Novant Health Cancer Institute expands access to care for patients in Kernersville and Greensboro

To see pictures of the new technology and treatment space, click here.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – July, 18, 2023 – The Novant Health Cancer Institute recently expanded its treatment services to provide the latest in advanced radiation therapy, medical oncology and surgical care for patients in Kernersville and Greensboro. The multiphase expansion plan began last year with the addition of a dedicated breast surgery clinic in Kernersville, a first for the area. Then, a brand-new linear accelerator was added in April at Novant Health Cancer Institute - Kernersville. This leading-edge treatment technology allows patients to receive high-quality radiation therapy at a location that’s close to home. Watch a video about the new linear accelerator here.

On July 18, Novant Health Cancer Institute - Greensboro expanded access to its medical oncology services. The outpatient clinic, which opened in 2021, added more days of operation, additional specialty-trained medical oncologists and a brand-new infusion space for chemotherapy appointments. Novant Health is extending its Commission on Cancer accredited cancer program to serve the Greensboro community as the only such accredited program in the city. Novant Health is known for providing disease-specific care, a multidisciplinary approach and the latest in advanced treatment and clinical research opportunities.

“We’re investing in the people and technology needed to deliver the very best in specialized cancer care and treatment right here in our local community,” said Betsy Johnson, senior director of the Novant Health Cancer Institute, greater Winston-Salem market. “We understand that a new cancer diagnosis can be completely devastating for both the patient and their family. And while treatment can be an arduous process, our goal is to come alongside each one of our patients and provide them with the latest in advanced technology, expert multidisciplinary care and truly comprehensive support.”

Precise technology is driving better outcomes

Patients who need radiation therapy now have access to the recently installed TrueBeam linear accelerator at Novant Health Cancer Institute - Kernersville. A linear accelerator delivers high-energy radiation beams to target and destroy cancer cells in the body. The use of this highly effective radiation treatment supports shorter treatments, fewer side effects and better overall patient outcomes. This technology provides precise treatment for a variety of complex cancers including brain, breast, prostate, lung, rectal and skin. Some of the new treatment features include:

• Stereotactic radiosurgery with HyperArc: For patients who develop brain metastases (tumors), stereotactic radiosurgery targets and destroys cancer cells in the brain while carefully preserving cognitive function. With the HyperArc technology, no incision is required, and treatment typically takes less than 30 minutes. Historically, these treatments could take several hours to complete.
• Artificial intelligence: Advanced radiation planning software uses artificial intelligence to aid clinicians in the development and detailed mapping of customized treatment plans.
• Optical surface mapping and gated and or triggered imaging: These technologies continuously monitor patient position and/or the tumor location to ensure that radiation targets only the specified treatment area and does not negatively impact any nearby healthy tissue.

Specialty care and treatment

Novant Health Cancer Institute - Greensboro recently expanded access to care and treatment by adding additional medical oncologists to the market and a brand-new infusion suite for chemotherapy treatment. The clinic will treat all cancer types and operate Tuesday through Thursday.

Novant Health Cancer Institute - Greensboro is staffed by the following medical oncologists.

• Dr. Sandrine Crane is triple board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. While she treats all cancer types, her area of focus is breast cancer and benign hematology. She earned her medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before completing her residency and fellowship training at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.   
• Dr. Kathleen Elliott is triple board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. Her areas of focus include cellular therapy, leukemia, lymphoma, as well as cancerous and benign blood cancers. She earned her medical degree at Loma Linda University before completing her residency and fellowship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
• Dr. Elizabeth Skinner is double board-certified in gynecologic oncology as well as obstetrics and gynecology. She is the only gynecologic oncologist in the area who provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. Skinner earned her medical degree at Emory University and completed her residency and fellowship at UNC Hospitals at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been in practice for more than 15 years.   

The convenient, modern infusion suite includes five semi-private infusion chairs for patients who schedule outpatient chemotherapy care. Previously, patients had to travel to Kernersville or Winston-Salem to receive chemotherapy treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 336-660-5540 or visit NovantHealth.org/CancerGreensboro.

Novant Health Cancer Institute - Greensboro is located at Novant Health Market Street Medical Plaza, 3515 W. Market St. This multiuse medical office building is also home to other primary and specialty services, including breast imaging and surgical care. 

Dedicated breast cancer care  

When it comes to breast cancer, surgery is often recommended. Traditionally, breast cancer patients are referred to a general surgeon’s office. But at Novant Health, the goal is to connect patients with disease-specific specialists who are trained to detect, diagnose and, when necessary, provide surgical intervention.

This is what drove Novant Health’s decision to recently open dedicated breast surgery clinics across the Triad. Now, all breast cancer patients start their care journey by meeting with a surgeon who exclusively treats breast cancer. After their evaluation, the breast surgeon works closely with the patient’s multidisciplinary care team, including the patient’s medical oncologist, to develop a personalized treatment plan.

The clinics are staffed by Dr. Jennifer Christman, Dr. David Carr and Dr. Lori Kellam, all board-certified and longtime breast cancer surgeons in the area.

• Novant Health Breast Surgery - Kernersville sees patients Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to noon, but is also available to take calls or to schedule visits at other locations all other days of the week. To schedule an appointment, call 336-277-6300 or visit NovantHealth.org/BreastSurgery.

• The area’s first Novant Health Breast Surgery clinic opened in Greensboro in 2020. The clinic sees patients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 336-660-5540 or visit NovantHealth.org/BreastSurgery.
• Breast cancer patients can also be seen at Novant Health Cancer Institute - Thomasville. While this clinic treats all cancers, these surgeons serve on a rotational basis in the clinic and specifically see breast cancer patients on Thursday mornings. To schedule an appointment, call 336-481-1950 or visit NovantHealth.org/CancerThomasville.
• Novant Health Breast Surgery - Winston-Salem sees patients Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 336-277-6300 or visit NovantHealth.org/BreastSurgery.