Download Outcomes and Innovations Report - Valley Blumenthal Cancer Center

THE BLUMENTHAL
CANCER CENTER
2015 OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS
I am proud to welcome Valley Health System, our academic and
clinical affiliate, as a partner in the delivery of innovative and
comprehensive cancer services.
We recognize the high quality oncology care that Valley has long
provided and see many opportunities to expand on Valley’s legacy
of exceptional cancer services.
Through collaborative programs, research opportunities, and peer
engagement among physicians, we will expand oncology services
in ways that will benefit the residents of northern New Jersey and
beyond.
I look forward to the many successful ways in which we will
collaborate in years to come.
STEVEN J. BURAKOFF, M.D.
Director, The Tisch Cancer Institute
Mount Sinai Health System
Sincerely,
CONTENTS
Letter from the Medical Director
1
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center
20
What's New at Valley
2-3
Urologic Oncology
21
Lung Cancer and Thoracic Surgery
4-7
Medical Oncology
22
Advancing Research
23
Breast Cancer
8-11
Gynecologic Oncology
12-13
Publications and Presentations
24-25
Neuro-Oncology
14-15
Physician Directory
26-27
Gastrointestinal Malignancies
16-17
Analytic Cases
27
Interventional Oncology
18-19
LETTER FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR
It is my pleasure to present to you the most recent outcomes and
innovations report from Valley Health System’s Blumenthal Cancer Center.
The report showcases the impressive outcomes, achievements, and
advances that have been made over the past year.
Throughout this publication, you will find important data on the
cancers most frequently treated at Valley, as well as exciting updates
on Valley’s innovations and program expansions. Please feel free to
share this report with your colleagues and patients. It would be my
pleasure to discuss any portion of this publication with you or answer
any questions regarding our cancer program.
Over the past year, our Cancer Center has embarked on several exciting
and promising initiatives. Chief among those is an academic and clinical
alliance with Mount Sinai Health System. As an affiliate, we will
collaborate with Mount Sinai on innovative research, clinical programs
and educational initiatives that will bring more of the best possible
care to our community. (See “What’s New at Valley” on the next page
for details.)
The continued growth of our Cancer Center, support services, and
research facilities is a testament to Valley’s persistent dedication to
providing our community with access to leading cancer services, clinical
trials, support groups, and integrative offerings. I am proud to be a
part of this dedicated cancer team, comprised of physicians, nurses,
staff, volunteers, and donors, who all work to make these successes
a reality and ultimately deliver the highest level of care to our patients.
ROBERT J. KORST, M.D.
Medical Director,
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal
Cancer Center
Director, Thoracic Surgery
Chair of Oncology Services,
Valley Medical Group
I extend my thanks, as always, to the doctors and staff for the exceptional
commitment, service, and clinical excellence they provide each and
every day to our patients. The outcomes shared in this report are the
result of their unwavering efforts.
Thank you to our patients and their families for trusting the providers
at the Blumenthal Cancer Center and Valley Health System implicitly.
It is an absolute privilege to provide care to you.
Robert J. Korst, M.D.
201-634-5365
[email protected]
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■1
■ What’s New at Valley
■ Partnership with Mount Sinai
Health System
In 2015, Mount Sinai Health System and Valley
Health System announced a collaboration on clinical
programs, research, and educational initiatives.
Both organizations remain independent, but they will
work together to enhance patient care by:
• establishing new clinical programs and services
• initiating research programs to advance education
and medical science
• establishing clinical information system linkages that
would enhance quality, continuity, and evaluation of care
• participating in the development of a clinically
integrated physician network for the delivery of
high-quality, cost-efficient care
■ Stereotactic Radiosurgery
for the Spine
Valley’s Stereotactic Radiosurgery spine program
provides patients the most cutting-edge option in
focused external radiation therapy to target spinal tumors
while avoiding injury to the spinal cord. Stereotactic
radiosurgery of the spine is performed by a multidisciplinary team including Valley’s neurosurgeons,
radiation oncologists, and nurse navigators. The treatment
is less invasive than traditional surgery and more effective
than conventional radiation.
■ Radioactive
■ Palliative
Care
To better serve patients and families, Valley has
introduced an Outpatient Palliative Care Program
to coordinate and deliver services on an outpatient basis.
Each patient’s unique palliative care plan is designed to
optimize quality of life and provide comfort and support
for both patients and their families. Services are delivered
by a multidisciplinary team comprised of an advanced
practice nurse and physician. They include pain and
symptom management to achieve maximum patient
comfort; treatments to maintain and improve patients’
abilities to perform the tasks of daily living; emotional
and spiritual support for patients and their caregivers;
care coordination assistance; and assistance with life
planning and decisions (i.e. advanced directives and
living wills).
■ TrueBeam
Linear Accelerator
At Valley, our radiation oncologists use TrueBeam
linear accelerators to deliver state-of-the-art radiation
for treating many types of tumors with pinpoint accuracy.
Installed in 2015, our two new units treat with a precision
that can be measured in millimeters, and at a speed that
is up to 400 percent faster than other accelerators. TrueBeam’s
accuracy helps avoid harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Seed Localization
For patients with breast cancer, Valley now offers
radioactive seed localization as a new option to target
and remove lesions or tumors while preserving healthy
tissue. Learn more on page 8.
The TrueBeam Linear Accelerator.
2■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
■ Interventional
Oncology
The surgeons at Valley’s Blumenthal Cancer Center
are collaborating with interventional radiology
experts at the hospital to perform minimally invasive
procedures that help accurately diagnose, locate, and
ultimately treat various types of tumors. Patients facing
diagnoses including certain colorectal, pancreatic,
hepatobiliary, lung, and brain cancers can now benefit
from Valley’s interventional oncology capabilities.
Learn more on page 18.
■ Patient
Financial Advocacy
When facing a cancer diagnosis, patients and their
families face many new challenges, including financial
planning and insurance questions. At the Blumenthal
Cancer Center, our Patient Financial Advocate counsels
patients and families on insurance benefits and copayments,
and provides assistance on accessing financial resources.
The Patient Financial Advocate works with staff to identify
patients who are eligible to benefit from charity care,
marketplace insurance, drug replacement, or funds from
The Valley Hospital Foundation.
Financial advocate Gail Johnson meets with a patient to discuss
the financial aspects of her care.
