MemorialCare Cancer Institute Expands Integrative and Advanced Cancer Care Capabilities in South Orange County

The MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Saddleback Medical Center has expanded its integrative medicine program, clinical research protocols and acquired advanced technology to deliver more evidence-based, compassionate cancer care to the South Orange County community.

Rooted in a whole-person philosophy, the Integrative Oncology Program offers individualized support that complements medical treatment and promotes wellness at every stage of care. Research shows that patients who are emotionally supported and well-informed before cancer treatment often experience better outcomes. To further this approach, Saddleback recently introduced Onco-Ballet-a unique therapeutic movement class for cancer patients and survivors that blends gentle ballet-inspired exercises with emotional support to help participants regain strength, balance, and confidence. The program also includes supportive classes such as yoga, nutrition education, and art therapy, all designed to help patients manage treatment side effects and enhance overall well-being.

"Our Integrative Oncology Program is redefining cancer care by nurturing the whole person," said Bhavana Pathak, M.D., medical director, Integrative Oncology Program. "Innovative offerings like Onco-Ballet help cancer patients and survivors gain mobility, self-confidence, and practice mindfulness in a supportive and healing environment."

The MemorialCare Cancer Institute is also advancing its clinical research and technology to offer the latest cancer treatments close to home. Advances such as GammaTile therapy for brain tumor patients allows immediate, localized radiation directly to the tumor site after surgery, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and eliminating the need for traditional daily radiation sessions. For patients with lung, breast or prostate cancer, the advanced ExacTrac technology delivers highly targeted, image-guided radiation therapy with sub-millimeter accuracy, hitting cancer with pinpoint accuracy and sparing healthy tissue.

"At Saddleback Medical Center, we're always looking ahead at the most innovative treatments available for cancer patients and bringing them to our community hospital," said Linda Chan, M.D., medical director, radiation oncology and Foundation Endowed Chair. "With advanced therapies like GammaTile and ExacTrac, we're able to spare healthy tissue and make treatment more effective and comfortable for our patients. That's the level of care we strive to provide every day."

Early detection and surgical precision are being redefined through innovative technologies. The STEP program enables prostate cancer to be caught in its most treatable phase, while the Galaxy System enhances early diagnosis for lung cancer. Meanwhile, Cytalux, a real-time fluorescence imaging agent, empowers surgeons to identify and remove cancerous tissue with greater accuracy, improving outcomes and reducing recurrence.

"Cancer's reach is universal, but so is our capacity to come together," said Jayne Stewart, executive director, MemorialCare Cancer Institute, Saddleback Medical Center. "At Saddleback we continue to bring the most advanced treatments and wellness initiatives to South Orange County and are able to do this in part through our community."

Marbella on a Mission, a local community partner, hosts an annual three-day tennis event to raise vital funds for cancer care and research benefiting MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. While tennis provides the backdrop, the event unites players, donors, and sponsors in "Raising a Racket" to bring the latest in advanced treatment close to home. Community support is essential-through sponsorships and individual contributions, donors help ensure patients in the Orange County community have timely access to the latest care.