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Thoracic Oncology news
WINTER 2011
Updates from the Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program
of Continuum Cancer Centers of New York
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
When surgery is not an option for early-stage lung cancer
Surgery remains the gold standard for patients with early
stage lung cancer. However, many lung cancer patients have
additional medical comorbidities, such as cardiopulmonary
disease, which renders them medically inoperable. For these
patients, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is an
excellent alternative.
SBRT is extremely well tolerated in this patient population,
and it has demonstrated local control rates of greater than
95%—comparable to surgical results.
SBRT is a state-of-the-art tool in the management of
early stage lung cancer. It relies on sophisticated imaging,
computer-modeled three-dimensional treatment planning and
precise treatment setup to deliver highly focused, high-dose
radiation to small tumors, with minimal doses of radiation to
surrounding tissues.
This outpatient therapy is delivered over a course of one to five treatments, typically within two weeks,
with minimal side effects.
SBRT is currently offered at Continuum Cancer Centers, under the direction of Andrew Evans, MD and
Walter Choi, MD. (shown above).
To learn more about SBRT, or to make a referral, contact Andrew Evans, MD, at (212) 523-7166
or Walter Choi, MD, at (212) 420-2996.
Participants Accepted for
Lung Cancer Screening and
Research Study
Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer mortality
in the US, in large part due to the inability to diagnose it
at earlier, more curable stages. Low-dose CT scans of the
chest can identify more lung cancers earlier. A recent study
has found that annual CT scans of current and former
heavy smokers reduced their risk of death from lung cancer
by 20%. Participants are now being accepted in our
lung cancer screening and research study to determine
if CT screening improves survival. Participation is free.
Eligibility: Age >50 years; Smoking >10 pack years;
Doctor’s referral.
To refer a patient or for additional information,
call (212) 636-3333. Results of scans and follow up
will be provided to referring physicians. Scans are free
for eligible participants.
At left: Rodrigo Andy Nabong,
research study coordinator; and
Alan Legasto, MD, radiologist.
Our Institution participates in the
IELCAP (International Early Lung Cancer Action Program). Results will be combined
with other participating institutions. Cliff Connery, MD, is the principal investigator.
Thoracic Oncology at Beth Israel Welcomes
Jaime Yun, MD
Thoracic Surgeon, Beth Israel Medical Center
[email protected] • (212) 844-1345
Jaime Yun, MD, brings his skills in thoracic oncology to
Beth Israel, where he offers clinical expertise in all aspects of
thoracic oncology, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer,
mediastinal tumors and chest wall tumors.
In addition to the latest diagnostic approaches, Dr. Yun offers minimally invasive
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic (VAT) approaches to treat different thoracic diseases.
VAT lobectomies for lung cancer and minimally invasive esophagectomies for
esophageal cancer are a few.
Dr. Yun also brings his thoracic surgery expertise to patients in need of surgical
solutions for hyperhidrosis.
Fluent in Spanish and Chinese, Dr. Yun’s focus is on the delivery of the very
latest tertiary care to the underserved minority community.
Physician Profile: Jaime Yun, MD. Board certified: Thoracic surgery.
Education: NYU School of Medicine. Residency: NYU Medical Center.
Fellowships: Cardiothoracic surgery: NYU Medical Center; Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Research in thoracic surgery published in journals, book chapters and abstracts.
He presents to peers on varied clinical topics, including VATS lobectomy.
For more information about the Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program
of Continuum Cancer Centers of New York, contact:
Cliff P. Connery, MD
Director, Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery
[email protected] • (212) 636-3333
www.nythoracicsurgery.org
Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program of
Continuum Cancer Centers of New York
1000 Tenth Ave; Suite 2B-07
New York, NY 10019
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 8048
NEW YORK, NY