Memorial Sloan-Kettering CC
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Valerie Rusch, M.D.Thoracic Surgeonn -
Lee Krug, M.D.Thoracic Oncologist -
Igor MatushanskyMedical Oncologist -
Prasad S. Adusumilli, M.D.Thoracic Oncologist
About The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Why would those dealing with lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pleural conditions consider New York City's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment program? Well, not only is it one of the nation's leading medical institutions, but it's actually the world's oldest and largest private cancer center. Founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital, MSKCC is a 432-bed facility providing top-notch care and treatment for more than 400 cancer subtypes each year.
One reason for this facility's success is the close collaboration between its physicians and scientists, which benefits all involved, including patients. MSKCC is one of the nation's 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, which means that it's recognized as maintaining the highest standards of excellence in patient care, education, basic science, clinical research and cancer prevention.
This is certainly evidenced by the hospital's achievements in diagnosing and treating lung cancer, mesothelioma and related pleural conditions. Generally, MSKCC surgeons and doctors treat early-stage mesothelioma patients with systemic chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiation, or some combination of these. But as even this treatment course offers low survival rates, the hospital's researchers are constantly seeking out more effective therapies to allow patients to live longer with fewer symptoms. Those patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may receive intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which medications are administered directly into the abdominal cavity's membrane.
Patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma typically require such surgical procedures as thoracoscopies, pleurectomies and peritonectomies. They may also need to undergo an extrapleural pneumonectomy, in which affected lungs and other organs are removed; this may be followed by radiation or chemotherapy. MSKCC's medical teams pride themselves on their use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for mesothelioma treatment, in which specific radiation doses are precisely delivered to better target tumors, while sparing normal structures.
But this dedication to mesothelioma treatment would be nothing without the medical and surgical professionals at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Valerie Rusch, M.D., chief of Thoracic Service, together with team members like thoracic oncologist Lee Krug, M.D., and thoracic surgeon Prasad S. Adusumilli, M.D., regularly meet to discuss the genetics and treatment of lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and esophageal cancer. These discussions are essential in identifying new techniques for cancer diagnosis and effective treatment options.
MSKCC participates in more than 900 clinical cancer trials at any given time. Among these are trials studying drug treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma. And through a partnership with Memorial Hospital, translational research, in which important research findings are put into practice, can be accomplished much quicker.
In addition to lung cancer, the hospital's Disease Management Program features 16 multidisciplinary cancer teams comprised of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, psychiatrists and nurses. Patients are afforded personalized therapies, incorporating the latest, state-of-the-art techniques and methods. In fact, more surgical cancer procedures are performed at MSKCC than at any American hospital. Memorial Sloan-Kettering is particularly renowned for its wide range of services for cancer patients over age 65. Among these programs are those for social work and counseling, rehabilitation and nutrition.
