Category: News

NOW HIRING – Medical Dosimetrist

Hope Regional Cancer Center, an ACR accredited cancer center, is seeking a Medical Dosimetrist to join a private practice in Panama City, FL. Panama City is located on beautiful quartz crystal white sand beaches and emerald green waters. Ideal location for fishing, golfing and outdoor enthusiasts with an average of 320 days of sunshine. 

The cancer center is fully equipped with medical physics/dosimetry equipment, Varian iX with RapidArc, CBCT and Portal Vision, GE 16 slice PETCT/CT Simulator, Eclipse planning system with RapidPlan. Modalities include 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, RapidPlan. Next year planning for SRS. one radiation oncologist and highly professional staff. 

We offer salary guarantee and bonus structure, excellent benefit package including 401k, profit share, paid vacation and CME, health, dental, vision, short term life insurance, relocation expenses and others.

Ideal Candidate: Full time, FL license, board eligibility/certification. The medical dosimetrist will be under a board certified physicist, 1-3 years of experience. Must be a team player. 

Hasan Murshed, MD, MS

850-866-9012

A New Treatment to Fight Glioblastoma Now Available in Panama City

BY DANI TRAVIS – WJHG Reporter | Published: Oct. 28, 2020 at 8:29 PM CDT

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG) – Doctors say Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain cancer a person can have. Now, a new medical device to fight it has made its way to Panama City. Once known as Hope Radiation Cancer Center, but now Hope Regional Cancer Center is now offering a different treatment for glioblastoma.

“In the past, we had the surgery, radiation and oral chemotherapy. But now we have Optune, which is the low-intensity electrical field treatment,” Radiation Oncologist Doctor Hasan Murshed said.

Doctor Murshed said Optune was approved by the FDA about two years ago. To find the tumor a patient goes into a radiation treatment room. After the patient receives radiation, he or she is given Optune. It is a device worn on a person’s shaved head for up to 22 hours a day. Clinical nurse manager Melissa Mixdorf said the low-intensity electric field locates the tumor inside the brain.

“Optune Therapy is going and destroying cells as well as making newer cells, so it’s creating a better survival rate for GBM patients,” said Mixdorf.

Without the Optune treatment, the survival rate for GBM patients is about five percent or less in five years.

“Adding Optune treatment to the other treatment options for GBM patients appears to be around 13 percent in five years which has really increased significantly,” said Doctor Murshed.

The treatments are given in monthly sessions for up to 24 months. Doctor Murshed said now patients seeking new technology for treatment no longer have to leave town. The Hope Regional Cancer Center doctors are certified to administer this new treatment.

Copyright 2020 WJHG. All rights reserved.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy now available at Hope Regional Cancer Center

For Immediate Release – 9/21/20 

For more information or interviews with Dr. Murshed, contact:
Randy Wahlberg
Hope Regional Cancer Center Marketing Office
2900 S. Hwy 77, Lynn Haven, FL  32444
850-276-9614
Randy@WahlbergMarketing.com

HOPE REGIONAL CANCER CENTER has announced that SBRT radiation lung cancer treatment is now available at their facility in Lynn Haven, FL.

SBRT – also known as Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, is a welcome addition to the wide variety of cancer treatments in place at Hope Regional Cancer Center.  Known, for the pinpoint accuracy that this treatment delivers, SBRT sends higher doses of radiation to the tumor and over fewer sessions than traditional radiation therapy.  It is particularly effective against small, well-defined tumors in inoperable or risky locations for surgery and is particularly beneficial in targeting certain types of lung cancer.

“We are pleased to be able to offer SBRT to the patients of ours that can benefit from it” says Hasan Murshed, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Founder of Hope Regional Cancer Center.  “It’s a treatment program that is typically delivered in one to five sessions.  That compares to five to eight weeks with standard EBRT treatment.”

hope regional cancer center varian ix accelerator
Varian iX Sil Linear Accelerator

The benefits for candidates for SBRT in addition to fewer sessions is that higher doses of radiation can be delivered to a very specific area of the cancer tumor while the adjacent healthy cells remain untouched.

