New Cancer Center Opens at LVH–Hazleton

Facing a cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult moments in someone’s life as they seek the most advanced lifesaving care. For residents of Greater Hazleton and surrounding counties, cancer treatment options are taking a giant leap forward with the opening of the Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hazleton, part of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute.

“This new facility provides access to quality cancer treatment near home, near loved ones and near a patient’s support network, something that is critically important in the fight against cancer,” said Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “This center also gives patients access to all the services and programs of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance, which has further enhanced our ability to provide state-of-the-art cancer treatments, technologies and clinical trials.”  

The 32,000-square-foot, $20 million cancer center brings the next level of care to our community. It is home to many advanced offerings, facilities and technologies, including:

• A state-of-the-art radiation therapy program offering innovative technologies and treatments
• An expanded infusion suite with private treatment rooms
• Access to Cancer Institute experts
• Expanded telemedicine services

The centerpiece of the new center is a state-of-the-art linear accelerator with a CT simulator that can deliver precision stereotactic radiation therapy to treat cancer. This raises the bar for cancer care in LVHN’s Northwest region.

For patients’ comfort and relaxation, the center was designed with aesthetically pleasing colors and furnishings to aid in treatment and care.

LVH Hematology Oncology–Hazleton, formerly practicing at LVHN Cancer Center on the Airport Beltway, Hazle Township, has relocated to the new Cancer Center. Clinicians Michael Evans, MD, Harvey Hotchner, MD, and Pollyanna Fino, PA-C, recently welcomed Robert Decker, MD, to the practice, and all provide hematology and medical oncology services at the new Cancer Center. Radiation oncologist Steve Karp, MD, also joins them at the center. They, along with the caring and compassionate team, provide the best and most appropriate treatment for a variety of cancers such as precancerous blood disease (preleukemia), nonmalignant blood diseases, chemotherapy and therapeutic infusions, transfusion services, therapeutic phlebotomies and injections. They also provide education and emotional support for patients and caregivers, as well as nutritional and financial counseling. A nurse navigator will help guide patients during their care.

A critical need for convenient access to quality cancer care in our region continues to grow. According to a 2020 report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, cancer is among the top five leading causes of death in Pennsylvania. The new Cancer Center will support this growing need and more with tumor boards and expanded telehealth capabilities that will allow patients to consult with cancer specialists throughout LVHN without having to travel great distances.

“The progress we have made here in Hazleton means great things for local patients battling cancer,” said Suresh Nair, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. “We are not only taking cancer care to the next level, we’re also giving patients access to superior cancer care. We’re giving hope to people with cancer. We’re saving lives."