ASHEVILLE, N.C., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer patients in Asheville and surrounding communities will continue receiving integrated cancer care at Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville (CCNC-A) as a result of a favorable ruling from the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The decision issued today allows CCNC-A to continue providing radiation therapy to patients and confirms the practice followed all appropriate legal and regulatory procedures in the construction of its comprehensive cancer center. The ruling upholds previous decisions issued from the Certificate of Need Section of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and of Administrative Law Judge, Honorable Beecher R. Gay, dating back to September 2006.

"We are pleased with the ruling and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality care at Western North Carolina's only comprehensive cancer center," said Dr. Don Jackson, medical oncologist and practice president. "By providing full cancer care services under one roof, we are able to improve the care delivery system and more efficiently treat our patients."

The 24,000-square-foot facility located in Regional Medical Park is the only facility in Western North Carolina that provides integrated cancer care in one easy-to-access location. Medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy, radiation services, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, and laboratory services, among others, are all provided in one location. This comprehensive cancer care model improves patient access to advanced care, maximizes collaboration between cancer specialists, and ultimately decreases costs.

"We built the cancer center to better serve our patients and create an environment of healing. Everyone involved in patient care is now in one location and can easily communicate and maximize opportunities to help patients fight this disease," said Gary Bien, practice administrator with CCNC-A. "Our physicians are cancer-fighting experts and our practice has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patients and their families for more than 25 years. We are delighted that we can continue to provide this high-quality cancer care to patients throughout Western North Carolina."

CCNC-A's dedicated team of medical oncologists, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Shonda Asaad, Dr. Anita Deshpande and Dr. Raymond Thertulien work closely with radiation oncologist Dr. Roger Holland and his radiation therapy team to customize each patient's individual treatment plan.

CCNC-A is United in Healing with US Oncology, which supports the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research network. The construction of the facility was made possible through its affiliation with US Oncology. Real estate management, construction, technology support and other administrative services played a significant role in the opening of this facility.

About Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville

Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville (CCNC-A) is a six-physician oncology practice that has provided cancer care in Asheville for more than 25 years. The practice provides medical oncology, hematology, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, pharmacy, lab services, and financial counseling, as well as a variety of patient education and support programs. CCNC-A is affiliated with other Cancer Centers of North Carolina practices across the state, including four sites of care in the Research Triangle region. The 24,000-square-foot cancer center is located in Regional Medical Park on Sweeten Creek Road, and is the only facility in Western North Carolina that can provide integrated cancer care in one easy-to-access location. For information, call (828) 254-8232 or visit www.ccnc-asheville.com.

About US Oncology

US Oncology, Inc., headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, works closely with physicians, payers, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers, to identify and deliver innovative services that enhance patient access to advanced cancer care. US Oncology supports one of the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research networks, accelerating the availability and use of evidence-based medicine and shared best practices.

US Oncology uses its expertise to support every aspect of the cancer care delivery system--from drug development to distribution and outcomes measurement--enabling the company to help increase the efficiency and safety of cancer care. According to the company's last quarterly earnings report, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,310 physicians operating in 493 locations, including 98 radiation oncology facilities in 39 states. For more information, visit the company's Web site, www.usoncology.com.

SOURCE Cancer Centers of North Carolina-Asheville