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Winter 2004 Highly Trained Minds Collaborate in Cancer Conferences
Patients within the realm of care of the DeCesaris Cancer Institute are very much aware of invaluable allies as they come to grips with the disease. What they may not be aware of, however, is a larger roster of allies engaged in an intense, behind-the-scenes focus on their specific case.
The weekly Pulmonary Cancer Conference is one of several onocloy specialties that brings together specialists to discuss treatment for cancer patients. Back row (L-R): Pathologist William Weisburger, M.D.; Radiation Oncologist Angel Torano, M.D.; Oncologist Peter Graze, M.D.; Pulmonologist Sjoerd Beck, M.D.; Director of Nuclear Medicine Jack VanGeffen, M.D.; Oncologist Curtis Harris, MD. Front row: Radiation Oncologist Mary Young, M.D.; Pulmonologist Howard Young, M.D.; Thoracic Oncologist Karl Holschuh, M.D.; Pulmonologist David Krimins, M.D.; Pathologist Sanford Robbins, M.D.; Radiation Oncologist Thomas Lank, M.D. Not pictured: Oncologist and Medical Director Stanley Watkins, M.D.; Oncologist Kevin Knopf, M.D.; Oncologist Stuart Selonick, M.D.; Oncologist Jeanine Werner, M.D.; and Pathologist Joan Woodward, M.D.
Once a week, groups of physicians with skills, credentials and experience across the spectrum of cancer specialties gather in conferences to review and discuss the details of individual cases. Displayed on large screens or passed around a conference table are such diagnostic images as PET/CTs, MRIs, CT scans and X-rays. Exchanging viewpoints and conclusions, oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, and radiation oncologists collaborate and prevail upon one another’s expertise in what amounts to a simultaneous and fully integrated consultation. From these conferences come treatment recommendations or directions for the specific patient, which often involve a combination of two or more treatment modalities across a variety of specialties.
The navigator then explains and interprets these complexities to the patient, as well as coordinating the schedules and logistics. In the event that treatment requires a hospital stay, AAMC’s inpatient oncology unit in the Acute Care Pavilion is dedicated to cancer treatment, staffed by nurses and other professionals with specialized training and a heightened awareness of the needs of cancer patients.
Medical Physicist Michael J. McCullough, MEngr, uses new technology enabling ever-greater precision, accuracy and effectiveness in the application of radiation treatments |
Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology describes a diverse and increasingly sophisticated discipline involving the application of radiation to the cells of tumors. Among the more remarkable of these at AAMC is IMRT, or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, the precision and accuracy of which reduces side effects through the
duration of treatment. |
Minimally invasive Vector Vision surgery removes brain tumor. |
Surgical Oncology
At AAMC, advancing technology and the accompanying skill of surgeons redefine surgery on a continual basis. As they evolve, surgical procedures become more precise, more effective and less invasive—and, in the case of revolutionary Novalis? Shaped Beam technology—completely non-invasive. Many conditions once labeled inoperable are now operable, with correlating improvements in outcomes. |
Paul Davies, M.D., Director of Pain Management at AAMC, is one of the specialists dedicated to making your hospital and outpatient care comfortable. |
Pain Management
Once seen as an unfortunate but inevitable side effect of an illness or its treatment, pain is now viewed as the “fifth vital sign.” Addressing one of the primary fears of cancer patients, the management of pain, and the maintenance of quality of life is as integral to the treatment of cancer as any of the advances in other disciplines. AAMC has a full-time physician who serves as a pain management specialist for all patients. |
Medical oncologists specialize in chemotherapy treatment and counsel patients through a range of diagnostic and treatment choices. AAMC’s oncologists are (L-R, front row: Kathleen Kemmer, M.D., Stanley Watkins, M.D., Curtis Harris, M.D., back row: Jeanine Werner, M.D., Kevin Knopf, M.D., Peter Graze, M.D., and Stuart Selonick, M.D. |
Chemotherapy
Medical oncologists specialize in chemotherapy and other cancer fighting drugs. In this field as in all the others within the DeCesaris Cancer Institute, breakthroughs in new cancer fighting drugs occur almost continuously. Often employed in conjunction with radiation or surgical treatments, chemotherapy may cure, slow the growth, prevent the recurrence, or relieve the symptoms of various types of cancer. |
(Left to right) the Clinical Trials Team: Bruce Boughton, Data Manager, Liz Egan, Clinical Research Nurse, MaryAnn Moreland, Data Manager and Kristen Sawyer, Clinical Research Associate |
Clinical Trials
Cancer clinical trials are crucial to developing the best therapies to treat all forms of malignancies. At AAMC, more than 16 percent of patients were enrolled in trials, well above the 3 percent national average. By participating in trials, patients are assured of having every opportunity to receive state of the art treatment for cancer, cancer prevention and cancer detection. |
AAMC Nutritionist Ann Caldwell, R.D., L.D., is one of the team at the Healing Arts Center who counsels patients undergoing treatment for cancer. |
Integrative Medicine
As more and more types of cancer become chronic or recurring diseases, the treatment of cancer has moved from a single-minded focus
on eradicating a tumor to treating, and healing, the whole person. Complementary therapies involving the emotional and spiritual issues of cancer have become key elements in managing the disease. The AAMC Healing Arts Center offers massage, Reiki, acupuncture, guided imagery and nutritional counseling. |
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