Treatment options

Medical oncology and hematology services at St. Francis are performed by providers from St. Francis and Park Nicollet. The St. Francis Cancer Center oncology and hematology team identifies personalized treatments and tools for each patient. Patients consult with a multi-specialty team of support services and caregivers via the robust resources at St. Francis. With a state-of-the-art infusion center, all aspects of a patient's cancer care journey are just steps apart.

Our cancer care experts use research, advancements in cancer care, clinical trials and coordination of care to bring high-quality cancer care close to home.

BENIGN CONDITIONS TREATED BY HEMATOLOGY:

• Anemias (aplastic, autoimmune, iron and vitamin deficiency anemias, sickle cell, thalassemia, and more)
• Bleeding disorders (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, von Willebrand disease and more)

Minneapolis Radiation Oncology (MRO) is onsite in the St. Francis Cancer Center. MRO's specially-trained team provides access to state-of-the-art resources and leading technologies, and brings cutting-edge treatments to Shakopee. When a patient is seen by MRO, their care plans are routinely reviewed internally by multiple radiation oncologists at MRO. This means your patient will have access to multiple experts, without leaving their community.

Radiation therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses strong beams of energy to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing. Sophisticated equipment and techniques treat even the rarest types of cancer, relieve adverse symptoms and improve quality of life. The technology used for radiation treatment delivers higher doses of radiation to a smaller treatment target. The result is more precise treatment delivery and minimal side effects. Learn more about MRO.

Radiation oncology services:

• Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Brachytherapy Triaging
• Photon and Electron Therapy
• VMAT/IMRT, 3DCRT, Image-Guided Radiotherapy

Benign conditions treated with radiotherapy:

• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Tremor
• Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
• Pituitary Tumors
• Meningiomas
• Paragangliomas (Glomus Tumors)
• Arteriovenous Malformations
• Dupuytren's Contracture and Ledderhose Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heterotopic Ossification
• Gynecomastia
• Keloid Scars
• Graves' Ophthalmopathy/Thyroid Eye Disease

St. Francis offers screening, diagnosis, education, support and treatment for women with breast cancer and other breast-related problems. We coordinate our services with emphasis on patient education and decision-making assistance. Our combined team of board-certified oncologists, breast surgeons, radiologists, plastic surgeons, care navigators and other specialists are experts in treating even the most complex cases of breast cancer. Our specialists have expertise in lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal and biological therapies, and other treatments.

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment used to describe drugs that kill cancer cells directly. Therapy can be administered intravenously, by mouth or by other methods.

As an affiliate site of Metro-Minnesota Community Oncology Research Consortium (MMCORC) and ECOG-ACRIN, a dedicated Cancer Center research nurse coordinator facilitates clinical trial enrollment for appropriate patients, and reviews all new and recurrent cancer patients for eligibility in clinical trials.

Participating in clinical research continues to be a strong option for patients at our Cancer Center. Many of our patients choose to participate in studies across the country, which can result in development and approval of cancer treating medications. Patients are living longer than ever before, with improved quality of life, due to more effective options that are developed through clinical research participation. We are proud to provide research opportunities to our community. Learn more about clinical research.

The St. Francis Cancer Center works closely with other leaders in the Twin Cities to give residents in our community access to the newest therapy available for cancer treatment, symptom management and cancer prevention. As members of a nonprofit research program sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the St. Francis Cancer Center offers patients access to clinical trials that includes most cancer types.

Diagnostic imaging can help determine the location, size, progression and type of cancer in a patient. Our imaging is performed on-site and consists of the most up-to-date technology available.

• CT with 4D technology
• Digital mammography
• Linear accelerator
• MRI scans
• Stereotactic biopsy
• Nuclear medicine
• PET/CT scans
• Ultrasound

Our highly esteemed integrative care providers come with a wide variety and array of tools and options to assist patients in the healing processes. Some infusion therapies may cause side effects that are unpleasant and taxing on the body. Therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, guided imagery, energy work, aromatherapy and art therapy offer patients a way to find strength within themselves and help heal the body holistically. Learn more about acupuncture and integrative therapies.

St. Francis Infusion Center also provides infusion therapy for non-oncology related diagnoses.

• Blood product transfusions
• Immunotherapy.
• Injections.
• Non-oncologic infusions.
• Electrolyte replacements.
• Other specialty infusion drugs, IV antibiotics.

St. Francis partners with primary care physicians and other pain specialists to offer comprehensive pain relief. Cancer rehabilitative therapies are available by referral to manage acute and chronic cancer-related pain. Learn about pain management services.