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■3
Lung Cancer and
Thoracic Surgery
Focusing on Early Detection: As an active participant in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program
(I-ELCAP), the largest lung cancer screening program in the world, Valley helps study the role of low-dose computer
tomographic (CT) screening for early lung cancer, and even offers these screening examinations to eligible patients.
Medicare has announced that it will now cover this lung cancer screening on eligible patients. For non-Medicare
patients, Valley continues to provide the initial screening free of charge if certain criteria are met. For more information,
please call 201-634-5757. (Above: Robert J. Korst, M.D.)
4■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
LUNG CANCER AND THORACIC SURGERY
The Thoracic Cancer Program at The Blumenthal Cancer Center
The thoracic cancer program at The Blumenthal Cancer
Center covers the entire spectrum of malignant diseases of
the chest. Services range from screening and early detection,
to management of diseases in their advanced stages.
For patients who require the surgical removal of their
cancer, our thoracic surgeons have extensive expertise,
with lung cancer resection volumes increasing at The
Valley Hospital over the years. Patients with early-stage
lung cancer have the best possible outcome with surgical
resection.
At Valley, most of these patients undergo a minimally
invasive form of resection. Some patients with locally
advanced disease may also be candidates for surgical resection,
but may require the removal of an entire lung or a variety
of adjacent structures. (See figure 2, page 7)
When compared to national statistics, the quality and
excellence in Valley’s thoracic surgery outcomes are
apparent. As shown, patients undergoing pulmonary
lobectomy at The Valley Hospital have better outcomes
than national figures when a variety of metrics are evaluated.
(See figure 1)
Pulmonary Lobectomy Quality Measures
Valley STS*
490
6.1 10.9
% Prolonged air leak
% Urgent return to OR
4.1
4.1
% Mortality in hospital
0
1.0
% 30-day mortality
0
1.4
1.9
2.9
% Post-op pneumonia
0
4.2
% Blood transfusion intraoperative
0
3.1
% Blood transfusion postoperative
3.7
6.1
3
5
% Post-op respiratory failure
Length of stay (days)
* STS- Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database
(figure 1)
Median Length of Hospital Stay (days) in 2014
curative lung cancer
resections were performed
in the period between
2008 – 2014 at
The Blumenthal
Cancer Center.
Surgically Managed Esophageal
Disease in 2014
70%
16%
8%
6%
Hiatal hernia repair
Myotomy
Esophagectomy
Other
9 Esophagectomy
4 Open Lobectomy
3 VATS Robotic Lobectomy
3 VATS Segmentectomy
2 VATS Wedge Resection
1 Esophageal Myotomy
To date, our Center physicians have
performed over 100 navigational
bronchoscopy procedures and over 800
endobronchial ultrasound procedures.
1 Hiatal Hernia Repair
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■5
LUNG CANCER AND THORACIC SURGERY
Benjamin Lee, M.D.
■ Key
Services:
• Lung cancer screening: At our center, we offer lung
cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography
for patients who meet high-risk criteria for lung cancer.
• Pulmonary Nodule Center: Since screenings can
reveal lung nodules, the majority of which are benign,
this dedicated program is aimed at determining which
pulmonary nodules require further investigation for
malignancy and which can be ignored. Patients with
indeterminate pulmonary nodules found on an x-ray
or on a CT scan may obtain a physician’s opinion, along
with any needed services they may require for the
management of their nodules based on standardized
algorithms and state-of-the-art diagnostics.
• Navigational bronchoscopy: An incisionless diagnostic
technique that uses GPS-like technology to locate and
biopsy lung abnormalities.
• Endobronchial ultrasound: A procedure that involves
the insertion of a tiny ultrasound camera through the
mouth and into the lungs to biopsy chest masses and
lymph nodes.
• Transthoracic needle biopsy: Our interventional
radiologists are experts at sampling even very small
lung nodules with CT-guidance, eliminating a surgical
approach in many cases.
• Minimally invasive lung cancer resection:
Our surgeons use small “keyhole” incisions for the
majority of lung cancer resections. (See figure 2, page 7)
These resections are performed using VATS (videoassisted thorascopic surgery) or with assistance of
the da Vinci surgical robot.
6■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
• Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): Highly
focused radiation treatment with minimal side effects.
Delivered in only five or fewer sessions, SBRT has been
shown to successfully maintain local control of early lung
cancers. This state-of-the-art option is available for
patients who cannot undergo surgery due to poor lung
function.
• Radiofrequency and microwave ablation: Another
nonsurgical option for patients who have early lung
cancer and are unable to tolerate surgical removal of
their tumors.
• Molecular testing: All lung cancer biopsy or resection
specimens are tested for key genetic changes (mutations)
that may be targets for advanced therapies for this
deadly disease.
• Lung cancer research: Our center offers a wide range
of clinical trials for lung cancer patients. In addition, our
own researchers are actively pursuing a blood-based
biomarker for lung cancer that may help future patients
by aiding in early diagnosis.
• Center for Barrett’s Esophagus and GERD:
Our surgeons comprehensively treat patients with
gastroesophageal reflux and chronic heartburn, because
they are at higher risk of esophageal cancer. The goal
is to eradicate the premalignant condition known as
Barrett’s esophagus using novel endoscopic procedures
known as radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic
mucosal resections. Valley physicians have performed
over 400 of these procedures. In addition, if a patient has
esophageal cancer, our surgeons use minimally invasive
operative techniques to perform esophagectomy.
Types of Resections for Malignancies
of the Lung in 2014
Robotic Lobectomy
28
VATS Lobectomy
21
Open Lobectomy
8
VATS Wedge Resection
7
VATS Segmentectomy
3
Lobectomy/Chest Wall Resection 3
Sleeve Lobectomy
2
Pneumonectomy
1
Robert J. Korst, M.D. and Benjamin Lee, M.D.
(figure 2)
Non-Cardiac Thoracic Surgery Volume
Lung/pleura/chest wall/diaphragm
1
2005
187
30 218
2006
190
3
23 216
2007
235
22 43
2008
250
60
2009
268
35
2010
272
36
2011
286
2012
346
2013
327
2014
342
Foregut
Mediastinum
Endoscopic procedures
0
100
34 334
96
87
493
501
73
125
221
106
323
63
51
96
225
400
500
144
600
764
712
100
239
61
300
92
219
77
200
635
700
743
772
800
Number of procedures
(figure 3)
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■7
Breast Cancer
In collaboration with Valley’s plastic surgeons, breast surgeons Laura Klein, M.D., and Tihesha Wilson, M.D.,
performed nipple-sparing mastectomies on 61% of the women who underwent mastectomies in 2014.
