Providence's Thoracic Oncology Program, the most advanced program
of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, seeks to improve
outcomes for chest cancer patients by combining expert,
multidisciplinary care with state-of-the-art clinical and
basic-science research. The program conducts weekly case
review conferences attended by specialists with expertise
in all aspects of lung, esophageal and other chest cancers,
to offer consensus recommendations for care. "With
25 of the best brains brought to bear on your patient,
it's a hugely valuable clinical tool," says
John Handy, M.D., co-director of the program.
The Thoracic Oncology Program also offers patients early
access to the latest investigational therapies. Nationally,
only 2 to 3 percent of lung cancer patients enroll in clinical
trials to receive these therapies. Yet, thanks to our physicians,
nearly 25 percent of our program's patients take part in
clinical trials.
Another program focus is to detect chest cancers early, when treatment can be most effective. One key strategy is the use of a fluorescent bronchoscope to aid physicians' ability to screen survivors for the first signs of a new lung cancer.
"The support of Providence Cancer Center has made the growth of the Thoracic Oncology Program possible," says Dr. Handy, "and our program serves as a model for lung cancer treatment and research throughout the region."