Dr. Devesh Pandya, will lead the efforts of this office that will provide state of the art treatments for cancer and blood disorders in a multidisciplinary approach. The new office will be located at:

12121 Richmond Ave. #402
Houston, TX 77082
(281)-558-6200

“As we have done for the last 30 years, we want to continue serving the needs of the Houston community and by opening this new office we will bring unparalleled care and a great opportunity to overcome cancer to many patients in that area”, said Dr. Luis T. Campos, President and Founder of Oncology Consultants.

Dr. Devesh Pandya is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Dr. Pandya is a graduate of Duke University and completed his medical degree, residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio, where he served as Chief Fellow. He has a special interest in treating breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lymphomas, genitourinary cancer, and benign hematology. Dr. Pandya participated in clinical trials, cancer survivorship programs and Palliative Medicine and he has also collaborated with the National Cancer Institute on a health-related quality of life study in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors.

To watch a video on Dr. Pandya, please go to:
http://www.oncologyconsultants.com/oncology_physicians.php#video

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pandya please call the location of your choice:

Medical Center area Clinic at (713) 600-0900
Sugar Land Clinic at              (281) 491-5511
West Houston Office at         (281)-558-6200

To schedule an appointment with any of our other physicians, please call the location of your choice or visit us http://www.oncologyconsultants.com/oncology_physicians.php to review physician’s bios / video.

Houston, TX (PR NewsWire) February 6, 2012– A select few physicians were honored with the prestigious 2011 Patients’ Choice Award, and Dr. Luis T. Campos is one of them.

Only doctors who have received top scores by their patients and pass other quality measures are awarded the Patients’ Choice Award. In fact, of the nation’s 720,000 active physicians, just 5 percent were accorded this honor in 2011.

Every month, millions of patients across the U.S. access websites like Vitals (http://www.vitals.com) to share feedback about their experiences with their doctors. Patients rate various components of the care they receive, such as the accuracy of their diagnosis, the amount of time they spent with the doctor, and the doctor’s bedside manner and follow-up care. Patient’s Choice ranks the top reviewed physicians and looks at other quality measures to compile its yearly list.

Dr. Luis Campos commented on the recognition: “I am very pleased to have been selected and grateful to my patients who went out of their way to rate me and give me positive reviews”.

Oncology Consultants is a leading provider of cancer treatment through its group of 15 of Houston’s most experienced and dedicated physicians in 8 different locations. For nearly 30 years, Oncology Consultants has worked as a community-based practice to provide individualized care, striving for quality of life and longevity while offering the most comprehensive and personalized care to overcome cancer. Local, regional and international patients seek the expertise of our physicians, who consistently earn recognition from peers and patients alike for being “Best Doctors.”

For additional information please visit our website www.oncologyconsultants.com

For more information on this Patients’ Choice Award winner, please visit Dr. Luis Campos’s profile on PatientsChoice.org.

Following the publication of Dr. Luis Campos’s selection for the Patients’ Choice Award, American Registry seconded the honor and added Dr. Campos to The Registry™ of Business Excellence. An exclusive recognition plaque has been designed to commemorate the honor. The doctor’s custom wall plaque is shown here.

For more information on Dr. Luis Campos, located in Houston, TX please call 713-827-9525.

This press release was written by American Registry, LLC with approval by and/or contributions from Dr. Campos and was distributed by PR NewsWire, a subsidiary of UBM plc.

Patients’ Choice provides in depth information on doctors in your area who have been recognized and awarded for outstanding patient care and expertise. The Patients’ Choice Award is the honor roll of physicians who have received the highest ratings by their patients.

American Registry, LLC, recognizes excellence in top businesses and professionals. The Registry™ includes over 2 million significant business and professional recognitions. For more information, search The Registry™ at http://www.americanregistry.com.

Contact Info:
Luis T Campos, MD

Phone: 713-827-9525

Email Address: lcampos@oncologyconsultants.com

Webpage: www.oncologyconsultants.com

Luis T. Campos, MD Selected For “Patients’ Choice Award 2011.”
Source: American Registry and Patients’ Choice on behalf of Dr. Luis T. Campos

First Oncology practice in Houston to obtain Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Program Certification

Houston, TX., February 2, 2012 – Oncology Consultants has become the first oncology practice in Houston and one of two in the state of Texas to be recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The QOPI® Certification Program is a prestigious initiative to certify oncology practices that meet rigorous standards for high-quality cancer care.

