Expanded Cancer Services at New Carbon County Hospital

Driving a half-hour for infusion treatments or imaging tests can be a hardship for people with cancer and their families. Soon, many residents of Carbon County and the surrounding communities need go no farther than the new Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Carbon.

The hospital is situated along Route 443, just outside Lehighton. It will boast a location of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, the only cancer center in the region that is part of the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance (MSK Cancer Alliance). For people in the area, the cancer program at LVH–Carbon will offer convenient access to an array of cancer services and an experienced hematology oncology team.

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) had already established a reputation for first-rate oncology care among Carbon County residents.

In the past, however, cancer patients and caregivers had to drive to LVH–Cedar Crest for many diagnostic and treatment services. Soon, thanks to the expanded program at LVH–Carbon, the commute for cancer care will get much shorter in many cases.

“We can provide services such as infusion and imaging on-site,” says Roberto Fratamico, MD, with LVPG Hematology Oncology–Lehighton, and physician lead for hematology oncology at LVH–Carbon. “That is great news for the entire community, and it may be a particular advantage for older patients, who often find it difficult to travel longer distances.”

Fratamico will spend the majority of his time at the LVH–Carbon campus. A second hematologist oncologist is expected to join him there. 

“Patients at LVH–Carbon will benefit from the same compassionate care and clinical expertise that they have come to expect from all the Cancer Institute locations,” Fratamico says.

Among the hematology oncology services that will be available at LVH–Carbon campus are:

• Infusion treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hydration therapy and blood transfusions
• Phlebotomy services, including blood draws for benign hematologic conditions
• Advanced imaging, including CT, MRI and ultrasound capability
• Virtual consults with the Cancer Institute’s large network of multidisciplinary cancer specialists, including surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists
• Genetic counseling to help people make informed decisions about their health

As a member of the MSK Cancer Alliance, the Cancer Institute also provides access to world-class clinical trials. Cancer patients at LVH–Carbon will be screened for trials offered at other Cancer Institute locations.

“In the future, the plan is to introduce clinical trials through the MSK Cancer Alliance and network trials at LVH–Carbon,” Fratamico says. “We are excited about bringing next-level cancer care to the Carbon County area.”