The treatment process for SBRT starts with imaging from a CT, MRI or PET/CT scan.  This will show the team the exact location, size, and shape of the tumor.  A 3D or IMRT treatment plan is developed that establishes the positioning of multiple radiation beams at various desired dosage levels directly at the tumor.  The patients’ body is carefully supported and immobilized.  During the treatment the procedure is quiet and the patient feels no pain.

A doctor may prescribe SBRT for the patient that presents Early Stage Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Returned, or Multiple Primary Lung Cancer.  SBRT has proven to be a very effective treatment for those patients that are good candidates for this type of treatment.

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Hope Regional Cancer Center Is the Only Full-Service Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Bay County Area

PANAMA CITY, Fla., March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cancer patients in Bay County area now have access to multi-specialty comprehensive cancer care at the Hope Regional Cancer Center, which it announced that it is the ONLY Cancer Center in Bay County to offer imaging services, chemotherapy infusion, radiation therapy and urological services under one roof.

Dr. Murshed said “When a cancer patient comes in, many times they require both radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery. So, in the past what we had to do was do radiation treatments here, and then go for chemotherapy consultation at a different location at a different doctor’s office in town. By bringing in a multi-specialty group that offers chemotherapy and urology in the same facility, patients don’t have to travel to different offices or go out of town for special cancer treatments.”

Dr. Jagjit Tandon, with more than 25 years of experience, recently joined the cancer center as a Medical Oncologist. And Dr. David Aronoff has joined the Center as a Urologist, whose mission is to provide the most effective and proven treatments with the utmost respect and compassion to each urological patient.

The recent expansion also added a PET/CT scanner machine to the cancer center. The 16 slice GE PET/CT scanner is accredited by the national accreditation organization American College of Radiology (ACR). The addition of PET/CT scanner to the Cancer Center will significantly benefit patients as a non-invasive detection for staging of cancer, neurological conditions and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Murshed said “We love our patients and our patients love us back, so the fact that we will be able to provide comprehensive cancer care in one place is a benefit to all of us.” The expansion has always been a vision and desire for the center, finally coming to fruition for the much-needed cancer patients and urological patients of the Bay County and surrounding areas.

Contact:
Hasan Murshed
(850) 866-9012
235376@email4pr.com

Hope Regional Cancer Center Is Now the Only Cancer Center in Bay County Area to Offer Cancer Patients Faster, Ultra-Precise Radiotherapy Using RapidArc Technology

PANAMA CITY, Fla., Feb. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cancer patients in Bay County area now have access to much improved cancer care at the Hope Regional Cancer Center, which it announced that it is the ONLY Cancer Center in Bay County offering a fast, precise form of Radiotherapy using advanced technology RapidArc treatment. This new treatment is two to eight times faster than conventional radiotherapy.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer patients this excellent treatment option,” says Hasan Murshed, M.D., Medical Director. “RapidArc technology will enable us to target cancer accurately while sparing more healthy tissue.”

Hope Radiation Cancer Center’s RapidArc technology delivers image-guided IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) very quickly, in a single rotation of the treatment machine around the patient. “RapidArc will be much easier on the patient,” says Dr. Murshed, “it’s hard for people to hold still for long periods of time. By delivering doses more quickly, we can simultaneously improve the quality of care and make our patients more comfortable.”

About RapidArc technology

RapidArc treatments is delivered the Hope Radiation Cancer Center using an iX Silhouette medical linear accelerator from Varian Medical Systems, outfitted with an On-Board Imager to guide patient placement and treatment delivery. During a RapidArc treatment, the radiation is shaped and reshaped as it is continuously delivered from virtually every angle in a 360-degree revolution around the patient, creating an aperture to exactly match the tumor thus avoiding normal critical organs from high radiation dose, making treatments much safer for patients.

About Dr. Hasan Murshed

Dr. Hasan Murshed

Dr. Murshed obtained his medical degree from the University of Dhaka and received his radiation oncology residency training at nationally recognized institutions including the National Cancer Institute, University of Alabama – Birmingham, where he was the chief resident. He then received his Fellowship training from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where he specialized in Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Lung Cancer. He has published many cancer related articles and authored a popular radiation oncology textbook. He now brings highest expertise and world class cancer treatment technology close to friends, family and home for Bay County cancer patients.

