Medical Oncology
with Paul Celano, MD
What is the “multidisciplinary approach” used at GBMC?
More than one million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year.
In using a multidisciplinary approach, GBMC’s Cancer Center has made major strides in treating and managing this disease. Surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists and pathologists convene weekly to discuss complex cases as well as the best course of treatment.
In addition, Dr. Paul Celano, Division Head of Oncology, GBMC says, “We have an ongoing commitment to providing our patients with access to clinical trials.” In fact, the Center offers patients more than 70 clinical trials, mostly sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. It also provides some innovative new treatment options through pharmaceutical trials and prevention-screening programs.
The Center offers a variety of advanced surgical procedures. These include laparoscopic techniques for treating colon cancer and the “da Vinci System,” robotic surgery for treating prostate cancer.
GBMC also offers new advances in radiation. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery help to deliver precise radiation doses directly to tumors sparing toxicity to normal tissue.
New systemic therapies used at GBMC include highly specific targeted agents, often given in pill form, which may greatly enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.Immunologic approaches including vaccines are also being tested at our center.
According to Dr. Celano, as an added benefit GBMC offers its patients emotional assistance throughout the treatment process.
