South Austin In The News
We are pleased to keep you informed on the latest news related to South Austin.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
3/16/2025 - Susana Wellman, a 46-year-old mother of two, was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer during her first routine colonoscopy in 2023, but under the care of a comprehensive team at Texas Oncology, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, ultimately becoming cancer-free. Now, Susana emphasizes the importance of routine cancer screenings and shares her story to offer hope and awareness about colorectal cancer, especially for those under 50.
Publication: American Journal of Managed Care
3/2/2025 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, explains that certain patient characteristics, such as normal liver function and overall health, play crucial roles in determining candidacy for histotripsy, a liver-directed treatment, which is not a replacement for existing cancer care methods. He also emphasizes that this treatment should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan and is ideally suited for tumors under 4 centimeters, while cases of spread beyond the liver must be carefully managed by a multidisciplinary team.
Publication: American Journal of Managed Care
2/23/2025 - Shaun P. McKenzie, MD, FACS, a surgical oncologist with Texas Oncology, explained that histotripsy, a novel technique using high-frequency ultrasound waves to destroy tumors, is currently used in the liver due to its durability and experience with ablative therapy. While histotripsy shows promise in destroying liver tumors, longer-term data on recurrence rates and overall survival are still needed to fully assess its effectiveness.
Publication: Community Impact
2/11/2025 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, shared information on a new, noninvasive treatment for liver tumors called histotripsy. Dr. McKenzie discussed how histotripsy works, why it matters to cancer patients, and the significance in the marketplace, particularly in light of the significant rise in liver cancer incidence in the United States.
Publication: American Journal of Managed Care
12/19/2024 - Histotripsy is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive technique that destroys liver tumors using high-frequency ultrasound waves. Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Round Rock and South Austin, the first physician to perform this procedure in Austin, spoke with the American Journal of Managed Care to share his insights on this new treatment.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
12/4/2024 - Aimee Mackey, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists–San Marcos and South Austin, spoke with the Austin American-Statesman alongside her patient, Rachel Crump, to discuss the factors driving the increase in breast cancer diagnoses among women under fifty.
Publication: KXAN (NBC, Austin)
12/3/2024 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Round Rock and South Austin joined KXAN News’ midday team to highlight Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and how the most challenging aspects of diagnosing pancreatic cancer are its vague symptoms.
Publication: Austin American-Statesman
12/3/2024 - Shaun P. McKenzie, M.D., FACS, Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists-Round Rock and South Austin joined an exclusive interview with the Austin American-Statesman to discuss a new non-invasive procedure for liver cancer: histotripsy.
Publication: Community Impact-South Central Austin
8/12/2024 - Austin was deemed a “pickleball hotspot” for the South and with this popularity it means more people are staying active and building community connections. However, because of prolonged sun exposure, outdoor pickleball tournament players and spectators are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Ryan Tierney, M.D., radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology-South Austin, spoke to Community Impact about how Texans can simultaneously enjoy the newly popularized sport while being mindful of skin safety.
Publication: Austin Medical Times, Houston Medical Times
8/2/2024 - Regular well-woman visits are important for maintaining overall health and early detection of potential issues, including gynecologic cancers. Tiffany Redfern, M.D., FACOG, Texas Oncology-South Austin and Christine Lee, M.D., Texas Oncology-Woodlands explain why regular well-woman visits should be a non-negotiable part of every woman’s healthcare routine.