“We want our patients to know that we are at the forefront of cancer care and that our physicians are providing the best treatment and care possible with the highest quality standards,” said Dr. Luis T. Campos, President and Founder of Oncology Consultants.

QOPI is a voluntary, self-assessment and improvement program launched by ASCO in 2006 to help hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices assess the quality of the care they provide to patients.

QOPI analyzes individual practice data and compares these to more than 100 evidence-based and consensus quality measures. The information is then provided in reports to participating practices. Individual practices are also able to compare their performance to data from other practices across the country. Based on this feedback, doctors and practices can identify areas for improvement.

The QOPI Certification Program provides a three-year certification for outpatient medical oncology and hematology practices that meet standards for quality cancer care.

About ASCO:
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 28,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org.

Houston, Texas, February 2, 2012 – Oncology Consultants has announced the addition of Radiation Oncology services to its practice. Effective December 1st, 2011, these services have been available at its preferred radiation treatment center for West Houston patients. The Houston Precision Cancer Center (HPCC) is located at 10405 Katy Freeway, Suite 150 E, Houston, Texas 77024. (Off of the Katy Freeway close to our Oncology Consultants – Memorial City Clinic)

“We are always trying to provide the best quality cancer treatments to our patients, close to their homes. This radiation treatment center will serve many of our West Houston area patients”, emphasized Dr. Luis T. Campos, President and Founder of Oncology Consultants.

The radiation oncologist who provides treatment at HPCC is Kuan Yu, MD, PhD. Dr. Yu worked for five years as the Assistant Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center until November 2010 and he completed a Research Fellowship in the Breast Cancer Research Program.

The Houston Precision Cancer Center provides the latest radiation technology to deliver precise cancer treatments while minimizing side effects; this includes non-invasive Stereotactic Radiosurgery which applies targeted therapies over one to five days with minimal damage to normal tissues. This technique may sometimes be indicated in brain cancer, lung cancer, painful metastatic lesions to organs such as the liver, and even in specific benign conditions like trigeminal neuralgia and brain blood vessel malformations. Other treatments include Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).

More information can be found at www.houstonprecisioncc.com.

The Houston Precision Cancer Center is conveniently located a few blocks south of our Memorial City Office.

Radiation Therapy Center
Houston Precision Cancer Center
10405 Katy Freeway, Suite 150 E
Houston, Texas 77024.
Tel (713)722.9660
Fax (713)722.9664
www.houstonprecisioncc.com

The mission of Oncology Consultants is to provide state of the art cancer treatment in a caring environment.

Our physician-driven philosophy puts the focus on the patient. We are concerned with each individual’s treatment and progress. Every element of our physician-driven practice concentrates on your care, your comfort, convenience, confidence and peace of mind. We work to eliminate barriers that could stand in the way of a positive outcome. Our devotion to the patient provides the personal attention, time and resources you deserve.

History of Oncology Consultants

Dr. Luis T. Campos founded the practice in 1982 with the goal of providing advanced treatments, including the most promising research protocols while in the convenience of a community-based setting. As your physicians and support team at Oncology Consultants, we consider it a privilege to be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your cancer or blood disorders. We provide the resources for your well-being, healing and recovery with our personalized treatment plans, easy access to physicians and nurses, and a warm, caring atmosphere. Every person who seeks care from Oncology Consultants quickly understands and appreciates our tradition of caring and medical excellence.

Oncology Consultants is one of the largest, independent community based practices in Houston, with success in caring for patients for nearly 30 years. Local, regional and international patients seek the expertise of our physicians who consistently earn recognition from peers and patients alike.

The ultimate goal of the treatment of any cancer is to get you back to a normal you, or at least as closest to that as possible. One of the main and most overlooked problems is the one related to sexuality, especially in women fighting breast cancer. Patients have to deal sometimes with chemotherapy, which can be a libido killer, breast surgery, which can end up causing changes in their selfbody image and, anti-hormonal therapy that can affect the vaginal tissue causing thinning and dryness leading to uncomfortable and painful intercourse. The following are three questions that are often raised in my practice. I hope these answers can shed some light on the subject.

