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LUNG CANCER & other Thoracic Malignancies

At Jefferson, you will find the latest and most progressive treatment programs aided by an outstanding cancer team and state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Our team consists of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and genetic specialists who meet to review and discuss treatment options and strategies for patients being treated at Jefferson’s Kimmel Cancer Center.

The Thoracic Oncology Center at Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center was organized in 1994. This clinic is one of a few such progressive programs available in the United States. Patients with lung cancer or any other malignancy in the chest cavity (including squamous cell carcinoma, adencarcinoma, large cell carcinomas, and small cell carcinomas) can receive input from multiple cancer specialists during one visit.

An expert specialist panel meets every Tuesday at 1 p.m. to evaluate each patient to be seen at the Center. This panel includes thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, chest radiologists, chest pathologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, thoracic nurses, clinical trials research coordinators, smoking cessation specialists, psychologists, complementary medicine specialists and support program facilitators. Each patient’s case is presented and reviewed to determine the appropriate specialists that patient should see during their Thoracic Oncology Center visit.

Once a patient's relevant films and records have been received, they will most likely be scheduled for an evaluation the following Tuesday. Following their visit, a patient's referring physician will receive a brief report by telephone or fax, and a full written report will follow shortly thereafter by mail.

In addition to all standard treatment modalities, Jefferson specialists offer leading edge treatments and innovative approaches available through clinical trials.

LUNG CANCER EDUCATION & SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The Buddies in our program are trained volunteers who have been through cancer treatment themselves and now provide short-term one-on-one support and information over the telephone to others facing cancer.  If you would like to talk to a Kimmel Cancer Center Buddy please call 215-955-8370. The Program Coordinator will explain the program and then match you with a buddy who is similar to you in terms of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and other criteria such as age and gender.

This monthly educational program is for people facing all types of cancer. At each meeting an expert in the field presents a topic related to cancer detection, treatment, recovery or psychosocial issues. Ample time is given for questions, answers and networking. These meetings are held on a Wednesday from 12-1:30pm. A current schedule is available, as well as online registration. For More Information, please call 215-955-8370.

This education and support program is for individuals receiving radiation therapy and is held every Thursday from 11am-12pm in the Simon Kramer Conference Room (Room G312) of the Bodine Center. It is recommended that people attend this session either prior to starting or in the first few weeks of treatment. Physical and psychosocial effects of radiation therapy are discussed.