Dr. Anastasia Quimby
October 2, 2025 – Good Samaritan Medical Center now offers advanced treatment for radiation fibrosis, a serious long-term complication of cancer therapy that can greatly impact a patient’s quality of life.
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many cancers, but it can sometimes cause the body’s tissue to become scarred, stiff, and less functional over time, a condition known as radiation fibrosis. For patients treated in the head and neck area, this can mean difficulty with swallowing, eating or even opening the jaw.
“Radiation fibrosis is a challenging condition that can affect mobility, comfort, and everyday life for cancer survivors,” said Dr. Anastasia Quimby, head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction surgeon at Good Samaritan Medical Center. “At Good Samaritan, we’re using innovative approaches such as NanoFat Therapy to actively reverse tissue damage, restore function, and improve long-term outcomes for our patients.”
What Is Radiation Fibrosis?
Radiation fibrosis develops when the body responds to radiation therapy by producing excess scar tissue. This abnormal healing process can affect connective tissues like muscles, ligaments, and tendons, reducing elasticity and function. In severe cases, it can impact breathing, swallowing or limb mobility.
Symptoms may include:
- Chronic pain and stiffness
- Weakness in affected muscles
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Lymphedema (swelling from blocked lymph drainage)
Innovative Treatment with NanoFat Therapy
Traditional treatments for radiation fibrosis have been limited to medications and physical therapy, often with only partial relief. Good Samaritan Medical Center now offers NanoFat Therapy, a regenerative treatment that uses highly refined fat enriched with stem cells and growth factors to:
- Break down scar tissue
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Stimulate new blood vessel growth and tissue repair
“Cancer treatment doesn’t end when the cancer is gone,” added Dr. Quimby. “By offering this advanced therapy, we are giving patients the opportunity to reclaim their quality of life and move forward with renewed confidence.”
About Good Samaritan Medical Center
Good Samaritan Medical Center (GSMC) is a 333-bed acute care hospital, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, that’s provided sophisticated, personalized and emergency medical care to Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast with over 100 years of experience. GSMC offers advanced orthopedic care, women’s care and wellness from breast health to obstetrics, general surgery, emergency services, urology, bariatric surgery, cardiac services, and comprehensive cancer care.
Our cancer center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, anchored by our state-of-the-art Breast Center. We are also accredited by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation program for Breast Cancer.
GSMC utilizes some of the latest robotic technologies that highlight our robust general and orthopedic surgery procedures including the MAKO, Da Vinci and Velys robots. GSMC has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder Replacement and Spine Surgery, Healthgrades’ 100 Best Hospital Award for Spine Surgery and Outpatient Orthopedic Excellence and awarded by the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration for reducing unnecessary C-sections.
