Fox Chase Cancer Center
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Dr. Prashant C. ShahThoracic Surgery -
Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki, M.D.Mesothelioma and lung cancer 
Dr. Joseph Treat, M.D.Medical Surgery
About The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Centers
In 1974 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, welcomed the opening of Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the nation's premier facilities solely devoted to cancer research and treatment. This independent, nonprofit institution was formed from the merging of two of the nation's oldest cancer treatment hospitals - American Oncologic Hospital (one of the first cancer hospitals in the country, founded in 1904) and the Institute for Cancer Research (established in 1927). It's the region's only hospital devoted entirely to the treatment, research and prevention of all cancer types.
One of Fox Chase's strengths is its emphasis on lung cancer and mesothelioma. To battle these aggressive diseases, the cancer center houses a team of multidisciplinary experts, including Prashant C. Shah, M.D., a thoracic surgeon with a clinical focus on the surgical management of mesothelioma and expertise in treating surgical chest diseases; Gregory Michael Lubiniecki, M.D., a medical oncologist specializing in patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma, with research interests in novel therapies for these cancers; and Joseph Treat, M.D., a medical oncologist who sees only patients with mesothelioma or lung cancer diagnoses.
In addition to the physicians who diagnose, treat and care for patients with these cancers, Fox Chase takes special pride in its research of mesothelioma, headed by Joseph Testa, Ph.D., a renowned researcher exploring the genetic roots of the rare disease and methods for early detection and treatment. The Testa laboratory was the first to develop a "mouse model" that mirrors many of the molecular features of mesothelioma in humans. This model helps provide a better understanding of tumor formation and is used to test new therapies for treating the cancer.
For help finding mesothelioma specialists in Philadelphia or throughout the state of Pennsylvania, use the Mesothelioma Center's Doctor Match Program.
Treatment Options
Depending on their specific cancer type and functional status, lung cancer and mesothelioma patients may undergo a host of treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. For mesothelioma in particular, a personalized, tailored surgical approach is utilized and typically followed by radiation or chemotherapy. The team regularly discusses each patient's case and develops personalized treatment plans, which may incorporate advanced techniques. Treatment plans include:
- Induction therapy, in which tumors are shrunk (with chemotherapy or radiation) to better handle surgery
- Radiation therapies (Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiotherapy) offering higher, more accurate doses that spare healthy organs
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) techniques
- Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Photodynamic therapy
Research
This 100-bed hospital, which also counts partner institutions throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is home to national and international cancer experts. This has resulted in a top-notch research program. Currently, faculty members of Fox Chase take part in a wide range of interdisciplinary scientific research.
Faculty Research Programs at Fox Chase
- Cancer Biology
- Cancer Prevention and Control
- Developmental Therapeutics
- Immune Cell Development and Host Defense
- Women's Cancer
At any given time there are more than 200 clinical trials under way, including those involving cancer prevention and diagnostic and treatment techniques. As of 2011 there were six open clinical trials for lung cancer patients.
In its history, Fox Chase has earned prestigious honors, including Nobel Prizes in medicine and chemistry and Medals of Honor from the American Cancer Society. In addition, Fox Chase has received multiple placements among U.S. News and World Report's poll of the nation's top cancer centers. Fox Chase is designated by National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center for maintaining the highest standards of excellence in patient care, education, basic science, clinical research and cancer prevention.
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05/18/2012 -
The Queen of Disco Donna Summer died on Thursday in her Naples, Florida, home after a quiet battle with lung cancer.
She was 63.
The five-time G ..
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05/17/2012 -
Thoracic surgeon Robert Cameron, M.D., used his second annual Symposium for Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma last week in Los ..
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05/17/2012 -
Researchers in Singapore have uncovered new technology for studying cancer stem cells that could spark quicker development of a more effective therapy ..
© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Friday, April 27th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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