Lynn Cancer Institute
Patients Benefit From Multi-Modality Approach To Treating Melanomas And Other Dangerous Skin Cancers
The Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital has pioneered the use of multi-modality clinics to improve the care of patients diagnosed with cancer. The Advanced Cutaneous Malignancies Multi-Modality Clinic, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of skin malignancies, has been active since 2011 and is a valued and essential resource for the community.
Today, a multi-modality approach for patients with melanoma and other skin cancers is no longer optional – it’s essential. With the latest advances in pathology, imaging techniques, surgical approaches, radiation options, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, it takes a team of experienced specialists to determine the precise treatment strategy for each individual.
“The goal of our multi-modality approach is to bring together medical experts from different fields to quickly provide patients with a complete diagnosis and an optimal treatment plan,” says Lloyd D. Berkowitz, M.D., a board certified medical oncologist at Lynn Cancer Institute. “This facilitates communication among the physicians, expedites testing and treatment, and gives patients and family members a forum to ask important questions.”
Melanomas: A Growing Concern
Unlike most cancers, the rates of melanoma have been rising for the last 30 years, and Florida has the second highest incidence in the United States. Even though melanomas represent about 1 percent of all skin cancer diagnoses each year, they account for 90 percent of skin cancer deaths.
Fortunately, physicians treating melanoma patients can now take advantage of new therapies and advances used every day at the Lynn Cancer Institute.
At the Advanced Cutaneous Malignancies Multi-Modality Clinic, the evaluation and treatment of patients with melanoma and other skin malignancies often involves multiple specialists.
“The advantage of the multi-modality approach is a unique commitment by all the involved specialists to meet with our patients at the same time,” says Michael E. Kasper, M.D., a board certified radiation oncologist.
Prior to evaluating the patient, the panel reviews biopsies and imaging studies from pathology and radiology. If further information is needed for diagnosis, such as genomic testing, those appointments are expedited so there is no delay in treating the patient.
At that point, Lynn Cancer Institute’s multi-modality medical team – including dermatologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists – evaluate the patient. Dieticians and psychosocial support specialists are also integrated into the treatment team.
“We carefully review available treatment options. These options are provided to the patient and family,” says Dr. Berkowitz. “All members of the team discuss their roles in treating the patient. Differences in opinions are discussed openly so that all members of the team and the patient can participate. Once a treatment plan has been created, our staff works to schedule testing, procedures and additional consultations quickly to avoid treatment delays.”
Treating Other Skin Cancers
The institute’s Advanced Cutaneous Malignancies Multi-Modality Clinic is not limited to patients with melanoma. The medical team sees many patients with complex skin malignancies, including advanced basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Although most of these patients are treated expertly by dermatologists, some require additional treatment modalities.
In the last 10 years, there have been important advances in treating skin cancers, including those pioneered at the Lynn Cancer Institute. For instance, the Radiation Oncology Department, led by Dr. Kasper, has developed new techniques to target skin cancers with specialized approaches that are showcased regularly at training programs, national meetings and seminars around the world.
Merkel Cell Center Affiliation
Lynn Cancer Institute professionals are affiliated with the exclusive Merkel Cell Center Multi-Center Interest Group, headed by Dr. Paul Nghiem at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at the University of Washington in Seattle. This group has pioneered basic science and clinical research for this unusual type of skin cancer.
Although Merkel cell cancer is rare, the incidence of this potentially aggressive malignancy has increased by almost 100 percent since 2000. Early diagnosis and the use of multiple treatment modalities can greatly increase the chance of increased longevity and a potential cure.
“Many clinicians believe that they have never seen a patient with a Merkel cell cancer,” says Dr. Kasper. “However, we have considerable experience and have treated about 50 patients at our Institute.”
A Community Resource
While the incidence of all skin cancers is increasing, the Advanced Cutaneous Malignancies Multi-Modality Clinic at the Lynn Cancer Institute offers the latest diagnostic and treatment options for patients and referring community physicians of any specialty. For referrals or to arrange a second opinion, call Kathy Valenzi, RN, clinical coordinator for the Multi-Modality Clinic, at 561-955-4974.
Locations: LCI Sandler Pavilion at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, 701 N.W. 13th St., Boca Raton, FL 33486, 561-955-6627; brrh.com; Medical Oncology Delray, 6282 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, Fl 33484, 561-495-8307; Radiation Oncology Delray, 16313 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33483, 561-955-7200
Director: Louise E. Morrell, M.D.
Advanced Cutaneous (skin) Malignancies MMC Team Specialists:
Medical Oncology: Lloyd D. Berkowitz, M.D.
Radiation Oncology: Gregg Goldin, M.D.; Michael E. Kasper, M.D.
Oncology Surgeon: Bruce Brenner, M.D.
Plastic Surgery: Albert Dabbah, M.D.
Dermatology: Tobi Richman Steinhardt, M.D.
Genetics: Louise E. Morrell, M.D.
Research: Sylvie Godbout, R.N.
Social Work: Julie Katz, M.S.W., A.P.H.S.W.
Nutrition: Brandi Thompson, R.D.
Radiology/Imaging
Pathology
Molecular Pathology
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