The nipple-sparing technique gives the patient the best possible cosmetic result and a renewed sense of
wholeness.
8■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
BREAST CANCER
The Blumenthal Cancer Center's Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group, moderated by Karen Kwilecki, Breast Surgery Nurse Navigator
(second from right). (Not pictured, co-moderator, Brooke Laster, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker).
As part of its mission to provide the full continuum of
healthcare services, The Valley Hospital’s Breast Center
has continued to grow its program with more of the latest treatment options, support services, and resources for
patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
Radioactive seed localization offers patients an alternative
to wire localization, a more traditional approach that is
known to cause discomfort. Research has also indicated
that wire localization increases the chances of incomplete
lesion removal and the need for additional surgeries.
Our team of experts is proud to offer radioactive seed
localization as a cutting-edge option for patients. This
innovative procedure enables more precise locating and
removal of certain breast lesions and cancers, and better
ensures the preservation of healthy breast tissue. Valley’s
Breast Center is one of the only in the region offering this
groundbreaking option.
At Valley’s Breast Center, our surgeons continue to employ
oncoplastic techniques such as nipple-sparing mastectomy
and oncoplastic lumpectomy. These surgical options
combine the removal of tumors and the reconstruction
of the breast for excellent clinical outcomes, along with
improved aesthetic results for our patients.
Radioactive seed localization is especially beneficial for
patients who present with small breast lesions visible
on a mammogram that cannot be felt within the breast.
This advanced technique involves the placement of
radioactive seeds, which are injected into the breast at
the exact location of the lesion up to five days before
surgery. The radioactive seeds then act as markers to
help breast surgeons navigate to the tumor site. Using
this technique, Valley’s fellowship-trained breast surgeons
are able to remove the breast lesion and seeds, all while
sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
Integrative Healing Services Offered
at the Blumenthal Cancer Center
• Yoga
• Therapeutic Massage
• Reiki
• Nutritional Support
• Support Groups
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■9
BREAST CANCER
CANCER SURVIVORS DAY 2014: More than 200 cancer survivors and their guests joined Valley’s oncology team for a special 25th Anniversary
“Celebration of Life” to commemorate National Cancer Survivors Day. The event was held at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes.
99%
of patients staged
and treated at the
Blumenthal Cancer Center
had a needle biopsy
pre-operatively.
10 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
Drs. Klein and Wilson performed breast conservation on 73%
of the surgical cases done in 2014. Breast conservation (lumpectomy)
removes the breast cancer while preserving healthy breast tissue.
100% of the lumpectomies were performed in an oncoplastic
fashion, allowing patients to have outstanding clinical outcomes
and cosmetic results.
CANCER SURVIVORS DAY 2015: Cancer survivors and Valley's oncology team gathered for the annual celebration at Provident Bank Park,
home of the Rockland Boulders.
79%
■ Key
Services:
• Breast Ultrasound
of patients with
• Oncoplastic Surgery
stage I disease
• Radioactive Seed Localization
underwent a sentinel
• Breast MRI
node biopsy.
• Digital Mammography
• 3-D Mammography (Tomosynthesis):
Detects more tumors while ruling out false
CL IN ICA L STA GING
Stage 0
positives compared with a traditional 2-D
mammogram alone.
23%
Stage I
• Clinical Cancer Genetics Program:
49%
provide risk assessments, genetic counseling,
and panel testing for genetic syndromes.
Stage II
Stage III
25.7%
2.2%
• Integrative Medicine:
Education and support for patients to achieve
optimal quality of life after surgery.
• Nutrition Counseling
• Occupational Therapy
The Valley Hospital’s Breast Center
has continued to grow its program with
more of the latest treatment options.
• Prone Breast Irradiation
• Survivorship Program
• Clinical Trials
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 11
Gynecologic
Oncology
At 25 years old, Siobhan Rizzo had her heart set on starting a family, until she received a diagnosis of cervical
cancer. Fortunately, after undergoing gynecologic surgery at Valley’s Blumenthal Cancer Center, Siobhan would
not only be a cancer survivor, but she would also become the mother of twins.
"When I was first diagnosed, I went to a well-known cancer center in the city, thinking it would be our best option,” said Siobhan.
“After being there for only 10 minutes I wanted to leave; I did not feel like they were empathizing with my confusion, fear, and
concern of having a family. When my husband and I arrived at Valley to see Dr. Noah Goldman, we felt comfortable immediately.”
Dr. Goldman explained the surgical options available, and together they came up with the best course of treatment for Siobhan
to have the cancer removed and still have a chance at pregnancy in the future. Utilizing the robotic da Vinci Surgical System
and small incision sites, Dr. Goldman performed a radical trachelectomy, which removed Siobhan’s cervix and kept her uterus
intact to preserve her chance at a future pregnancy.
Within four months of her surgery, Siobhan and her husband were back consulting with fertility specialists, and by the following
February, Siobhan was pregnant. Siobhan gave birth to twins, Jacob and Julianna, on August 15, 2013.
12 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Noah Goldman, M.D.
The Gynecologic Oncology program at Valley’s Blumenthal
Cancer Center is one of the few in the metropolitan area
using minimally invasive techniques for most gynecologic
cancer cases requiring surgery. In greater than 90 percent of
the surgeries performed, our fellowship-trained surgeons
employed minimally invasive modalities such as laparoscopic
surgery and robotic surgery. At Valley, gynecologic oncology
patients consistently experience less postoperative complications, better outcomes, and shorter inpatient recovery
stays than the national average.
When it comes to ovarian cancer, studies have shown that
where a patient receives treatment can make a difference
in her outcome. In this research, hospitals with a high
volume of ovarian cancers (>20 cases/year) and surgeons
who perform a high volume of cases (>10 cases/year) have
better patient outcomes than low-volume centers. As a
high-volume center, Valley saw 38 ovarian cases in 2014
and continues to generate clinical results that outperform
low-volume hospitals.
