The need to see numerous specialists at different times and places adds to this combined physical and emotional burden. This multispecialty practice group meets weekly at which time professionals, patients and family members discuss recommendations or obtain second opinions. Specialists include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, dedicated radiologists, gastrointestinal pathologists, social workers, specially-trained nurses, enterostomal therapists and chaplain services. Physicians are members of cooperative research groups, funded by the National Cancer Institute, which offer advanced treatment options available only at federally-recognized centers such as the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Each patient receives personalized pretreatment and posttreatment evaluations and counseling regarding sexual function and continence.
Rehabilitative planning involves education for patients and their families.
Genetic counseling is available for families at high risk of cancer. For example, small amounts of residual tumor within the abdomen may be controlled by photodynamic therapy, which uses laser light to help sterilize lesions without causing significant side effects. For patients with a few tumors within the liver, surgical treatment can include cryotherapy to freeze the lesions. Novel treatments with new anticancer drugs are available for patients whose disease has recurred or failed to respond to more conventional surgical, radiation and chemotherapy approaches. The group has a weekly tumor board, where experts of all disciplines review treatment decisions.