Contact:
Hasan Murshed
8508669012
234156@email4pr.com

Hope Regional Cancer Center Earns ACR Accreditation

Hope Regional Cancer Center, has been awarded the prestigious three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). This is the third ACR Accreditation for the Hope Regional Cancer Center (HRCC) and is the only cancer center in the Florida Panhandle to receive this accreditation. Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to relieve a cancer patient’s pain.

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

The Hope Regional Cancer Center is dedicated to the treatment of all types of cancer. We provide world class advanced cancer care for each patient in a community setting close to friends, family and home. Our multispecialty, integrated team of board certified cancer experts have been recognized as “Top Doctors” in the areas of radiation oncology and medical oncology/hematology. We understand the importance of customer service toward our patients which explains our 5-star ratings on independent consumer websites such as Vitals and Healthgrades.

Dr. Murshed Publishes New Edition of ‘Fundamentals of Radiation Oncology’ by Elsevier in March 2019

New Book Offers Latest Cancer Treatment Recommendations for Physicians.

  • Authors around the World and USA, writes a Cancer Treatment Book to advance Cancer Cure and Care for patients.
  • The book is edited by local Cancer Specialist Hasan Murshed, MD.

Panama City, FL, March 27th – A new edition of Fundamentals of Radiation Oncology from Elsevier is now available. Edited by Dr. Hasan Murshed a board certified Radiation Oncologist, practices in Panama City, FL, published the 3rd edition of the book, now available on Elsevier, Amazon and all major book stores.

The field of Cancer management in general, and Radiation Oncology in specific, is rapidly changing. The exciting new techniques such as stereotactic treatments for intra and extra cranial diseases, proton radiation therapy and immunotherapy are only the few of the many, whose importance will increase significantly in the near future for all cancer patient’s treatment. Most notably new clinical studies and their associated data have led to changes in recent understanding and recommendations for cancer treatments, requiring this 3rd edition of Fundamentals of Radiation Oncology.

In his Foreword for the book Dr. Thomas Buchholz, Professor Emeritus, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center appropriately summarizes “…this text book will help bring forward the many clinical and technical advances in radiation oncology to centers around the world, and in doing so, help raise the standard of care.

The new edition consists of 26 chapters, divided into four parts: Part I describes the basic science of radiation oncology; Part II describes techniques and modalities of radiation oncology; Part III describes the clinical science of radiation oncology and up to date treatment recommendations; Part IV describes palliative radiation treatments to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

View / Purchase Book On Amazon.com

Hasan Murshed, MD, MS, earned his medical degree from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and his Masters of Science in Medical Physics from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Alabama – Birmingham. Afterwards he served as a Fellow at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Dr. Murshed has been in private practice for more than 15 years and is the Medical Director of Hope Regional Cancer Center, Panama City, FL, USA.

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Hope Regional Cancer Center is Proud to Announce the Availability of a State-Of-The-Art PET/CT Scanner For Our Patients

National Accreditation for PET/CT Scanner – We are proud to announce the arrival of our GE 16 slice PET/CT scanner. Our PET/CT scanner is accredited by the national accreditation organization American College of Radiology (ACR) mandating diagnostic quality and safety standards. The addition of PET/CT scanner to the Cancer Center will significantly benefit both our patients and patients in Bay County and the surrounding Medical Communities as a non-invasive detection and staging of cancers, neurological conditions and cardiovascular diseases.

With an order from the referring physician Hope Regional Cancer Center will now be able to perform the PET/CT for your patients. You will receive prompt interpretations from the trusted and dedicated team of Board-Certified Radiologists from Bay Radiology. You can also be confident that your patients will receive the best care that they deserve from our dedicated staff at the Cancer Center.

Please call our friendly staff at 850-481-1687 today to schedule your patients PET/CT scanning need.

Dr. Hasan Murshed Named “Top Doctor”

Panama City, FL – February 9, 2018 – Hasan Murshed, M.D., Medical Director at Hope Regional Cancer Center in Lynn Haven, was recently recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. With hundreds of thousands of doctors in the U.S., less than 10% have been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Dr. Murshed is the only radiation oncologist in Bay County and surrounding counties to achieve this distinction.

