Treating cancer is a team effort — I never work in a vacuum. I partner with my colleagues in medical and surgical oncology, radiology, and pathology to make a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Most patients are curious about who is on their care team, how we work together, and what our treatment strategy will be. During initial consultations and subsequent visits, I work to make sure that my patients are well informed of all these aspects of their care. It is very empowering for people to see the blueprint and be a part of the team.
Patients also want to know about radiation therapy — what it is, how it works, and what it will feel like. The radiation we use to treat cancer is very different and much safer than what people may have seen or heard about in popular culture. A large part of my initial consultation with patients outlines the specifics of radiation therapy and allows them to become familiar with treatment and side effects so they know what to expect before treatment starts.
In addition to my clinical practice, I am involved in a number of cancer clinical trials at MSK Commack and MSK in Manhattan. One example is a study of patients needing treatment for lung tumors. Since tumors in the lungs tend to move as people breathe, we are using miniature GPS beacons that can be implanted next to the tumors so that we know the radiation beams are accounting for the movement. This technology will allow for more precise treatment and potentially fewer side effects because less of the healthy lung tissue is impacted. I am also interested in studying the clinical and biological aspects of proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation therapy that allows for the most amount of normal tissue to be spared.
In addition to my clinical practice, I am involved in a number of cancer clinical trials at MSK that are aimed at improving the effectiveness of treatment while decreasing side effects for people with breast and gastrointestinal cancers.
Like many families, mine has been impacted by cancer. My personal experiences lead me to understand that doctor-patient relationships are critical to providing great care for people. To that end, I hope my patients feel informed and confident about their care. I also hope they feel they have a guide they can turn to during a time that can be confusing, frustrating, and frightening.
