Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Treatments Expedited at New Clinic

A new clinic in Naperville, Illinois will allow certain cancer patients to participate in an accelerated multidisciplinary medical approach to determine the course of treatment to best combat their specific disease.

The Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Clinic, opened by Edwards Cancer Center, allows patients to see a variety of experienced cancer specialists and complete necessary testing all in one visit. This unique approach can provide a patient with a course of treatment in one day, rather than the weeks or months it may take to coordinate a traditional treatment plan.

“The huge benefit to the patient is that we’re able to start treating the cancer in about two weeks,” Dr. Maria Quejada, medical oncologist with Edward Cancer Center stated. “It can take up to a month or longer to begin treatment if a patient has to visit multiple doctors and caregivers in multiple locations.”

Oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, social workers, clinical trials coordinators and coordinating nurses are available to develop a treatment plan to discuss with the patient on the same day they come to the clinic. New patients are seen by the physicians within a week of referral.

The clinic specifically treats patients with thoracic cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Though a mesothelioma cure does not currently exist, many patients elect to undergo intensive treatment to contest the cancer.

“First and foremost, patients are getting the most advanced and highest quality cancer care available through Edward Cancer Center and the multidisciplinary team,” said Dr. David Cziperle, thoracic surgeon with Edward Hospital and Cardiac Surgery Associates, adding that patients “also have peace of mind when they leave with a treatment plan in hand. It’s one less worry during a very stressful time in their lives.”

For additional information about the Edward Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Clinic, call (630) 646-6119 or visit www.edward.org.

For more information on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 12:42 pm and is filed under Illinois, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.