Lung Cancer Treatments

More than 200,000 new cases of lung cancer are expected on an annual basis in the U.S., accounting for about 13 percent of all cancer diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). New cases of lung cancer in Florida are estimated at more than 16,000. While the numbers are unnerving, they actually represent a steady decline in the disease. Still, lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer. According to the ACS, smoking cessation interventions and an increased focus on early detection are critical to addressing

this formidable challenge. Heading this advice, Jupiter Medical Center has employed a multipronged approach to lung cancer prevention and control that begins with education, support and screening. These efforts are steadily paying off. The Medical Center has increased the rate of early diagnoses each year, providing better opportunity for successful lung cancer treatment. Much of the success at early diagnosis, according to K. Adam Lee, MD, is due to the Medical Center’s continued outreach efforts. “We expect these numbers to go up as we bring education and awareness to more and more areas of our community.” The Medical Center hosts lectures and experts go out to health fairs, civic associations, churches and even businesses to spread the word about risk factors, the need for screening and treatments to improve survivorship.

Multidisciplinary Conferences

Thoracic multidisciplinary cancer conferences—held each week—are whatset Jupiter Medical Center’s Thoracic Surgery and Lung Center of Excellence apart from other programs in South Florida. Each conference is attended by a number of doctors who are experts in different specialties (disciplines), including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists. They share ideas and knowledge, and work together to determine the best course of action for each patient. Multidisciplinary cancer conferences aren’t new, but they’re typically found only in large academic medical institutions. Conducting weekly conferences is resource-intensive and challenging for physician scheduling. For this reason, they’re not widely found in community or regional medical centers.

“As the medical director of thoracic surgery, I lead a team dedicated to presenting the most appropriate choices to patients with a goal of achieving the best possible outcomes. Our thoracic program is the only one in Palm Beach and Martin counties that conducts a weekly multidisciplinary thoracic conference—so we’re unique in that we are able to bring together great expertise all under one roof.” says K. Adam Lee, MD, medical director of the Thoracic Surgery and Lung Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center.

At each conference, the experts review the facts surrounding individual patients. This includes an analysis of the patient’s medical history, the disease stage and prognostic indicators. Current research and best practices are considered by the specialists when forming a recommendation. Together, the team discusses a treatment plan using evidence-based and national treatment guidelines. The group also evaluates options for clinical trials or palliative care. Multiple national research studies have demonstrated that cancer conferences positively impact clinical decision making and thereby directly influence patient care. “The conferences represent an opportunity to maximize communication among professionals and facilitate treatment planning,” explains Sujal Shah, MD, a board-certified oncologist practicing hematology/oncology. “As a medical oncologist, I have presented some of my patients at conference. With a particularly tough case, it’s beneficial to hear what your colleagues have to say.” The Thoracic Cancer Conference was initiated in 2011 and continues to grow, with more than 300 cases examined in 2014 and 2015. The weekly sessions follow standards set by the Commission on Cancer and the American College of Surgeons.

Our oncology support team includes a social worker, licensed clinical dietitian, cancer rehabilitation specialists, clinical research team and a dedicated patient navigator.

Jupiter Medical Center’s complimentary patient navigator service can help you and your family—providing information, knowledge, support and guidance needed to manage a diagnosis and treatment. The patient navigator, an integral member of our multidisciplinary team, coordinates with your doctors and your treatment team to help guide you through the process and focus on what’s most important—beating cancer.

Robotic Surgery

Traditionally, surgeons use thoracotomy surgery to biopsy or remove tissue from the lungs. This open chest procedure has a higher risk of infection and complications as well as a longer recovery time for patients. Through minimally invasive robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), surgeons reduce these risks with a more accurate procedure. RATS requires only small incisions in the chest, rather than one large incision. The surgeon views magnified, 3D image of the patient's lung and chest. Then using robotic technology to translate hand movements into precise actions, the surgeon performs the procedure.

"Patients experience less pain, scarring and since the RATS procedure causes less trauma to the body, recovery time is also reduced." - Dr, K. Adam Lee

To learn more about Jupiter Medical Center's Robotic Surgery Program, click here.

Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery

Another refinement of standard lung cancer surgery, video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) allows surgeons to operate through two to four openings between the ribs while viewing the patient’s internal organs on a video monitor. Each opening is less than two inches in diameter, rather than the 6 to 10-inch incisions common in open thoracic surgery. Once again, the patient benefits from less pain, less risk of infection, less scarring, shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer. Radiation destroys cancerous tissue, but it is important to keep it from affecting nearby healthy tissue as well. The experts at Jupiter Medical Center specialize in treating lung cancer and have an understanding of the delicate balance between normal tissue and the various types of lung cancers. Our team of radiation oncologists work with hundreds of patients each year, creating plans that maximize the appropriate radiation dose while staying within parameters that protect normal tissues. These physicians rely on the latest technology and the most recent findings from research and clinical trials. They collaborate with other physician specialists through the weekly multidisciplinary thoracic conference to determine how best to treat each case, based on each patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, situation and needs.

To learn more about Jupiter Medical Center's Radiation Oncology Program, click here.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy and other types of targeted drug therapy are the foundational treatment for lung cancer of all types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mesothelioma and others. Medical oncologists work with other specialists at the Foshay Cancer Center at Jupiter Medical Center to determine if chemotherapy will be given, and whether it will be used in conjunction with or without surgery or radiation. Our team follows the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) standards of care as a guide to determine what drugs to use for each patient, depending on the location of the tumor, the type and stage (how far the cancer has advanced and where), as well as the patient’s health. In this way, we provide a treatment plan based on each person’s specific diagnosis and needs.

For small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, most patients will receive platinum-based combination chemotherapy, either alone or in conjunction with other treatment such as surgery and radiation therapy. Depending on each individual’s case, the medical oncologist will also use several other chemical agents. Those decisions are made based on the patient’s histology, toxicity of the chemotherapy regimen and the length of time needed for the treatment.

To learn more about Jupiter Medical Center's Chemotherapy Program, click here.