Oncology
Oncology is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncologists receive extensive, specialized training to care for patients. Treatments may include a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, medication and/or surgery.
Advanced cancer care in Kansas City, Missouri
Our Kansas City hospital is proud to be part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health — a network-accredited cancer program.
Our patients and their families have access to cutting-edge and innovative oncology care right here in their local community. We provide a full range of oncology services consisting of prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, wellness and survivorship support.
Have cancer questions?
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated, confidential helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7.
Features of our cancer center
The Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Research Medical Center offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for patients, including:
- Clinical research trials
- Breast cancer and breast imaging services
- Cancer rehabilitation program
- Comprehensive cancer wellness program and services through the Center for Integrative Therapy
- Comprehensive radiation therapy treatments including stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumors and neurological conditions and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Center of Excellence for specialty care in treating cancers of the liver, pancreas and GI tract
- Genetic testing
- Multidisciplinary cancer case conferences that connect physicians from across the HCA Midwest Health network and rural partner networks to discuss treatment plans
- Oncology-trained nurse navigators to walk patients and their families through their cancer journey
- Neuro-oncology care to treat all types of primary and metastatic malignant and benign brain and spine tumors.
- Specialized surgical oncologists who offer the latest minimally invasive surgery options
- State-of-the-art outpatient facility and a dedicated inpatient oncology unit
- Tumor profiling and personalized medicine to target a patient's unique cancer
Types of cancer we treat
Patients and families who come to our hospital for cancer care have access to a wide range of diagnostic imaging and treatment services. We diagnose and treat a wide range of cancers, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Blood cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Genitourinary cancer
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer
- Gynecologic cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Sarcoma
- Skin cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Throat and tongue cancer
Leading-edge cancer screening and treatment technology
When you come to our hospital for cancer treatment services, you can trust our team to use advanced technology and techniques to achieve the best outcomes possible.
Brachytherapy
We are proud to provide a dedicated suite for patients receiving HDR image-guided brachytherapy. HDR brachytherapy allows radiologic oncologists to deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor or target area while minimizing radiation exposure to the normal tissues surrounding the tumor.
HDR brachytherapy may be used in treating:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Uterine (endometrial) cancer
Benefits of HDR brachytherapy
HDR brachytherapy allows radiologic oncologists to deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor or target area while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tissues.
HDR treatment can replace the need for major surgery. The cancer is targeted with radiation from inside the body, so it does not pass through healthy tissues and organs. Patients walk out from HDR treatments with minimal side effects.
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)
PRRT uses targeted radiation to kill cancer cells internally. It is used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and can help make the tumors grow more slowly or stop them from growing. It can also help manage symptoms caused by the tumors. It may be used in combination with surgery.
GI Center of Excellence
At the GI Center of Excellence, we have specialists dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer affecting the liver, pancreas and GI tract. Our team of hematologists, oncologists, radiologists and surgeons work together to develop the best treatment for you.
Features of our GI Center of Excellence include:
- Clinical trials and emerging treatments
- Comprehensive treatment, including surgery and radiation oncology
- Expertise in all liver and pancreatic diseases, including cancers
- Genetic counseling
- Specialized nurse navigators
Genetic testing
To help you understand more about your risk for developing cancer, we also offer genetic testing. During testing, a genetic counselor will work with you and review information, such as your medical records and family history. From there, they will provide you with detailed information about your risk for developing cancer and the steps you can take to be proactive about your health.
Please call (816) 276-9005 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Cancer wellness support and classes
As part of HCA Midwest Health, Research Medical Center offers a cancer support program, including cancer wellness education classes that are free and designed for both the patient and caregiver. The classes provide simple, evidence-based strategies to reduce cancer-related side effects and to help you live your best life. Classes are held in a supportive small group format to allow for individual questions and socialization with others who are affected by cancer.
Getting to our cancer center
Sarah Cannon at Research Medical Center is located inside of our main hospital. We recommend patients use our Sarah Cannon-designated West Entrance and parking lot when visiting. Cancer rehabilitation at Research Medical Center takes place on our Brookside Campus in Building B, Suite 100.
About Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute
As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.
askSARAH helpline
Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (816) 448-7737.
Oncology at HCA Midwest Health
Research Medical Center is a part of HCA Midwest Health. Our hospitals are known throughout the region for comprehensive care of all cancer types.
Oncology refers to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Oncology treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, medication or surgery. Oncologists can specialize in one of three fields of oncology: medical, radiation or surgery.
Videos about our oncology services
Don Riead Neuro Oncology Patient
“When you’re told you have brain cancer, that is much different than being told you have throat cancer. Now you’re being told you have something that is incurable.”
Don is a fighter. After being diagnosed with throat cancer, they found a brain tumor. That is when his cancer journey began at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Research Medical Center. Follow his story as his team of physicians from medical oncologist and neuro oncology specialist to radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon, work together on his care.
“I knew that we were in the right hands. Just another brilliant physician at Sarah Cannon. How could you find better care in the world? I don’t think you can.”