University Of Washington Medical Center/seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Seattle, WA, United States
WebsiteThe University of Washington Medical Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance is a collaboration between the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and the Seattle Childrenâs Hospital. This focus on teamwork carries through to patient care, which is multidisciplinary by design and has produced new techniques in palliative care, infection control, and personalized therapies. Surgeons at this top cancer hospital have more than a decade of experience with the da Vinci Surgical System and the surgical oncology department has developed a technique in which two surgeons work together during a single operation.
High Tech Specs: Robot-assisted surgery, Precision medicine, Research in genetic mutations, Nanotechnology, Stem-cell transplantation, UW-OncoPlex cancer gene sequencing
How To Appeal Your Case
Read the VAs full clinical appeals process here. You can follow inewsources guide to navigating the VAs health care decisions here.
Since the San Diego VA stopped paying for his private sessions in mid-2020, Wolfe has been shuffled through the hospitals attempts to build its own ketamine program. The ordeal has had disastrous consequences.
Over the course of two months, the VA administered different kinds of the drug at low doses. It didnt work. Wolfe started backsliding into severe depression. But when the private clinic asked the VA to send him back for more appointments, a registered nurse in the local community care office denied the request.
It was not clinically appropriate, she wrote. The VA could provide the treatments he needed.
Then, in October 2020, VA nurses administered ketamine to Wolfe on a gurney in the post-anesthesia care unit. The family recalls that the veterans psychiatrist wasnt present for the infusions, and he wasnt allowed to bring his wife or service dog with him.
The experience was traumatic. Wolfe blacked out and entered a fit of rage. He screamed uncontrollably at his wife. When he finally got his bearings, he knew one thing absolutely. He would not come to the VA for another ketamine treatment.
Is it really in his best interest to get all his care at the VA? Because hes slowly circling the drain. He spends the majority of his time at his home in the dark.
Rainelle Wolfe, full-time caregiver for her veteran husband
Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota
The Mayo Clinic is world renowned for its highly skilled physicians and a massive network of resources and research. So its no surprise that it ranks highly for cancer care too. With state-of-the-art facilities and some of the newest technology in the field, the hospital also has the Mayo Clinic Childrens Center, where some of the best pediatric oncologists specialize in treating cancer in children and teenagers.
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The Vas Unique Resources
The trial dovetails with other PCF-sponsored efforts at the Department of Veterans Affairs nationwide. The foundation recently announced a partnership with the VA, intended to expand prostate cancer clinical research among veterans all over the country and to speed the development of new treatment options. The PCF is determined to bring the best prostate cancer therapy to our veterans, says Dr. Fojo.
For the veterans, the experience at the VA is more than just the doctors visits. Its a visit to a place where there are a bunch of people you know and who care about you. As a physician, to be part of that feels really good.
Dr. Tito A. Fojo
The VA provides the ideal setting for such trials. An estimated 12,000 veterans are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and its the most frequently diagnosed cancer among veterans.
The average VA physician sees more prostate cancer than the average practitioner, says Dr. Fojo. Nearly 100% of their patients are male. And these days, many of our veterans from wars in the 40s, 50s, and 60s are reaching the age where prostate cancer becomes a problem for them.
This is a really beautiful data system of the records, treatment outcomes, and laboratory results for thousands of men, which helps enable research and advances in care, says Dr. Drake.
Dr. Fojo has a long history working with veterans his first rotation as a medical student was at a VA hospital.
University Of Maryland Medical Center Baltimore
Battling cancer is far from easy, but at the , the process is a lot more comfortable thanks to its dedication to compassionate care. The doctors and nurses there use a bench to bedside approach which bridges the gap between research and clinical practice so patients receive access to the latest treatment and technology. Theyre likely to catch the 7 cancers that are notoriously hard to detect.
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Our Doctors Are Currently Seeing Patients Through In
When you call to schedule an appointment with our doctors, please let the team know if you want an in-person or video visit. If you request a video visit, our team will walk you through the simple process of arranging one. Call your preferred campus today to schedule an in-person or video visit* appointment.
* This service is open to new and existing patients.
If interested in scheduling a screening, or talk to your primary care provider.
WHY CHOOSE US
National Cancer Institute Of Milan
This Italian oncological center is famous for its research and implementation of gene therapy of cancer and studies of mechanisms of development of different forms of cancer. Specialists, who work at the Institute, study thousands of functions of genes and protein cells as well as the way they interact and the effects such interactions might have on the human body. The wide range of modern research and treatment equipment allows the Institute specialists to carry out treatment of different forms of cancer in various stages of development. Great infrastructure and extensive experience make the National Cancer Institute in Milan one of the best oncological centers in the world.
