MCDM AG.COM | M AY/ J U N E 2017 | Medical Construction & Design
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The Community Cancer
Center North in
Indianapolis, Indiana,
provides exceptional
and convenient cancer
care with long-term
fl exibility.
T
he paradigm shift in the
methods by which cancer
care is being approached
and delivered is generating great
enthusiasm. Recent articles in the
media from various sources have
indicated that a cure for cancer may
be within reach. While these stories
are very optimistic, they also portend
a change in the future of how cancer
care is delivered within the clinical
setting.
A majority of the optimism
for curing cancer is centered on
genetically modifi ed viruses being
engineered to attack and kill cancer
cells. Other advances in cancer
treatment include the proliferation
of oral medications and technology.
This leads to the responsibility of
pharmacist counseling over these
medications and the deployment of
pharmacists to patient care units. All
of which are altering how healthcare
providers and architects are
conceiving, planning and designing the
future comprehensive cancer center.
It is to be understood we are
far from proclaiming a cure for all
types and manifestations of cancer.
However, it would still be prudent
to consider future building uses
of comprehensive cancer centers,
which combine medical and radiation
oncology services, as they morph with
the changes in care. This potential
begs the question of how to repurpose
existing facilities or how to plan for
such an eventuality in a new facility.