A Coordinated Approach At The Lynn Cancer Institute
You or your loved one has just been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal cancer. What do you do next? Who do you turn to? Fortunately, you can get world-class cancer care right in your backyard!
The Gastrointestinal Multimodality Clinic at the Lynn Cancer Institute brings together multiple specialists in one setting where you can be seen and have your case reviewed by all the appropriate specialists sitting together and discussing the best approach for your individual problem.
In the past, gastrointestinal cancers were usually diagnosed by your primary care physician or gastroenterologist and you were then referred to one or more specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. You would have to go to different offices around town and meet with each specialist individually, usually with days or even weeks between appointments. You would need to rely on those specialists speaking with each other to coordinate care.
The physicians at the Lynn Cancer Institute realized there was a better model for cancer care: Bring all of the specialists together to evaluate the patient and then meet to develop a coordinated personalized plan for the patient. This provides immense benefits to patients, their families and the providers.
Unique Aspects of GI Cancers
Each gastrointestinal cancer has unique aspects that require multi-disciplinary management.
• Colon cancer is usually diagnosed by colonoscopy and is managed by colorectal surgery with options for minimally invasive surgery, including robotic approaches. Medical oncology is involved in decision-making regarding the need for additional therapy after surgery. The availability of molecular testing of the tumor is an important component of treatment in patients with more advanced disease. An important question is whether this cancer was hereditary and is there an increased risk for the siblings or children. The availability of medical genetics with Dr. Louise Morrell through the Morgan Pressel Center forGenetics is an important resource to answer these questions.
• Rectal cancer has additional aspects of care beyond colon cancer, including both surgery and radiation therapy, supervised by Radiation Oncology.
“Performing sphincter-preserving surgery can minimize the need for a colostomy in patients with rectal cancer,” says Dr. Andrew Ross, Colorectal Surgeon.
Preoperative evaluation with MRI scanning is an important decision-making tool and having radiologists who are expert in their interpretation is critical.
• Esophageal and gastric cancers are also best managed by a team approach to decide whether to proceed with surgery or to treat with chemotherapy and radiation therapy prior to surgery. Nutritional support is an important component of treatment.
•Pancreatic cancer offers the best example of the benefits of multimodality care. This cancer can only be treated with the combined expertise of Interventional Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Medical Oncology,Radiation Oncology, Medical Genetics and Nutrition.
Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed by an interventional gastroenterologist performing an endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy of the suspicious mass. Further staging with CT, MRI and PET-CT scans help to determine the best approach to treatment.
Comprehensive Compassionate Care
The Gastrointestinal CancerMultimodality Clinic at the Lynn Cancer Institute provides comprehensive compassionate care for all of these cancers in a timely fashion. You meet with all of the specialists appropriate for your case, including meeting with a registered dietician and a social worker. You have access to genetics counseling and testing, molecular testing of your cancer and clinical research trials all in one place.
After you are seen, your individual case is reviewed at a conference that includes dedicated radiologists to review all of your imaging studies and pathologists to review any pathology results. Social services, nutrition and clinical research are all in attendance, as well as Medical and Radiation Oncology, Hepatobiliary and Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Gastroenterology. The latest clincial trials are considered.
“This team approach ensures that you are getting a consensus opinion from the collective wisdom of this experienced group of clinicians with an individualized treatment plan you receive after the conference,” says Dr. Stephen Grabelsky, Medial Oncologist
GI MMC And Tumor Board Make A Qualitative Difference That Patients Appreciate
One example of the impact of the Multimodality Clinic is Mrs. C, a 48-year-old woman who noticed ongoing rectal bleeding, which she initially thought was due to hemorrhoids. She was referred to a gastroenterologist and underwent a colonoscopy that revealed a rectal mass that was biopsied and confirmed as rectal cancer.
Mrs. C was referred to the Gastrointestinal Multimodality Clinic and was seen by ColorectalSurgery, Medical Oncology,Radiation Oncology, Nutrition and Social Services all at the same visit. By attending the Multimodality Clinic, she was able to avoid the typical delays in seeing multiple specialists and the difficulty obtaining coordinated care. She was sent for MRI and PET-CT scans and her case was reviewed at the conference, where it was decided to treat her first with chemotherapy, followed by radiation therapy and surgery. She was informed of the consensus recommendation immediately after the conference.
Mrs. C was able to utilize the comprehensive services of the Lynn Cancer Institute throughout her course of treatment, including ongoing consultation with a registered dietician and therapy delivered by caring chemotherapy-certified oncology nurses. Additionally, Mrs. C received hand and foot massages while she received chemotherapy and radiation therapy, an exercise program during chemotherapy, and was able to reap the benefits of the BeUtiful program for women undergoing treatment. And to help her loved ones, Mrs. C took advantage of support groups for herself, her caregivers, her children and other family members.
Mrs. C was grateful that she was able to receive coordinated care with all of her physicians meeting on a regular basis to review her progress and being able to have the full spectrum of support services so close to home.
When you or your loved one has just been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal cancer, who do you turn to?
Can You Get World-Class Care In Your Own Backyard?
Yes! At the LCI Gastrointestinal Multimodality Clinic. 561-955-6627.
Locations:
LCI Sandler Pavilion, 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
Specialties: Lynn Cancer Institute: Louise E. Morrell, M.D., Director
Gastrointestinal MMC Team Specialists
Medical Oncology: Warren Brenner, M.D., Stephen Grabelsky, M.D.
Hepatobiliary And Foregut Surgery: S. Forrest Dodson, M.D.
Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy: David Forcion, M.D., Stephen Steinberg, M.D.
Radiation Oncology: Gregg Goldin, M.D., Sam Richter, M.D.
Interventional Radiology: George Khoriaty, M.D., Farrah Wolf, M.D.
Colorectal Surgery: Jordan Moseson, D.O., Andrew Ross, M.D.
Thoracic Surgery: John Roberts, M.D.
Genetics: Louise E. Morrell, M.D.
Social Work: Julie Katz, M.S.W., A.P.H.S.W.
Nutrition: Brandi Thompson, R.D.
Research: Sylvie Godbout, R.N.
Radiology/Imaging
Pathology
Molecular Pathology
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