Pulse

Summer 2015

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torrancememorial.org PULSE | 33 CLINICAL TRIALS The Clinical Research Department at Torrance Memorial provides access to national clinical trials for cancer patients. This program is connected with the Clinical Trials Support Unit and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Torrance Memorial patients have enrolled in a number of these trials, and Thyra Endicott, MD, RTOG principal investigator, Torrance Memorial Radiation Oncology, says the program is expanding its connection with the NCI on a monthly basis. "This is an exciting opportunity for our patients and for our cancer program, as very few community hospitals have the resources to support these efforts, but through The Clinical Research Department's support, our patients can participate in trials that can establish new standards for the cure of cancer," Dr. Endicott explains. Hugo Hool, MD, an oncologist and hematologist, Torrance Memorial Physician Network – Cancer Care, and his staff are also conducting trials for interventional radiology and radiation oncology. David Chan, MD, a cancer specialist at Torrance Memorial Physician Network – Cancer Care, reports having 10 clinical trials open for breast cancer, six lung cancer trials, two pancreatic cancer trials and two lymphoma trials, with new trials soon to open in bladder and head and neck cancer. "These are oncology clinical trials testing new molecules and new combinations of treatments that may make them more effective and better tolerated. The trials can open and close within six to 12 months, and the enrollment criteria are very strict. Patients have to fit scientific criteria for what the study question is addressing. For example, we are testing a new drug for triple negative breast cancer and are seeking patients who have never been treated with chemo for that problem. This allows the trial to quickly answer a specific question about the effectiveness of that drug." and Clark Fuller, MD, thoracic surgery, as well as George So, MD, interventional radiologist, Melanie Friedlander, MD, breast surgeon, and I quarterbacked as medical oncologist. It takes a lot of talented people working together to give the patient the best care possible." In addition to the skilled lung cancer team, Dr. Chan adds that he is also excited to work with so many experienced physicians such as Andrew Horodner, MD, an expert in benign and malignant hematolog y, and Syed Jilani, MD, an expert in breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer care, Patricia Sacks, MD, a breast radiolog y expert, as well Neil Bhayani, MD, for liver and pancreas. "We have strong physicians here at Torrance Memorial. It's just exceptional that I'm able to work with such a high quality of doctors. It's remarkable how well trained, skilled and experienced everyone is," says Dr. Fuller. Wade Nishimoto, MD, at California Hematolog y Oncolog y Medical Group, is an oncologist affiliated with the Hunt Cancer Institute. "e program is constantly evolving and getting better, and that's great news for the patients we serve," he says. "As oncologists, we are fortunate that Torrance Memorial has invested so heavily in building this program. Not all hospitals have the resources or event the interest to do so. It makes it easier to provide patients with the best standard of care possible." Not only does the program have the highest level of skilled team members, but the latest equipment in the diagnosis of cancer. For example, Torrance Memorial's Polak Breast Diagnostic Center recently added digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3-D (three-dimensional) mammography. is is a proven technolog y and the best screening tool available for capturing breast cancer for most patients, especially those with dense breasts whose breast cancer risk is three times higher than those without dense breasts. "3-D mammography is 41% more accurate at diagnosing breast cancer than previous technolog y, and decreases the "call-back" or need for additional imaging by 40%," says Patricia Sacks, MD, medical director of the Polak Breast Diagnostic Center. KEEPING SPIRITS UP While less quantifiable than quality health care, a positive mental attitude is critical when fighting cancer. at's why Torrance Memorial offers a wide variety of support services. To navigate all the support programs available, the hospital has nurse navigators. Each patient is assigned a nurse whom they can call at any time to talk about concerns or to inquire about services including counseling, nutritional support, smoking cessation, support groups, yoga and meditation classes, and more. Melissa Gunlund, MSN, RN, is a thoracic nurse navigator whose role is to work with newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. "I'm a resource for the patient— to educate them on what their treatment plan will look like or help them with issues such as problems getting to appointments, insurance complications or when seeking financial resources or psych-social services," she explains. "Patients can call me any day of the week or come in and have a one-on-one to discuss what they're struggling with so I can assess their needs. It can be terrifying to get a sudden diagnosis. I'm here to educate them and give them access to the resources they need and be someone to talk with about what they're going through." e hospital holds many support groups. For more information please contact e Cancer Research Center at 310-517-4665. Anything that can lower a patient's stress level and provide support and hope can improve chances of survival. Physicians agree that a positive attitude is important for healing. And the healthier the attitude, the more likely a patient is to communicate well with a physician, which can make a big difference. "I think attitude is extremely important because of compliance and also how likely it is for the patient to complete therapy," says Dr. Chan. "ey are more likely to discuss side effects and have good follow-up and communication. Going in with an open mind and having trust in their physician is important because they buy into the treatment plan and into taking care of their own health." "A positive attitude and mental approach is imperative to healing. I can't quantify it—it just is," adds Dr. Fuller. For more information about open trials, contact the Clinical Research Department at 310-517-4714.

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