Lung cancer accounts for the most cancer-related deaths in both men and women. An estimated 160,390 deaths, accounting for about 29% of all cancer deaths, are expected to occur in 2007. Moreover, the death rate from lung cancer in eastern North Carolina exceeds the national average. In the face of that challenge, staff at the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center's Thoracic Oncology Clinic (or Lung Cancer Clinic) work together to offer the best treatment to our patients.
The clinic's goal involves much more than prolonging survival or curing disease. Our staff strives to make the patient's treatment comfortable, convenient and reassuring.
The Thoracic Oncology Clinic, held weekly at the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center, is designed to make the patient's experience as positive as possible. A multidisciplinary team composed of pulmonologists, a medical oncologist, radiation oncologists, a social worker, oncology nurses, a patient care coordinator, and clinical trials nurse discuss each patient scheduled for that week to determine the best individualized work-up and treatment plan. After the multidiciplinary conference, a physician discusses with the patient the recommended plan of action in detail. In addition to our medical staff, our ancillary services staff provide services such as nutrition counseling, evaluation by a social worker, medication counseling and patient financial counseling. This approach expedites the patient's care so that he or she can receive treatment in a timely manner.
Thoracic Oncology Clinic patients benefit from the latest diagnostic and treatment tools and techniques - new chemotherapy agents, chemoradiotherapy, photodynamic therapy bronchial stenting and balloon dilation, cryotherapy (the ability to freeze tumors), electrocautery (the ability to burn tumors), PET/CT scans for more accurate staging, and stereotactic radiosurgery for early stage patients who are not surgical candidates. In addition, our oncologists have created unique clinical trials that are only available at the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center.
We understand that fighting lung cancer can often be stressful and challenging for the patient and their families. We are prepared to help you through these challenges with compassion. Give us the privilege of being part of your cancer team.
For more information contact:
Theresa Parent, RN, BSN, Program Coordinator
252-744-1789
Thoracic Oncology Clinic Team:
Paul Walker, M.D., Medical Oncologist, Director of Thoracic Oncology Program
Jon Moran, M.D., Thoracic Surgeon
Carter Childs, M.D., Interventional Pulmonology
Hiram Gay, M.D., Radiation Oncologist
Suzanne Russo, M.D., Radiation Oncologist
Gloria Frelix, M.D., Radiation Oncologist