■ Key
Services:
• Robotic Surgery
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Fertility Sparing Options Including
Brachytherapy
• State-of-the-Art Radiation Oncology
• Access to Clinical Trials
474
robotic procedures
have been performed
between 2013-2014 by the
Blumenthal Cancer Center's
Gynecologic Surgical
Oncologists
Median length of hospital stay is 1 day.
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 13
NeuroOncology
Chad DeYoung, M.D., and Anthony D'Ambrosio, M.D.
Since the opening of the Gamma Knife Center in November of 2011, 349 patients have been treated and
391 procedures have been performed.
14 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
NEURO-ONCOLOGY
Valley’s Neuro-Oncology program is proud to offer
patients a variety of revolutionary options to improve
the treatment of brain metastases, including a new
immunotherapy vaccine for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The vaccine, which uses the
patient’s own immune system to specifically target proteins
unique to their tumor cells, is used in combination with
more traditional cancer modalities like radiation and
chemotherapy. The hope is that this treatment method
may lead to a higher cure rate of gliomas in the future.
In addition, Valley’s Neuro-Oncology program is testing
a unique device for the treatment of patients with recurrent
GBM. Optune® is an FDA-approved medical device that
wraps around a patient’s scalp. The device creates an
electric field around the tumor to disrupt the growth
and reproduction of cancer cells in the brain.
In 2015, neurosurgeons Anthony D’Ambrosio, M.D.,
and William Cobb, M.D., Ph.D., brought another new
technology to Valley for the treatment of malignant
brain tumors. Using a special operating microscope,
cancerous tumors are marked with a fluorescent
compound, making the otherwise invisible cancerous
brain tumor cells “glow” when viewed through a scope
during surgery. Studies show that such fluorescenceguided surgery can lead to more thorough removal
of brain tumors, and results at Valley thus far have
indicated more complete and accurate resections,
which can lead to extended survival for patients.
Neurosurgeons at Valley’s Blumenthal Cancer Center
continue to see great outcomes with patients treated
with Gamma Knife Perfexion® technology. Valley is in
its fourth year of utilizing Gamma Knife to successfully
treat patients with conditions ranging from malignant
brain tumors to acoustic neuromas to trigeminal
neuralgia. During this time, Valley’s experts at the
Gamma Knife Center have been able to increase the
number of metastases treated with the technology, making
more patients eligible for Gamma Knife. This has the
advantage of better preservation of thinking and memory
function.
Brain Tumors: Surgical Resection vs.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
94
2012
■ Surgery
■ SRS
92
2013
90
85
2010
2011
29
33
27
22
■ Key
2014
67
52
Services:
• Cutting-Edge Neurosurgical Techniques
• Fluorescence-Guided Surgery
• Gamma Knife Perfexion® Technology
• Intraoperative Brain Mapping
• Intraoperative CT Scanner
• Intraoperative Ultrasound
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery
• Stereotactic Navigation
• TrueBeam Linear Accelerator
• Clinical Trials
• Integrative and Holistic Therapies
• Neuro-Oncology Research
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 15
Gastrointestinal
Malignancies
Anusak Yiengpruksawan, M.D., and Lawrence Harrison, M.D.
The Center for Advanced Gastrointestinal Surgery provides coordinated, multidisciplinary care to patients with
gastrointestinal cancers. Our center brings together a team of physicians, nurses, and supportive care professionals
to employ an integrative approach to treating gastrointestinal cancers. Here, specialists from medical oncology,
surgical oncology, and radiation oncology, as well as interventional radiology and pathology, come together for a
weekly conference where many cases are presented and discussed.
16 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
GASTROINTESTINAL MALIGNANCIES
High-Volume Center
Research indicates that when treated at high volume
centers, patients with complex gastrointestinal cases
that require advanced surgical care have superior clinical
outcomes compared to patients who undergo treatment
at facilities where a small number of cases are seen.
Surgical oncologists at Valley’s Blumenthal Cancer Center
perform more procedures to treat these complicated,
and sometimes rare, diseases than most other cancer
centers or hospitals in New Jersey, making us a high
volume center.
Valley Hospital Surgical Oncology
Surgical procedures: 2014
Colorectal
39
Gastroesophageal
36
Resection of abdominal mass
29
Hepatic resection
14
Biliary
12
Adrenal
9
Distal pancreatectomy
■ Key
Services:
• Liver-Directed Therapies: Our surgical oncologists
offer a full range of options for patients with advanced
tumors and hepatic malignancies, including minimally
invasive liver-directed therapy for hepatic tumors
(either primary or metastatic).
• Interventional Oncology is playing a significant
role in treating GI cancers. At Valley, our surgical
oncologists work collaboratively with interventional
radiologists to treat our patients. Learn more about
interventional oncology on page 18.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): An option for
hepatic malignancies that uses high-frequency
electrical energy delivered through a probe from a
radiofrequency generator to ablate or destroy tumors.
• HIPEC: The Blumenthal Cancer Center continues
to be a leader in treating abdominal cancers with the
use of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
(HIPEC). During this treatment, the abdominal cavity
is bathed with a high dose of heated chemotherapy
which kills cancerous cells. HIPEC is performed
immediately after cytoreduction, or debulking, surgery
in appropriate patients.
• Robotic Surgery: Surgical oncologists at Valley
use the robotic technology of the da Vinci Surgical
System to surgically remove gastrointestinal
malignancies in the most minimally invasive fashion
available.
16
Whipple
6
Total pancreatectomy
3
• Whipple Procedure: Traditionally done as open
surgery, the Whipple is a complex procedure used
to remove tumors of the pancreas. The operation
generally involves removal of the gallbladder, bile
duct, part of the small intestine, and head of the
pancreas. While survival rates for the procedure are
rising, they are much greater at high-volume centers.
The Valley Hospital, one of a limited number of
institutions regarded as high-volume center for
pancreatic surgery, treats more patients with the
disease than most other area hospitals.
• Research Protocols: At Valley, we are able to provide
patients access to some of the latest clinical trials.
To see the research protocols that are currently open
for enrollment, visit ValleyFightsCancer.com and
click on “Clinical Trials” under the “For Medical
Professionals” tab.
Pancreatic Surgery 2014
51%
Whipple
36% Distal Pancreatectomy
9% Pancreatic Cyst Damage
4% Total Pancreatectomy
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 17
Interventional
Oncology
The Interventional Operating Suite at The Valley Hospital.
