The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 29 COVID patients today, up from 28 Wednesday. Other significant numbers:
- 21 with the active virus today, 13 Wednesday
- 2 in ICU, 2 Wednesday
- 2 on ventilators, 2 Wednesday
- 8 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 15 Wednesday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Roy Jensen, Vice Chancellor and Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- The University of Kansas Cancer receives comprehensive status from the National Cancer Institute
- Becomes one of only 53 such cancer centers in the country
- Effort took 10 years since becoming an NCI designated center
- New status means “we are as good as any place in the country,” and patients will have access to more clinical trials. More drugs likely to be developed as a result.
Dr. Ronald Chen, Chair of Radiation Oncology and Associate Director of Health Equity
- Comprehensive status is not just an honor, “it’s a responsibility. “Will be able to take better care of underserved groups like minorities and rural residents with more screenings and treatments.
- Being an NCI comprehensive cancer center means being able to offer clinical trials to basically every patient who comes through the door. For some, it’s their only hope.
- The Proton Therapy program, which recently began treating patients, plays a big role in the offerings of the cancer center
- The University of Kansas Cancer center is now better able to offer second opinions and more treatment options to patients
Jeff Wright, Vice President of Cancer Services, The University of Kansas Health System
- Remembers back in 2008 patients from the region had to travel 250 miles to the closest NCI designated cancer center. Can now get the same treatment without the travel
- Cancer treatment continues to evolve. What’s offered today will be different in three to five years.
- Being a Comprehensive Cancer Center will allow recruiting the best doctors and scientists
- NCI comprehensive status is not the end game or final goal. It’s the beginning of a brighter future for cancer patients.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Overall COVID numbers are trending lower, but the virus is still circulating in the community.
- Good news that pharmacists will now be able to prescribe Pfizer COVID pills
- As we go into the weekend, wear plenty of sunscreen and get up to date on your vaccinations
Monday, July 11 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. It’s not your imagination, there’s a reason why you’re sneezing more this year. We’ll explain why and what to do about it. And chronic low back pain steals so much from life. The new procedure to ease that pain that's now in the spotlight.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
