these treatments and continue their care at Sanford allows them to avoid a major interruption in their lives.”

Bringing care to patients

Telemedicine is another way to keep patients at home. Following an initial visit, which usually takes place face-to-face, physicians can work with each patient to offer virtual visits when possible.

“Our Sioux Falls oncologists lead the charge in telemedicine,” Wagemann said. “They’re really passionate about providing care close to home.”

Even when infusions are necessary, the Sanford Cancer Center uses satellite infusion sites across the region to expand patient access.

“Almost every week, I get a request from a small town in South Dakota asking if we can send an oncologist there,” Wagemann said.

Satellite sites have been set up in places like Burke, South Dakota; Orange City, Iowa; and Ortonville, Minnesota. The Sioux Falls cancer center also operates out of Worthington, Minnesota.

“It’s a really nice way to keep cancer care close to home,” Wagemann said. “We wrap our entire cancer center around you and are supporting you from a distance.” 

Future of cancer care

The Sanford Cancer Center continues to develop new and innovative treatments. Coming soon is a new radiation therapy program that allows for the targeted delivery of radiation to treat specific types of cancers.

“Right now, patients must travel to Omaha or Rochester for this,” Wagemann said. “Our radiation oncology team is working to have it started in Sioux Falls, honoring our commitment to keep as much care as close to home as possible.”

In oncology research, advancements are happening every single day. On the horizon are trials that incorporate precision medicine, an approach to disease prevention and treatment that incorporates genetics, environment and lifestyle.

“We have a trial starting soon that will use personalized vaccines to treat cancer,” Hove said. “We’ll take part of a tumor, develop a vaccine specific to it and administer it back to the patient.”

In many ways, it seems like the future of cancer care is here.

“There are some cool things coming down the pipeline,” Hove said. “But we know that it’s not the end. We will continue to find new ways to minimize each disease.”