The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 204,990 new cases of lung cancer in the United States this year. Blumenthal Cancer Center's team of experts offers the most innovative treatment options available for lung cancer patients.

EASY ACCESSIBILITY

A single phone call is all it takes to access the Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Program. Within 48 hours, an appointment will be made to see a pulmonologist, who will review the patient's history and radiographic findings and schedule an appropriate diagnostic procedure.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

After the initial evaluation, the patient will be presented to our team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists and radiologists. Our team will develop an individual diagnostic and treatment algorithm utilizing our multifaceted minimally invasive techniques and we will report findings to you. Patients can be diagnosed with one of our many minimally invasive diagnostic techniques available including:

• Bronchoscopy
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided biopsy of lung tumors and mediastinal lymph nodes (CHS is the only hospital system in the region to offer EBUS)
• Percutaneous CT-guided biopsy of lung tumors and mediastinal lymph nodes
• Transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided biopsy of posterior mediastinal lymph nodes
• Mediastinoscopy and lymph node biopsy
• Thoracoscopy and biopsy of pleural implants, lung nodules and mediastinal lymph nodes.

Once the diagnosis of cancer is made, the patient's case is reviewed at our weekly Multidisciplinary Thoracic Tumor Conference, which is attended by specialists that have extensive experience in lung cancer treatment. The team makes individualized treatment recommendations based on each patient's tumor size, cell type and location, as well as performance status.

ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNIQUES

Ninety-five percent of patients with resectable lung cancer will have a lobectomy or pneumonectomy with lymph node staging using minimally invasive Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). The average length of hospital stay is one-third that of

conventional thoracotomy with much diminished discomfort for patients. In addition, complex resection and bronchial reconstruction are performed when necessary, as with bronchial sleeve resections.

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Our oncologists play an important role in the treatment of lung cancer by offering cutting edge targeted treatments that can achieve excellent responses with less toxicity. They work in close contact with other members of the treatment team to formulate a comprehensive plan especially tailored to each individual patient.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

We offer state-of-the-art radiation therapy techniques, including 3-D treatment planning, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). SBRT utilizes daily imageguide field placement (IGRT) to precisely target and often eradicate small malignant tumors with limited dose to nearby normal tissues.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Our program also offers access to the newest and most innovative clinical trials available designed to evaluate and improve the initial treatment of cancer, as well as the treatment of recurring or advanced cancer. These trials can provide new treatment possibilities and new hope to patients with advanced cancer when other treatment approaches have been unsuccessful. To search our database of available clinical trials, please click here.

OUR GOAL is to return patients home after having received the most innovative, multidisciplinary and minimally invasive individual diagnosis and treatment regimen available, thus giving them the best chance of long-term survival with a minimum of risk and discomfort.

CONTACT US To speak with one of our lung cancer specialists or schedule an appointment, please call 1-888-810-0040.