The mission of Castle Connolly is to help consumers find the best healthcare. Since 1991, they have been identifying physicians who achieve the best possible health outcomes. Physicians are nominated to be a Top Doctor by their peers. Castle Connolly’s physician-led research team then reviews the credentials of every physician being considered for inclusion, examining among other factors medical education, training, board certification, hospital appointments and professional achievements. Castle Connolly publications of America’s Top Doctors have been recognized by major television media outlets, newspapers and national and regional magazines. For more information visit www.castleconnolly.com.

Dr. Murshed is board certified in radiation oncology. He received his medical degree from Dhaka University. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Alabama Birmingham and fellowship in IMRT/ Respiratory Gating at world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has authored numerous cancer-based publications including Clinical Fundamentals for Radiation Oncologists, a textbook which is currently used in many academic institutions.

Dr. Murshed started Hope Radiation Cancer Center in Lynn Haven in 2012. In 2017, the practice expanded its facility, grew their team of cancer care experts, added new services and changed its name to Hope Regional Cancer Center. In addition to radiation therapy, the practice now also offers precision and targeted chemotherapy, novel drug therapies and treatment of blood disorders. Patients benefit from the ability to consult with several medical specialists in one location regarding their diagnosis and treatment, while not having to worry about transferring medical histories or imaging studies from one provider to the next.

For more information visit www.hoperegionalcancercenter.com

Contact:

Hasan Murshed, M.D.
Medical Director
850-481-1687
Hasan.Murshed@hopercc.com

Hope Cancer Center Expands, Aims for Comprehensive Treatment

BY COLLIN BREAUX – News Herald Reporter | Posted Jan 22, 2018 at 3:44 PM | Updated Jan 22, 2018 at 3:44 PM

LYNN HAVEN — When the Hope Regional Cancer Center opened in 2012, it only offered radiation treatment. Late last year, however, it expanded to offer other services so patients can get more work done under one roof.

The cancer center, 2900 State 77 in Lynn Haven, originally was called the Hope Radiation Cancer Center but since has changed its name to reflect its growing medical options. Patients now can see several medical specialists at one place, which helps when the different treatments are related. Besides radiation, the center now handles chemotherapy, hematology and urology as part of its oncology treatment.

“When a cancer patient comes in, many times they require both radiation and chemotherapy,” radiation oncologist Hasan Murshed said. “So in the past what we had to do was do radiation here, and then go for chemotherapy consultation at a different location at a different doctor’s office. Coordination is difficult. The patient is sick. They have to drive around town. They’re elderly people mostly. … From the patient’s perspective, this is much easier.”

The change took place in the mid-September so patients had a “more comprehensive center,” Murshed said. The expansion has always been a vision and desire for the center, finally coming to fruition when had the funding and medical staff to implement it.

“It’s going well,” Murshed said. “Patients are coming in and getting treatment.”

Robert Oldham, the center’s hematologist oncologist, came on several months ago and said the increased services are necessary because Hope’s patients often require surgery and specialists. Hematology deals with blood diseases like iron deficiency and anemia, while oncology deals with several aspects of cancer.

“Cancer is a complex disease,” said Oldham, who previously ran a cancer center in Key West. “I think what Dr. Murshed has done is set the center up so we can match up with those complexities and take care of the whole patient. … I’m glad to be a part of it. It’s very well put together.”

Robert Bloom, the center’s urologist, also has been on-site for the past few months after previously working elsewhere in Panama City. He has practiced medicine throughout the country including in New Orleans, Dallas and Oklahoma.

“It’s very convenient. It’s a new building,” Bloom said. “When I was a resident, the most common cancer in men was lung cancer. Two was colon cancer. Three was prostate cancer. Now the men stop smoking, it’s switched around. The most common cancer for men, except for skin cancer, is prostate cancer. Men are living longer and getting screened for prostate cancer.”

The radiation offered in the same facility is convenient Bloom said, because many prostate cancer patients don’t want to be “cut on” and prefer other treatment.

Along with the numerous specialists a PET scan machine also will be added, likely in March, to replace the center’s current CT scan machine. PET machines have more precise scanning, Murshed said. The center is waiting on the PET machine to be shipped in, and the scan room will be expanded to make space for it.