Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Winter 2020

Cancer care has evolved since oncologist and hematologist Thomas Malpass, MD, began his career more than 30 years ago. Sitting at the desk he shares with other regularly visiting physicians to Bartlett’s Medical Oncology Clinic (BMOC), Dr. Malpass reflects on the changes—and the new ways he can help patients. “Through screening tests such as colonoscopy, mammography and even CT scans, we find cancers earlier, when they are more curable,” he says. And through a combination of surgery, radiation and drugs, Dr. Malpass says he sees more success and higher cure rates. “There has been an explosion of new FDA approvals for drugs to treat cancer, which has been quite remarkable,” he says. “Hormonal manipulation and chemotherapy remain an important, and often effective, part of cancer treatment. With the help of our excellent nurses and infusion team, many of these treatments can be delivered in Juneau, decreasing the need for patients to travel to cancer centers in larger cities.” Advanced care, with the comfort of home “We provide state-of-the-art care, including check point inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, which may have fewer side effects than chemotherapy,” says Bartlett Infusion Manager Jennifer Guiterrez, RN. This type of immunotherapy lets the immune system ‘see’ the cancer cell and allows the patient’s immune system to recognize, target and eliminate cancer cells. But it isn’t indicated for all patients or all cancers. Chemotherapy is still a necessary treatment for many patients. Dr. Malpass is encouraged by the growing options for patients. “For the first two decades of my career, there were very few new drugs available,” he observes. But now, there is a shower of FDA approvals for new drugs, which has expanded available treatment options. “The availability of the Bartlett infusion service allows us to deliver many of these treatments here in Juneau,” notes Dr. Malpass. “Patients ring the bell, and everybody claps and cheers to celebrate!” Expert care, close to home CANCER CARE “We provide state-of- the-art care, including check point inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, which may have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.” From left to right: Elysia Spivey, RN; Mary Francis Fisher, Clinical Coordinator; Jennifer Gutierrez, RN; and Edwin Sasser Bartlett’s experienced specialists bring the future of cancer care to Southeast Alaska Thomas Malpass, MD (Crow Fox Photography) 4 House Calls Winter 2020