A New Direction in Cancer Care -
[Cached Version]
Last Visited: 2/17/2009
According to James Wade, MD, MPH, a Medical College of Wisconsin medical oncologist, sub-specialization is key.
But what does that mean?
"As an individual, you have only one cancer," Dr. Wade said, "and not all cancer is the same.
If you have breast cancer, you'll have optimal results with a surgeon whose primary interest is breast cancer, rather than someone who may do a breast cancer procedure today and a different type of surgery tomorrow."
Dr. Wade, chief of Neoplastic Diseases and Related Disorders, noted each physician at the Clinical Cancer Center is not only an oncologist, but also an oncology sub-specialist.
...
"In cancer, there is such rapid movement and change in medical therapies, radiation techniques and surgical procedures," Dr. Wade said, "that sub-specialization is the only way to consistently provide the most advanced options for a particular disease."
Sub-specialized cancer surgeons, he noted, are typically the most current on the latest procedures.
For example, surgeons in the Thoracic Cancer Program offer a thoracoscopic lobectomy.
This procedure, appropriate for some early stage lung cancer patients, involves removing an entire lung lobe and necessary lymph nodes through tiny incisions.
It is as effective as traditional open surgery, but offers patients a much easier recovery.
According to Dr. Wade, sub-specialization allows physicians to take the lead in clinical research.
...
Many patients, Dr. Wade explained, tolerate chemotherapy well and receive treatment on an outpatient basis.
But others are more ill and need the equivalent of inpatient care.
That's where the Day Hospital comes in.
It meets the intensive needs of sicker patients, but does so on an outpatient basis.
Day Hospital patients go home each evening.
According to Dr. Wade, receiving intensive services in the Day Hospital affects outcomes.
"We learned that if patients go home each day after treatment, they take on more independence," he said.
"And that simple factor impacts recovery positively."
The Day Hospital also gives patients more flexibility.
"Many juggle family and professional needs with treatment," Dr. Wade said.
The Day Hospital is open seven days a week with extended morning and evening hours.
"A patient may receive treatment after work Friday and recover on Saturday - or may even get treatment over the weekend."
If it is well-tolerated, he or she could return to work Monday.
...
According to Dr.Wade, this difference is what patients can expect from a top-tier cancer center.
"Patients at Froedtert & the Medical College get the greatest level of expertise, the newest therapies and innovations, and the most individualized care plans," he said.
13 online sources [ view sources ]
Profile is not claimed [ claim profile ]