18 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
INTERVENTIONAL ONCOLOGY
The Blumenthal Cancer Center’s Interventional Oncology
program has continued to expand in 2015. The program
is led by interventional radiologists Ronald Arams,
M.D., and Philip Bahramipour, M.D., who work with
a multidisciplinary team comprised of Valley’s surgical
oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists to treat a range of cancers.
Interventional oncology combines image-guided
technology and minimally-invasive techniques with
traditional radiation and chemotherapy, as well as
other novel therapies to precisely target cancerous
tumors while preserving healthy tissue. These techniques
are employed primarily for patients with cancer that
cannot be successfully treated solely with surgery or
chemotherapy, and are often used in combination with
surgical or medical treatments.
At Valley, interventional radiologists are utilizing
radioembolization techniques to treat liver tumors
as well as other forms of cancer. Radioembolization
delivers tiny radioactive beads through a catheter to
the blood stream near the cancerous area of the body.
The beads, filled with the radioactive isotope yttrium
(Y-90), emit radiation treatment to the affected tissue,
while also blocking off blood supply to the tumor.
With chemoembolization, a treatment mainly used in
patients with liver cancer, chemotherapy is delivered through
the blood vessels directly to the tumor. Interventional
radiologists perform this procedure using a catheter and
real-time imaging to guide the high dose of chemotherapy
directly to the tumor, blocking its blood supply and
helping preserve healthy tissue.
Interventional radiologists at Valley also perform presurgical embolizations to help prevent blood loss during
the surgical resection of tumors with many blood vessels,
as well as fibroid embolization for the treatment of benign
gynecologic tumors.
141 CT guided biopsies were performed
in 2014 by our dedicated Interventional
Radiologists.
Image during a transthoracic needle biopsy of a small lung
nodule about the size of a pea. The arrow shows the nodule
with the biopsy needle entering it.
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 19
Melanoma and Skin
Cancer Center
The Valley Hospital’s Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center has enhanced its early
detection services with the addition of MoleSafe, the world’s most advanced
melanoma detection and surveillance program. Valley is the first hospital in
Bergen County to offer MoleSafe’s state-of-the-art, comprehensive service.
MoleSafe’s program incorporates a suite of advanced melanoma detection
and diagnosis tools and technology, including total body photography, digital
dermoscopy, and digital serial monitoring. The MoleSafe procedure represents
a new standard of care and is part of a lifelong program for the early detection
of melanoma. Valley has screened approximately 250 patients utilizing this
innovative technology.
20 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
Urologic
Oncology
Valley’s Blumenthal Cancer Center is home to the multidisciplinary Urologic Oncology Center, a unique program
that serves as a one-stop, complete resource for patients
who have prostate and other urologic cancers.
For more than 10 years, Valley physicians representing
medical, surgical, and radiologic disciplines have convened
to provide this truly multidisciplinary approach to
patients diagnosed with urologic malignancies including
cancers of the prostate, kidney, bladder, and others.
The Multidisciplinary Urologic Oncology Center has
been widely valued by patients, families, and caregivers
for providing coordination and eduction in regards to
their cancer care.
For individuals facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, our
specialists provide guidance for patients to understand
the various treatment options available, which may
include surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic therapies
including hormonal treatments and possibly chemotherapy
or other targeted agents. Valley’s physicians work with
each patient to create an individualized approach to
their care.
At Valley, patients with slower-growing forms of
prostate cancer that do not cause serious health
problems may be offered the option of active surveillance. Active surveillance, also known as expectant
management, helps avoid needless treatment when
disease progression remains unlikely. The National
Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines
indicate that active surveillance, with a plan to use
intervention if disease progression becomes more likely,
is a safe, long-term option for selected patients who
have low-risk prostate cancer.
To best identify patients who are candidates for active
surveillance, Valley’s Urologic Oncology Center now
employs the latest molecular testing technology not
only to locate any evidence of prostate cancer, but also
to see if it has spread beyond the prostate. Genomic
testing is performed on a biopsy specimen to locate
specific biomarkers. This testing provides a more precise
and personalized assessment that can potentially help
physicians and patients choose between active surveillance
and immediate treatment options.
■ Key
Services:
• Multidisciplinary Center
• Molecular Testing for Prostate Cancer
• PSA
• Image Guided/Intensity Modulated
Radiation Therapy
• Radium 223: FDA-approved agent that emits
radiation-delivering particles to metastatic
cancer cells.
• Hormonal Therapy: Agents such as abiraterone
acetate (Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Xtandi), for
more advanced prostate cancer.
• Provenge (sipuleucel-T) is an autologous
cellular immunotherapy indicated for the treatment
of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic
metastatic castrate-resistant (hormone-refractory)
prostate cancer.
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 21
In 2015, Valley saw the expansion and refocusing of its
Hematology-Medical Oncology group to include physicians
who subspecialize in treating specific cancers. This division
of roles enables Valley’s medical oncologists to offer highly
dedicated, expert care for patients with a wide range of cancers,
including breast, lung, gynecologic, gastrointestinal, blood,
and more.
Subspecialization means our physicians are experts
on the latest treatments and research for their particular
areas of focus. It fosters greater teamwork between
our medical oncology staff and other specialists, and it
gives patients the confidence that their physicians are
fully experienced in their specific type of cancer and
treatment options.
Valley’s medical oncology subspecialists participate
as key members of the Blumenthal Cancer Center’s
multidisciplinary tumor boards, during which the entire
cancer team reviews each patient’s clinical data to decide
on the best course of action.
Medical
Oncology
Valley’s Subspecialized Medical Oncologists:
• Thomas Rakowski, M.D.
breast and lung cancers
• Barry Fernbach, M.D.
lung cancer and benign and malignant hematology
• Eli Kirshner, M.D.
neuro-oncology and genitourinary cancers
• Jin Lee, M.D.
sarcoma, melanoma and gynecologic cancers
• Louise Ligresti, M.D.
breast cancer and hematology
• Jason Suh, M.D.
malignant hematology
Thomas Rakowski, M.D.
22 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
Advancing Research: Bolger Medical Arts Building and the
Okonite Research Center
In our continuous effort to improve facilities and
enhance programs and services, Valley has established
the Bolger Medical Arts Building and Okonite Research
Center. This world-class facility is dedicated to advancing
medicine and discovering novel approaches to diagnosing
and treating heart disease and cancer.