Q: My libido is gone. What can I do to improve my sexual desire?
It is true that there are some physical changes (breast surgery, breast radiation and vaginal changes) that will affect the way that you feel about yourself facing sex but you have to realize that a huge component of the sexual stimulation comes from your own mind. Most of the sexual desire comes from your brain, your eyes, your whole senses, and it is very important to feel comfortable with yourself first. Some women will need some time to like their bodies again and, most of the times, is more a matter of self-acceptance rather than a partner’s problem with it. This is not a one person situation, but rather a matter of two people where involvement, sensitivity about each other’s feelings and being open-minded is highly encouraged. Let’s face it, this is something new to both of you and you have to learn how to deal with it.

Changing the way that you face sex is a key issue and part of the learning experience. The environment that you create and the foreplay, the addition of lingerie or the introduction of new items in the relationship might ease up things and allow you and your partner to discover a new and maybe better way to enjoy sex. You have to remember that the sexual encounter does not necessarily start in the bed. What you do before might be more meaningful and sometimes more interesting, and please, by all means, remember to have fun with it. Pressure never helps and rediscovering your sexuality has to be fun for both of you.

Q: Can I have sexual intercourse while on chemotherapy?
Yes, it is safe to have sexual intercourse while on chemotherapy. It is true though that patients undergoing chemotherapy can experience more vaginal dryness, more pain during intercourse, and decreased libido when compared to patients that do not. If you feel like it, go for it! Barrier methods of contraception like condoms or caps are advised to decrease the chances of pregnancy in women of child-bearing age.

Q: Are there any medications or products that I can use to deal with my dryness and vaginal discomfort?
Yes, vaginal lubricants during intercourse and daily vaginal moisturizers are encouraged to be used to deal with vaginal discomfort and dryness. Vaginal dilators and Kegel exercises can also be used to help gently stretch the vaginal muscles.

You will find multiple topical products with hormones or “minimal amount” of hormones that can be used locally. Any of these products should be discussed with your oncologist since some of them will be contraindicated in women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. There is still a lot of controversy about most of these products and your doctor should discuss with you the risks and benefits of each of them.

Overall, sexuality is an important part of your life that you should reclaim. Remember always that the best learning experiences are fun and entertaining. So, go and have fun with it!!

More than 10 million Americans are alive with a personal history of cancer and there are 1.4 million people diagnosed with cancer each year. Increasing innovations in medical technology have led to earlier diagnoses and improved treatment of many cancers, resulting in more cancer survivors. However, cancer survivorship is a largely understudied area.

There are several varying definitions of a cancer survivor. When cancer was incurable, the term “survivor” applied to the family members whose loved one died from the disease. As improvements in treatment occurred in the 1960’s, physicians began to refer to “cancer survivors” as those who had survived 5 years past their diagnosis or treatment. More recently, the definition has evolved with the National Action Plan defining the term “cancer survivors” as people who have been diagnosed with cancer and the people in their lives who are affected by their diagnosis, including family members, friends, and caregivers. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) defines “survivors” as an individual from the time of diagnosis through the remaining years of life.

Though there are many varying definitions of a “cancer survivor” there are many issues that they face including the fear of recurrence, anxiety, depression, sadness, uncertainty and a heightened sense of vulnerability. Survivors also face employment and insurance problems, as well as physical limitations because of their disease and treatment. In addition, there are many barriers to optimal cancer survivorship care that exist in today’s health care arena. Due to a fragmented delivery system consisting of multiple physicians, including a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and primary care provider, patients often can feel lost without strong guidance and direction. Cancer patients also may not receive necessary care from other specialists if their cancer diagnosis shifts attention away from care that is routine but necessary. Additional barriers include a lack of awareness of the late effects of cancer and its treatment, as patients and primary care physicians do not routinely receive a summary of their treatments or possible late effects.

