AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - Dr. O. Carl Simonton, a radiation oncologist who advocated treating the emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients, died June 18. He was 66.

He choked to death during a meal at his home in Agoura Hills, said his wife, Karen.

Simonton pushed for treating patients through meditation and similar techniques like guided imaging therapy.

He founded the Cancer Counseling and Research Center in Fort Worth, Texas, in the early 1970s. In 1978, he co-wrote the book "Getting Well Again."

In 1984, he moved his practice to California, where he founded the Simonton Cancer Counseling Center, currently in Malibu.

In 1992 Simonton and former patient Brenda Hampton wrote a follow-up to "Getting Well Again" called "The Healing Journey."