The Bolger Medical Arts Building provides a home
to Valley’s physician-scientists, the Okonite Research
Center and its research laboratories, Valley’s biorepository
(for tissue specimens used in research), the Department
of Cardiac Surgery and the Arrhythmia Institute —
which includes the newly established Snyder Center
for Comprehensive Atrial Fibrillation.
Located at One Linwood Avenue in Paramus, the Bolger
Medical Arts Building and the Okonite Research Center
were made possible in part through a $5 million donation
from philanthropist and longtime Valley supporter
David F. Bolger and the Bolger Foundation and the
Okonite Company of Ramsey, N.J., led by Chairman and
CEO Victor A. Viggiano, which also committed $5 million
to sponsor translational research initiatives.
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 23
PUBLICATIONS
Altorki NK, Yip R, Hanaoka T, Bauer T, Aye R, Kohman L, Sheppard B, Thurer
R, Andaz S, Smith M, Mayfield W, Grannis F, Korst R, Pass H, Straznicka M,
Flores R, Henschke CI. Sublobar Resection is Equivalent to Lobectomy for Clinical
Stage 1A Lung Cancer in Solid Nodules. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014;147:754-62.
Benveniste MF, Korst RJ, Rajan A, Detterbeck FC, Marom EM. A Practical
Guide from the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) Regarding
the Radiographic Assessment of Treatment Response of Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Using Modified RECIST Criteria. J Thorac Oncol 2014;9:S119-S124.
Burke W, Lynch, K, Goldman, N et al. Incidence of Uterine Leiomyosarcomas
After Laparoscopic Power Morcellation in a Community Setting [331]. Obstet Gynecol
May 2015;125:105S.
Chang DH, Rutledge JR, Patel AA, Heerdt BG, Augenlicht LH, Korst RJ.
The Effect of Lung Cancer on Cytokine Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear
Cells. Plos One 2013;8:e64456.
Colt HG, Murgu SD, Korst RJ, Slatore CG, Unger M, Quadrelli S. Follow-up
and Surveillance of the Patient with Lung Cancer after Curative-Intent Therapy:
Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer. 3rd ed: American College of Chest
Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 2013;143
(5 Suppl):e43s-54s.
Detterbeck F, Korst R. The International Thymic Malignancy Interest
Group Thymic Initiative: A State-of-the-Art Study of Thymic Malignancies.
Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014;26(4):317-22.
Flores R, Bauer T, Aye R, Andaz S, Kohman L, Sheppard B, Mayfield W,
Thurer R, Smith M, Korst R, Straznicka M, Grannis F, Pass H, Connery C,
Yip R, Smith JP, Yankelevitz D, Henschke C, Altorki N. Balancing Curability
and Unnecessary Surgery in the Context of Computed Tomography Screening for
Lung Cancer. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014 147:1619-26.
Korst RJ, Bezjak A, Blackmon S, Choi N, Fidias P, Liu G, Marx A, Wright C,
Mock S, Rutledge JR, Keshavjee S. Induction Chemoradiotherapy Followed by
Surgical Resection for Locally Advanced Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma: Initial
Results from a Phase II, Multi-Institutional Clinical Trial. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg
2014; 147:36-46.
Korst RJ, Santana-Joseph S, Rutledge JR, Antler A, Bethala V, DeLillo A, Kutner D,
Lee BE, Pazwash H, Pittman RH, Rahmin M, Rubinoff M. Patterns of Recurrent
and Persistent Intestinal Metaplasia after Successful Radiofrequency Ablation of
Barrett’s Esophagus. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013;145:1529-34.
Lee BE, Korst RJ, Kletsman E, Rutledge JR. Transitioning from Video-Assisted
Thoracic Surgical Lobectomy to Robotics for Lung Cancer: Are There Outcomes
Advantages? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014;147:724-9.
Lee BE, Korst RJ, Taskin M. Right Pneumonectomy for Resection of a Posterior
Mediastinal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma Arising from Castleman’s Disease.
Ann Thorac Surg 2014;97:e101-3.
Lee BE, Korst RJ, Shapiro M, Rutledge JR. Nodal Upstaging in Robotic
and Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy for Clinical N0 Lung Cancer.
Ann Thorac Surg 2015;100(1):229-33.
Plevris N, Burke W, Goldman N. Non-Cutaneous Melanomas of the Genital
Tract: Minimally-Invasive Robotic Treatment of Primary Vaginal Melanoma Case Report. Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery November 2015;22:S241.
Shapiro M, Akiri G, Chin C, Wisnivesky JP, Beasley MB, Weiser TS, Swanson SJ,
Aaronson SA. Wnt Pathway Activation Predicts Increased Risk of Tumor Recurrence
in Patients with Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Ann Surg 2013 257(3):548-54.
Shapiro M, Kadakia S, Lim J, Breglio A, Wisnivesky JP, Kaufman A, Lee D,
Flores RM. Lobe-specific Mediastinal Nodal Evaluation is Sufficient During Lobectomy
by VATS or Thoracotomy for Early Stage Lung Cancer. Chest 2013 144(5):1615-21.
Ganepola GAP, Rutledge JR, Suman P, Yiengpruksawan A, Chang D. Novel
Blood-Based MicroRNA Biomarker Panel for Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.
World J of Gastrointest Oncol 2014 January 15;6(1):22-33.
Shapiro M, Korst RJ. Surgical Approaches for Stage IVA Thymic Epithelial Tumors.
Front Oncol 2014; 3:332.
George E, Goldman N, Burke W. Repair of a Cystotomy During a Robot-Assisted
Right Ureterolysis and Upper Vaginectomy: Review of Anatomy and Surgical Techniques.
Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery November 2015;22:S12.
Xu DM, Yip R, Smith JP, Yankelevitz DF, Henschke CI; I-ELCAP Investigators.
Retrospective Review of Lung Cancers Diagnosed in Annual Rounds of CT Screening.
AJR Am J Roentgenol 2014;203(5):965-72.
Goldman N, Lynch K, Jones H et al. Comparison of Complications in
Patients Undergoing Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy for Large Leiomyomas [107].
Obstet Gynecol May 2015;125:40S.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy. in Kim K, ed. Robotics in General
Surgery Springer, New York. 2014.
