DR. PHYLLIS JOYCE AGER, MD

RENO, NV

Research Active
Radiology - Radiation Oncology NPI registered 21+ years 2 publications 1979 – 1982 NPI: 1962405456
Radiology - Radiation Oncology Radiology - Radiation Oncology Radiology - Therapeutic Radiology
Carcinoma, Squamous CellErythrocytesSepsisAdenocarcinomaRadiotherapy DosageOrgan SizeSpleenHodgkin DiseaseLymphomaPneumococcal InfectionsAnus NeoplasmsRiskRadiotherapy, High-EnergyCesiumIridium

Practice Location

1155 MILL ST
RENO, NV 89502-1576

Phone: (775) 982-4000

What does PHYLLIS AGER research?

Dr. Ager studies the outcomes and complications of radiation therapy in patients with Hodgkin's disease and anorectal cancer. She has examined how radiation affects the spleen's size and function, particularly in cancer patients treated with radiation who are at a heightened risk of serious infections. Additionally, she explores the effectiveness of radiotherapy as a treatment option for anal and rectal cancers, especially for individuals who cannot undergo surgery. Her findings are especially relevant for those facing difficult decisions about their treatment options.

Key findings

  • In a study with 25 patients treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma, patients had an average spleen size of 6.2 cm compared to 9.7 cm in healthy individuals.
  • Patients who had received splenic irradiation exhibited abnormal blood cell changes linked to compromised spleen function, indicating a higher risk for infections like pneumococcal sepsis.
  • For patients with anorectal cancer who were unable to undergo surgery, 60% of 13 patients treated with radiotherapy were alive and cancer-free after an average of 30 months.
  • Among those with anorectal cancer, patients receiving a combination of external radiotherapy and an internal implant had a success rate of 86% in controlling their cancer locally.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Ager study the effects of radiation therapy?
Yes, Dr. Ager studies how radiation therapy impacts patients with cancers such as Hodgkin's lymphoma and anorectal cancer.
What complications can arise from spleen irradiation?
Patients who have undergone spleen irradiation are at a high risk for serious infections, including pneumococcal sepsis, due to changes in spleen function.
What treatments has Dr. Ager researched for anorectal cancer?
She has researched the effectiveness of radiotherapy, demonstrating that it can help patients who cannot have surgery, with a significant success rate for those using both external and internal radiation.

Publications in plain English

Functional hyposplenia after splenic irradiation for Hodgkin's disease.

1982

Annals of internal medicine

Coleman CN, McDougall IR, Dailey MO, Ager P, Bush S +1 more

Plain English
This study looked at 25 patients who had received radiation treatment for Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affected their spleen. Researchers found that these patients had smaller spleens (averaging 6.2 cm) compared to healthy individuals (averaging 9.7 cm), and they also showed abnormal blood cell changes linked to spleen function. This is important because it highlights that patients who have had splenic radiation are at high risk of serious infections like pneumococcal sepsis. Who this helps: This information helps patients who have undergone spleen irradiation and their doctors understand their risk for infections.

PubMed

The conservative management of anorectal cancer by radiotherapy.

1979

American journal of surgery

Ager P, Samala E, Bosworth J, Rubin M, Ghossein NA

Plain English
This study looked at how effective radiotherapy is for treating patients with anal or rectal cancer who cannot undergo surgery. Out of 13 patients treated, 9 (or 60%) are alive and cancer-free after an average of 30 months. Those who received a combination of external radiotherapy and an internal implant had a much better success rate, with 6 out of 7 controlling their cancer locally. Who this helps: This helps patients with anorectal cancer who cannot have surgery or choose not to undergo it.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

C N Coleman I R McDougall M O Dailey S Bush H S Kaplan E Samala J Bosworth M Rubin N A Ghossein

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.