What can I expect from the clinic?
The Pancreas Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic is committed to a single day evaluation of a patient incorporating all the resources available for education, diagnosis, treatment and research of pancreatic cancer. A patient will:
- Be seen in one location by all services
- Receive a comprehensive assessment
- Have access to the following pancreatic cancer specialists:
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Surgical oncologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Pathologist
- Radiologists
- Genetics counseling
- National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry
- Nutritionists
- Clinical trials
- Oncology nurses
- Pastoral care
- Pain management
- Social Work
- Have a recommended plan of treatment by the end of the clinic visit
- Summaries provided to primary care and/or referring physician
The Pancreas Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic offers:
- Educational materials for the patient and their families
- Same day diagnostic testing including specialized 3-dimensional pancreatic CT scans and MRI read by world renown radiologists
- Expertise in endoscopic procedures
- Careful examination of pathological slides by expert pancreatic pathologists
- Surgeons with extensive experience in resection of pancreatic tumors
- Combination of therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic tumors
- Integration of 4-D CT and PET/CT scans for radiation treatment planning.
- A variety of investigational studies (clinical trials) for pancreatic cancer. These studies are critical in helping to investigate ways to screen for pancreatic cancer as well as to better diagnose and investigate new treatments
GOALS:
- To provide a smooth and efficient patient experience
- To improve communication between patients with pancreatic cancer and their healthcare providers
- To improve the quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer
- To educate patients with pancreatic cancer, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about pancreatic cancer and treatment options
- To work towards a cure for pancreatic cancer through basic and clinical research
It is most beneficial to bring someone with you to also hear what is related to you as this is a day filled with much information and interaction with many health care professionals. Having another person to hear, to clarify, to take notes, and to be your advocate is most important.
See what your day will be like here...