Gumireddy K, Li Anping, Chang DH, Liu Q, Kossenkov AV, Yan J, Korst RJ,
Nam BT, Xu H, Zhang L, Ganepola GAP, Showe LC, Huang Q. AKAP4 is a Circulating
Biomarker for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 6(19):17637-47.
Jones HH, Lynch K, Goldman N et al. Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy
Complication Rates Are Similar for All Uterine Weights [109]. Obstet Gynecol
May 2015;125:40S.
Korst RJ. Systematic Approach to the Management of the Newly Found Nodule
on Screening CT: Role of Dedicated Pulmonary Nodule Clinics. Thoracic Surgery
Clinics 2013;23:141-52.
24 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
Yip R, Henschke CI, Yankelevitz DF, Boffetta P, Smith JP; International Early Lung
Cancer Investigators. The Impact of the Regimen of Screening on Lung Cancer
Cure: A Comparison of I-ELCAP and NLST. Eur J Cancer Prev 2015;24(3):201-8.
PRESENTATIONS
Benveniste MF, Korst RJ, Rajan R, Detterbeck FC, Carter BW, Marom EM.
Radiographic Assessment of Treatment Response of Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms
Using Modified RECIST Criteria. Presented at The 5th Annual Meeting of The International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group; September 5, 2014; Antwerp, Belgium.
D'Ambrosio A, DeYoung C, Wesson M. Community Cancer Center Experience
Using Gamma Knife Perfexion Radiosurgery as Stand-Alone and Adjuvant Treatment
for Recursive Partitioning Analysis Class I and II Patients with Brain Metastases.
Presented at The Congress of Neurological Surgeons' Annual Meeting; October
2014; Boston, MA.
Filosso, PL, Ruffini E, Yao X, Ahmad U, Antonicelli A, Zhang Y, Huang J,
Guerrera F, Venuta F, van Raemdonck D, Travis W, Lucchi M, Rimner A,
Thomas P, Weder W, Rocco G, Detterbeck F, Korst R. Comparison of Outcomes
Between Neuroendocrine Thymic Tumors and other Subtypes of Thymic Carcinomas.
A Joint Analysis of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the International
Thymic Malignancy Interest Group. Presented at The 23rd European Conference
on General Thoracic Surgery; June 2, 2015; Lisbon, Portugal.
Ganepola GAP. Complexity of Cancer: A surgeon’s perspective. June 2013; Japan.
Korst RJ, Bezjak A, Blackmon S, Choi N, Fidias P, Liu G, Wright C, Keshavjee S.
Induction Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Surgical Resection for Locally
Advanced Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma: Initial Results of a Phase II, Multiinstitutional Clinical Trial. Presented at the 93rd Annual Meeting of The American
Association for Thoracic Surgery; May 6, 2013; Minneapolis, MN.
Korst RJ, Rutledge JR, Shah N. Factors Affecting Perceptions of Clinical Trials by
Cancer Center Patients. Presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of The American
Society of Clinical Oncology; June 3, 2013; Chicago, IL.
Lee BE, Kletsman E, Korst RJ. Robotic Lobectomy Versus VATS for NSLCC:
Better or the Same? Presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of The Western
Thoracic Surgical Association; June 29, 2013; Coeur d'Allene, ID.
Lee BE, Korst RJ, Shapiro M, Kletsman E. Robotic Lobectomy Does Not
Increase Nodal Upstaging Compared to Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy
in Clinically Node Negative Patients with Lung Cancer. Presented at The 51st Annual
Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons; January 26, 2015; San Diego, CA.
Yiengpruksawan A. Essential Steps of Robotic Surgery: Robotic Pancreatic Resection. Presented at the ICS Asia-Pacific Federation Congress 2013; December 6,
2013; Bangkok, Thailand.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Whipple Procedure – Technical Details. Presented at
the Society of Robotic Surgery 2013 World Robotic Symposium; November 8, 2013;
Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Yiengpruksawan A. Distal Pancreatectomy: Advantages over Laparoscopic Technique.
Presented at the Society of Robotic Surgery 2013 World Robotic Symposium;
November 8, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Yiengpruksawan A. ICG Fluorescence Imaging Guided-Robotic Spleen Preserving
Total Pancreatectomy. Presented at the Society of Robotic Surgery 2013 World Robotic
Symposium; November 9, 2013; Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Approach to Pancreatoduodenectomy. Presented
at the 12th Brazilian Videosurgery Congress – Sobracil; September 24, 2014;
Florianopolis, Brazil.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Adrenalectomy. Presented at the 12th Brazilian
Videosurgery Congress – Sobracil; September 24, 2014; Florianopolis, Brazil.
Yiengpruksawan A. Pancreatic Surgery: Hot Topics Debate. Presented at the
CRSA (Clinical Robotic Surgical Association) 6th Worldwide Congress; October 24,
2014; San Francisco, California.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Multiport Cholecystectomy. Presented at the CRSA
6th Worldwide Congress; October 25, 2014; San Francisco, California.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Caudat to Cephalad
Technique. Presented at the Subject-oriented Symposium IV: Atlas Showcase Pancreatic Surgery Volume. ACS (American College of Surgeons) Congress;
October 29, 2014; San Francisco, California.
Yiengpruksawan A. Robotic Pancreatectomy – Current Status and Future
Direction. Presented at the 24th World Congress of the IASGO (International
Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, and Oncologists); December 6,
2014; Vienna, Austria.
PATENTS
Ganepola, Ganepola AP, MD. Methods and Kits for Detecting Subjects at Risk
of Having Cancer. Valley Health System, assignee. Patent 61/577,411. N.d. Print.
Yiengpruksawan A. Video Variety Show – Unusual Robotic Gastric Procedures.
Presented at the CRSA 5th Worldwide Congress; October 4, 2013; Washington DC.
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 25
PHYSICIANS
Saurabh Agarwal, M.D.
Anthony D’Ambrosio, M.D.
Ganepola A.P. Ganepola, M.D.
Robert J. Korst, M.D.
Medical Director, Robotic Urology
Director, Neuro-Oncology Disease
Management Team;
Co-Director, The Gamma Knife Center
Director of Medical Research, Cancer
Research and Genomic Medicine
Medical Director,
The Blumenthal Cancer Center,
Director, Thoracic Surgery
Ronald Arams, M.D.
Chad DeYoung, M.D.
Noah A. Goldman, M.D.
Benjamin Lee, M.D.
