WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals is pleased to offer a new therapy for the prevention and treatment of mouth sores in patients undergoing chemoradiation treatment (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) for head and neck cancer. THOR Photobiomodulation units were recently purchased by the WVU Medicine Thomas Foundation thanks to a generous donation from the Sam Femia Memorial Golf Committee.
Samuel M. “Sam” Femia passed away in 2022 after battling cancer for nearly eight years. His family and friends established the annual Sam Femia Memorial Golf Tournament in 2023 to raise funds to benefit patients undergoing cancer treatment at Thomas Hospitals.
“Innovations in treatment and care for cancer patients are so important,” Susan Femia, Sam’s widow, says. “My husband had difficulty swallowing due to his mouth sores caused by the treatment, and this device is something he hoped would one day be available to patients in the area. We are so pleased for all the donations we received and believe this will change cancer patients’ lives.”
The THOR light unit is shaped like a flat popsicle, which is placed inside the mouth. Each treatment field takes about 60 seconds two to three times a week and can include intraoral, cheeks and submandibular or neck.
“We are incredibly grateful for the donation of this device, which will enhance the quality of life for many of our patients and make everyday tasks like eating and drinking less painful,” Tara Hansen, MD, radiation oncologist at Thomas Hospitals, says. “Sam fought a courageous and inspiring battle, and his legacy will live on here at Thomas Hospitals.”
The WVU Medicine Cancer Institute at Thomas Memorial Hospital is a full service, regional treatment center. The Radiation Oncology Department offers oncology patients advanced radiation techniques in a compassionate and supportive atmosphere.
“At Thomas Hospitals, we are committed to providing residents of southern West Virginia and surrounding areas with high-quality, compassionate care, and we are pleased to enhance the treatment options available for our patients with the addition of this innovative therapy,” Greg Rosencrance, MD, president and CEO of Thomas Hospitals, says.
