Desert Health News July-August 2024

. www.halodx.com www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2024 Medical News The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 10 Kevin Richardson, PhD Hypnotherapist Weight Control • 760.902.2274 Jade Bedard, RN, MSNEd Travel Nurse Consultant 760.895.4097 DESERT HEALTH REPORT Desert Health Report is a local, award-winning 30-minute TV show produced by Windsor Broadcast Productions since 2017. Keerthy Sunder, MD Psychiatrist TMS Depression Treatment 951.365.5018 Benjamin Wehrli, DPM Podiatrist Bunions • 760.848.8231 Lisa Bellows, MA, CCCA Hearing 760.469.4420 Wendy Roberts, MD Dermatologist Skin Cancer • 760.346.4262 Elliot Lander, MD, CHt Stem Cell Therapy 760.346.0145 Bryan Stone, MD Nephrologist • Kidney Stones 760.416.4819 Hetal Bhakta, MD Cardiologist Watchman Procedure 760.883.1600 Christian Luzar, DMD Robotic Implants 760.674.8883 Eric Presser, MD Thoracic Surgeon Lung Cancer • 760.424.8224 Broadcasted daily on Channel 4 NBC & Channel 7 ABC Check your local TV guide listings • (760) 831-4770 Say hello to HALO! For over 20 years, Desert Medical Imaging was a trusted source for local imaging services. Founded by leading radiologist John F. Feller, MD, the company also became known internationally for their excellence in research. In the past decade, HALO Precision Diagnostics was founded nationally on the principle of saving lives through early disease detection. In 2020, the companies joined forces to deliver unparalleled diagnostic services to help patients navigate diseases and to help save more lives. Offering imaging, biomarkers, genomics and the latest technological advancements including artificial intelligence and new serum, urine and saliva tests, HALO Precision Diagnostics remains a trusted source in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Our mission is to save lives through early detection locally and globally. The HALO research team continues its research and development in prostate cancer diagnostics, treatment and care in Indian Wells with new clinical trials underway. John F. Feller, MD, CMO Christopher Hancock, MD Neuroradiologist Jeffrey H. Herz, MD Urologist Steven R. Gunberg, DO Radiologist Pedram Ilbeigi, DO, FACS Urologist Bernadette M. Greenwood, RT (R)(MR)(ARRT), PhD(c), CRO Kyle Fromm Compliance and Privacy Officer Thomas Slavin MD, MBA, FACMGG, DABMD, CSO For more information on services and clinical trials, visit HALODx.com or call 760.322.8883 On May 4, 2024 I was honored to represent HALO Precision Diagnostics at the American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. HALO, formerly Desert Medical Imaging, has been at the forefront of developing focal laser therapy as a less invasive treatment for prostate cancer. At this year’s conference, focal therapy was openly embraced by industry, patients, urologists and radiologists. For the first time, many other focal therapy clinicians and scientists also presented their work. While numerous topics presented at the podium and in poster sessions addressed traditional surgical techniques, focal therapy has definitely emerged as a promising alternative to whole gland therapies like prostatectomy and radiation. Focal laser therapy targets cancer lesions without harming surrounding structures which was challenging until MRI became a standardized technology accepted across the medical community. Our team has participated in many product development projects, and has served on national and international committees to help standardize prostate MRI and foster broader acceptance. Once MRI was established, biopsy using MRI guidance could be performed in a more targeted fashion. Those biopsy specimens could then be sent for pathologist evaluation, genomic testing and other prognostic measures. This change in approach to using MRI guided biopsy has taken us away from radical treatments that may leave men impotent or incontinent. True focal therapy can now be administered under MRI guidance with precision and safety. Our results presented at the meeting showed equivalent cancer outcomes when comparing focal therapy to standard-of-care treatments, yet with minimal urologic and sexual side effects. At the conference, it was a privilege to also participate in the inaugural Women in Focal Therapy luncheon where internationally recognized female experts in focal therapy convened to discuss our research, our outcomes and our patient voices away from the podium. As a clinician scientist, it's very important to me that the voice of the patient be heard. I currently chair The Focal Therapy Society patient advocacy committee and have a patient advisory council that provides feedback on the issues that matter to them. After our decades of work, it was exciting and refreshing to see focal therapy take center stage at the AUA. I look forward to our team’s continued contribution to a body of evidence that will make focal therapy a less invasive, first line treatment for prostate cancer patients to avoid the urologic and sexual side effects of whole gland treatment. Bernadette M. Greenwood is chief research officer for HALO Precision Diagnostics in Indian Wells and a PhD candidate at Radboud Institute of Health Sciences. She can be reached at bernadette@halodx.com . To learn more about their research program, visit www.HALODx.com . Focal Therapy Center Stage at Annual Conference By Bernadette M. Greenwood, RT(R)(MR)(ARRT) PhD(c), The inaugural meeting of women in focal therapy at the AUA