Interventional Radiology
Director, Radiation Oncology
Co-Director, The Gamma Knife Center
Director,
Gynecologic Oncology
Thoracic Surgery
Philip Bahramipour, M.D.
Barry Fernbach, M.D.
Eli Kirshner, M.D.
Jin S. Lee, M.D.
Interventional Radiology
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Medical Oncology/Hematology
William Cobb, M.D., Ph.D
Howard Frey, M.D.
Laura Klein, M.D.
Thomas Rakowski, M.D.
Subspecialty Director,
Neuro-Surgical Oncology
Medical Director,
Urologic Oncology Center
Medical Director,
The Valley Hospital Breast Center
Director,
Hematology/Medical Oncology
26 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
2014 Analytic Cases
Jason Suh, M.D.
Medical Oncology/Hematology
Michael Wesson, M.D.
Radiation Oncology
ORAL CAVITY & PHARYNX
Lip
Tongue
Salivary Glands
Floor of Mouth
Gum & Other Mouth
Nasopharynx
Tonsil
Oropharynx
Hypopharynx
Other Oral Cavity & Pharynx
11
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
2
2
1
MALE GENITAL SYSTEM
Prostate
Testis
Penis
85
76
8
1
URINARY SYSTEM
Urinary Bladder
Kidney & Renal Pelvis
Ureter
Other Urinary Organs
113
58
50
4
1
BRAIN & OTHER NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Brain
Cranial Nerves, Other Nervous System
117
33
84
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Esophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Colon Excluding Rectum
Rectum & Rectosigmoid
Anus, Anal Canal & Anorectum
Liver & Intrahepatic Bile Duct
Gallbladder
Other Biliary
Pancreas
Retroperitoneum
Peritoneum, Omentum & Mesentery
Other Digestive Organs
329
18
38
3
102
43
3
20
6
5
73
1
5
2
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Larynx
Lung & Bronchus
Trachea, Mediastinum & Other
Respiratory Organs
219
5
213
1
MESOTHELIOMA
4
SOFT TISSUE (including Heart)
9
KAPOSI SARCOMA
1
SKIN EXCLUDING BASAL
& SQUAMOUS
Melanoma Skin
Other Non-Epithelial Skin
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Thyroid
Other Endocrine Including Thymus
97
66
31
LYMPHOMA
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
79
12
67
MYELOMA
23
LEUKEMIA
Lymphocytic Leukemia
Myeloid & Monocytic Leukemia
Other Leukemia
33
10
21
2
MISCELLANEOUS
41
33
8
Total
63
1,812
Tihesha Wilson, M.D.
Assistant Medical Director,
The Valley Hospital Breast Center
BREAST
437
FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM
Cervix Uteri
Corpus & Uterus, NOS
Ovary
Vagina
Vulva
Other Female Genital Organs
151
11
96
30
3
9
2
Anusak Yiengpruksawan, M.D.
Director,
The Valley Hospital Institute for
Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
OUTCOMES AND INNOVATIONS 2015
■ 27
13
VALLEY HAS EARNED AN
IMPRESSIVE 13 DISEASESPECIFIC CERTIFICATIONS,
TOP
2%
also known as Gold Seals of Approval,
VALLEY HAS ACHIEVED THE HEALTHGRADES 2015 PATIENT SAFETY
EXCELLENCE AWARD AND OUTSTANDING PATIENT EXPERIENCE AWARD.
from The Joint Commission. No
Only 93 out of the 3,558 hospitals evaluated for both patient safety and
hospital in the nation has more
experience excellence had the superior performance to be recipients of
Gold Seals of Approval in cancer
both achievements, placing Valley among the top 2 percent of all hospitals
care (6) than Valley.
in the nation.
ONCE
AGAIN
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has once
again awarded A THREE-YEAR ACCREDITATION WITH COMMENDATION
GOLD LEVEL TO THE CANCER PROGRAM at The Valley Hospital. Valley has
also received the OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
2ND TIME...
For the second consecutive year, The Valley Hospital
has earned THE WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD
AS ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST BREAST CENTERS,
Valley Health System has been
AWARDED THE CEO CANCER
GOLD STANDARD BY THE CEO
ROUNDTABLE ON CANCER.
This distinction recognizes healthcare organizations whose work to
fight cancer among its employees
is exemplary.
3
rd
YEAR
acknowledging its dedication to providing exceptional
patient care and treatment.
The Valley Hospital has earned
For the second consecutive year, The Valley Hospital
has been named A WOMEN’S CHOICE AWARD®
RECIPIENT AS ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST HOSPITALS
FOR CANCER CARE.
28 ■
THE BLUMENTHAL CANCER CENTER
THE 2015 WOMEN’S CHOICE
AWARD AS ONE OF AMERICA’S
BEST HOSPITALS FOR PATIENT
EXPERIENCE for a third consecutive year.
REFERENCE GUIDE
Listed below are phone numbers for contacting specific departments within
the Blumenthal Cancer Center. Keep this guide as a handy reference.
For more information visit www.ValleyFightsCancer.com.
New Patients and General Inquiries
Brain and Spine Radiosurgery
Breast Imaging Center
Breast Surgery
Clinical Trials
Fertility Center
Gamma Knife Center
Genetic Counseling
Gynecologic Oncology
Infusion Center
Integrative Healing Services
Lung Cancer Center
Neuro-Oncology
Outpatient Palliative Care
Pain Management
Medical Oncology:
Barry Fernbach, M.D., Jin Lee, M.D.,
Thomas Rakowski, M.D., and Jason Suh, M.D.
Eli Kirshner, M.D.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center
Radiation Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Anusak Yiengpruksawan, M.D.
Thoracic Surgery
Urologic Oncology Center (includes Prostate)
201-634-5707
201-634-5585
201-447-8600
201-634-5557
201-634-5792
201-634-5400
201-634-5677
201-634-5339
201-634-5401
201-634-5376
201-634-5359
201-634-5538
201-634-5585
201-634-5699
201-634-5555
201-634-5578
201-664-3900
201-634-5706
201-634-5403
201-634-5438
201-634-5722
201-634-5567
No hospital in the nation has more Gold Seals of Approval
for cancer care than The Valley Hospital.
Breast. Colorectal. Lung. Pancreatic. Prostate and Uterine-Ovarian.
Dedicating our lives to saving yours.™
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center
One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
www.ValleyFightsCancer.com • 201.634.5707