Cancer survivors face numerous physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial issues throughout their diagnosis and treatment and for the remaining years of their lives. Many recent sources stress the importance of survivorship. These include From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor – Lost in Transition, a report by the Institute of
Medicine and National Research Council of the National Academies, as well as A National Action Plan for Cancer Survivorship: Advancing Public Health Strategies, a report cosponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, stress the importance of survivorship. We must translate these recommendations from these two reports into practice. At Oncology Consultants, we feel that a shared care model where all treating physicians have a common understanding through a collaborative team effort is imperative. This allows a smooth transition from active cancer treatment to survivorship care not only for patients and physicians, but also for family members, nurses, and other health care professionals. The time for action is now, as survivorship is life!

Mark Ideus was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer that metastasized to his lungs in 2003. He never thought the journey he was about to encounter would lead him to Oncology Consultants’ oncologist, Dr. Anna Belcheva. When his kidney was removed in 2003, dedicated kidney cancer treatments were not available. Mark went through a very difficult time undergoing five experimental treatments before he was given less than one year to live. He began his research and contacted a pharmaceutical company to try another experimental drug. The only oncology group who was participating in the nationwide clinical trial was Onclogy Consultants in Houston, TX. He then met with Dr. Belcheva who started his new journey. Mark‘s comments about Dr. Belcheva flowed as we talked. He said; ”The personal care of this physician and the staff was nothing he had ever experienced from any other oncologists.” Dr. Belcheva’s knowledge and her responsiveness to his needs as a cancer patient grew a bond between them that is still stronger than ever today.

Mark said, ”The knowledge of the cancer business from the physicians is outstanding. When you are diagnosed with cancer, finding an oncologist you trust is very important in your fight against the disease. Cancer patients are very complicated and require a specialists’ care. Dr. Belcheva always referred me to top specialists that took very good care of my needs at that time.”

Mark also brought up something that is very important when diagnosed with cancer—the cost involved! He said, “Dr. Belcheva was the only oncologist that took the time to guide me on the financial counseling needed to fight this battle. She helped look for funding to assist in this journey when I came to her in 2003. Now, 8 years later I am a survivor, thanks to Dr. Anna Belcheva.”

Mark Ideus is a driven man that works out and maintains a very busy life and an amazing attitude! He is 60 years old, won 2006 Great Houston Football Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award and the 2009 Texas Association of Sports Official Lifetime Membership Award. He is very involved in CanCare, guiding other patients through the challenging journey of the battle with cancer.

PET is a type of nuclear medicine imaging that provides a three dimensional image of functional process in the body. Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material, injected to the patient, to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases including many types of cancers, heart disease, and certain other abnormalities within the body.

CT or CAT is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions. With the use of sophisticated computers and
x-ray equipment, physicians can study pictures of organs and tissues inside the body.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
www.acr.org

Houston, TX 7/1/2011

Oncology Consultants is very pleased to welcome Devesh Pandya, MD as part of its staff at the Cancer Center near the Texas Medical Center and in the Sugar Land location as a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist.

“Dr. Pandya is a great addition to our group,” said Dr. Luis T. Campos, President of Oncology Consultants. “He shares our physician-driven philosophy to provide unparalleled care for each of our patients, to give them the greatest opportunity to overcome cancer”.

Dr. Pandya is a graduate of Duke University and completed his medical degree, residency and fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio, where he served as Chief Fellow. He has a special interest in treating breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lymphomas, genitourinary cancer, and benign hematology. Dr. Pandya participated in clinical trials, cancer survivorship programs and Palliative Medicine and he has also collaborated with the National Cancer Institute on a health-related quality of life study in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors.

Oncology Consultants is a leading provider of cancer treatment through a coalition of 15 of Houston’s most experienced and dedicated physicians in 7 different locations. For nearly 30 years, Oncology Consultants has worked as a community-based practice to provide individualized care, striving for quality of life and longevity while offering the most comprehensive and personalized care to overcome cancer. Local, regional and international patients seek the expertise of our physicians, who consistently earn recognition from peers and patients alike for being “Best Doctors.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Pandya please call the Medical Center area clinic at (713) 600-0900 or the Sugar Land clinic at (281) 491-5511.

To schedule an appointment with any of our other physicians, please call the location of your choice.

For additional information, visit our website at www.oncologyconsultants.com or contact Kristi Lee at (713) 800-0661 or at klee@oncologyconsultants.com.