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Wake Forest University Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center
Winston-Salem, NC, United States
WebsiteAs one of the top cancer centers in the country, the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University employs over 100 clinicians who specialize in an impressively broad range of fields, from geriatric to pediatric oncology. Wake Forest offers cutting-edge technology like Elekta Axesse⢠radiotherapy, Gamma Knife ® radio surgery, and brachytherapy the latter of which receives special focus within a specialized Integrated Brachytherapy Unit. Patients have access to clinical studies that focus on managing side effects like nausea and vomiting, reducing cognitive impairment from brain cancer treatment, and improving general quality of life for patients.
High Tech Specs: Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy, Axsee Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, Gamma Knife, Brachytherapy, STAR tumor Ablation, Interventional Radiology
Why More Men Are Delaying Treatment For Prostate Cancer
Original article issued by Healthline.
When Ben Pfeiffer was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April, his urologist noted in the biopsy report that he was leaning toward recommending that Pfeiffer have his prostate surgically removed.
But Pfeiffer, 58, a married construction supervisor from Las Vegas with two grown daughters, said his wife insisted that he get a second opinion.
Its a good thing she did.
The doctors Pfeiffer subsequently visited at the University of California Los Angeles and the University of California San Francisco did not believe surgery was needed.
Pfeiffer said the results of the tests, which included genomic testing, showed he had a nonaggressive cancer that made him a good candidate for something called active surveillance, also known as watchful waiting.
In other words: No need for surgery or radiation at this time. And perhaps never.
Ben Pfeiffer with his daughter, Lexi, and his son, Nick. | Courtesy of Ben Pfeiffer
This may sound counterintuitive if you havent kept up with the latest advances in prostate cancer research.
Less than a decade ago, the standard response from a doctor when a man was given a prostate cancer diagnosis was to schedule a surgery to have the organ removed.
When some members of Pfeiffers family heard the news of his cancer, they asked him when he was going to get the prostate removed.
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Veterans Find Prostate Cancer Cure At Mcguire
Dr. Matthew Schutzer examines a 3-dimensional diagram in preparation for the placement of radiated seeds which are placed into a patientâs prostate to fight cancer cells. Photo by Patrick Gordon
Thanks to the nationwide scope of the Veterans Health Administration, a national referral program has allowed Veterans from around the country to descend on the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond for treatment of moderate to aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second-most common type of cancer among American men, who make up the largest population of Veterans. The most common form of treatment in most VA facilities is external beam radiation, a six to nine week process that involves treatments five days a week.
So far, weve had nothing but positive feedback. Its a great program.
At McGuire, brachytherapy offers a much better option for Veterans. Brachytherapy is a form of treatment that involves implanting radiated seeds directly into the prostate, where the seeds attack and eliminate the cancerous cells.
McGuires brachytherapy program dates back to the 1997. It was started by Dr. Michael P. Hagan, who is now the VAs National Director for Radiation Oncology.
Minimal Side Effects and Recovery Period
Dr. Drew Moghanaki, an attending physician in McGuires Radiation/Oncology department, currently leads the brachytherapy program.
Leaving No Man Behind
The following morning, I was on my way home
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwest, Washington, D.C., United States
WebsiteThe Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center provides treatment for nearly every kind of cancer, but it is also home to two particularly unique programs. The Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research is one of the top breast cancer research institutions in the world, and the Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers combines clinical care, research, and advocacy to fight some of the most common and deadly cancers. The Georgetown University Medical Center also features a Center for Drug Discovery that works to discover and develop state-of-the-art anti-cancer drugs for Phase I trials at Lombardi.
High Tech Specs: Capitol Breast Care Center, Heredity Cancer and Clinical Genomics Center, Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research
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Va Rating For Prostate Cancer Residuals
Once youve been off treatment for six months and your prostate cancer is in remission , the VA will assign a residual rating. A residual rating is given to any condition that persists after treatment has ended.
Several common residual conditions occur after veterans have recovered from prostate cancer. For example, suppose you had surgery to remove your prostate gland and are now incontinent. In that case, youll receive up to a 60 percent VA rating for prostate cancer. This is the highest residual rating for incontinence.
Urinary incontinence is also called voiding dysfunction by the VA and is rated from 20% to 60% based on these criteria:
- 20% You wear absorbent materials and only change them once daily.
- 40% You change absorbent materials two to four times daily.
- 60% You wear an appliance or change absorbent materials more than four times daily.
Incontinence is one of the highest permanent ratings you can receive after your cancer is no longer active, at a 60 percent VA rating for prostate cancer.
Urinary frequency is rated from 10% to 40% based on these criteria:
- 10% You go every two to three hours or wake up twice each night to urinate
- 20% You go every one to two hours or wake up three to four times each night to urinate
- 40% You go less than every hour or wake up five or more times each night to urinate
Atrophied testes are another possibility, depending on the treatment, rated from 0% to 20%. To be rated at 20%, both testes must be impacted.
Watchful Waiting
Massachusetts General Hospital Boston Ma
Although Mass General Hospital is #7 on the list, it is the #1 Research Hospital in America according to U.S. News and World Report. It is also the only hospital to be recognized in all 16 specialties where over 3,300 patients participated in clinical trials which lead to new knowledge and breakthrough therapies.
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Ashesh B Jani Md Msee Fastro
- Radiation Oncologist
- Dr. Jani specializes in the treatment of genitourinary malignancies including cancer of the prostate, bladder, kidney, testes and urethra.
- Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- Rev. Jones provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Emory University Hospital Midtown
Hematology/oncology At The James J Peters Va Hospital Bronx Ny
James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bronx, NY, is a tertiary care facility serving U.S. Veterans. The JJP VAMC is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education, and is the top performing VA for research in the region. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care, and long-term care in areas of medicine, general and specialty surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, and extended care. The JJP VAMC is a part of VA Network 2, which includes facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Castle Point and Montrose , Northport , St. Albans , New York, and East Orange and Lyons, New Jersey.
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Seidman Cancer Center At Uh Case Medical
Cleveland, OH
UH Case Medical is a research hospital, making its Seidman Cancer Center the ideal place for those wishing to take part in clinical trials. According to the hospital, there are more than 300 clinical trials available at any given time. The number of specialists are low, but patients can travel to the Cleveland Clinic for more specialized care. Seidman Cancer Center offers pediatric cancer services and has excellent success with pediatric bone marrow transplants.
New Ongoing And Published Research
VA researchers are working hard to understand the mechanisms that cause cancer, evaluate existing treatments, and find new drugs and therapies for Veterans and others with cancer. In 1930, the year the Veterans Administration was established, the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois established a cancer treatment center in which surgeons, radiologists, and specialists worked together to provide the latest treatments for cancer patients. In 1932, the Hines VA established a tumor research laboratory to complement the work of its cancer treatment center.
In 2018, VA established a collaboration with the National Cancer Institute to address barriers to cancer clinical trial recruitment across VAthe NCI and VA Interagency Group to Accelerate Trial Enrollment . The group is working to increase the number and variety of clinical trials available to VA patients, and has created a national network of VA clinical trial sites that will work together to solve common problems and help create best practices.
If you are interested in learning about joining a VA-sponsored clinical trial, visit our research study information page.
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Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital Columbus
What makes The James so great at what they do? A technique that is known as precision medicine. Its a targeted approach that treats a cancer patient based on their genes, medical history, and even environmental factors. While The James is particularly skilled at using it for immunotherapy, precision medicine is also one of these anti-aging breakthroughs that are helping people live longer.
Top Performing Va Medical Centers
Excellent care is important to VA and something all Veterans expect and deserve. All 151 VA medical centers are accredited by The Joint Commission, and 19 have been named top performers on key health care quality measures for 2011/2012.
Eight of the top performers have received the Top Performer status for two consecutive years â a noteworthy honor. The Top Performer status is awarded to facilities that excel in patient care and positive patient results.
Below is the list of the current Top Performing Medical Centers:
| The Joint Commission Quality Measures for 2012Top Performers |
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How Prostate Cancer Is Diagnosed
If your doctor suspects you may have prostate cancer, he or she will likely recommend the following to aid in diagnosis:
Prostate-specific antigen test. Your doctor may order this blood test, which measures levels of PSA, a protein produced by the cells of the prostate.
The MU Health Care team may use a PSA blood test for screening and assessment of the prostate. The PSA test may pick up cancer of the prostate before a man ever experiences symptoms.
There are advantages of detection by PSA screening.
- Cancer is more likely to be localized and responsive to treatment.
- Earlier diagnosis.
- More likely to have more treatment options available.
Digital Rectal Exam . Your doctor performs a physical examination of the prostate to assess for signs of cancer. Since prostate cancer is not the only condition that can elevate PSA results, we recommend men get a DRE in conjunction with a PSA to feel for growths in or enlargement of the prostate gland. A tumor in the prostate can often be felt as a hard lump.
It is important to note many prostate cancer treatments may not help any individual patient and are associated with significant potential for complications. You should talk with your urologist at MU Health Care while weighing the pros and cons of undergoing DRE and a PSA test to check for prostate cancer.
Help To Continue The Work
The Prostate Cancer Free Foundation, reviews the results of hundreds of thousands of men treated for prostate cancer. Tracking them for years. This information is available to you, and others like you, to help find the best prostate cancer treatment. This work takes time, effort, resources all of it done by volunteers. Please help us continue. Please Donate!
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