Dedicated to Improving the Survival and Quality of Life for our Lung Cancer Patients

The Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Cancer Center is dedicated to improving the survival and quality of life for our lung cancer patients. We accomplish this through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care.
Our program incorporates strategies for prevention, accurate and early diagnosis and effective treatment tactics.

About Thoracic (Lung) Cancers
Smoking cigarettes continues to be the leading cause of lung cancer followed by environmental exposures such as radon gas, air pollution and second-hand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, there was an estimated 171,900 new cases of lung cancer in 2003. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death for both men and women, killing more women every year than breast and ovarian cancer combined.

Diagnosis
Patient outcomes are enhanced when lung cancer is detected early. Doctors at Bryn Mawr Hospital use the most sophisticated techniques, such as computerized tomography (CT) scanning that can detect lung tumors as small as a grain of rice. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fiber optic bronchoscopy with specimen collection and PET scanning, provide physicians with state-of-the-art technology to accurately diagnose disease. Fine needle aspiration with or without computerized tomography or fluoroscopic guidance is also available. Investigational techniques are also available and include the use of laser-induced fluorescence bronchoscopy and novel imaging technologies.

Treatment
Patients with thoracic chest cancers require close and effective coordination throughout their treatment. Bryn Mawr Hospital’s Comprehensive Lung Cancer Program combines the skills of many specialists to ensure coordinated care, good communication and an aggressive approach to treatment. A range of problems are addressed, including:

• Recurrent lung cancer
• Mesothelioma
• Thymoma
• Malignant effusions
• Lung metastases

A variety of medical and surgical treatment options are available for thoracic cancers. Medical options such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are provided by board certified and experienced physicians. Surgical techniques in the treatment of lung cancer include state-of-the-art care such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). VATS is a minimally invasive procedure that offers several benefits to the patient including shortened recovery time. Bryn Mawr Hospital is one of a few centers in the Philadelphia area that use this advanced method.

Follow-up care is incorporated into the treatment plan. Referring physicians are kept informed of their patients’progress through ongoing communication.

Multidisciplinary Care Conference
At the core of our program is a multidisciplinary care conference where patient cases are reviewed by our team of experts. Specialists in pulmonary medicine, medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and clinical research come together to offer each patient the best possible approach. The multidisciplinary care conference addresses the following issues:

• Treatment options
• Individual management plans
• Pain control
• Research trial options

Research
Through its Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), Bryn Mawr Hospital offers the community access to the most current research available in cancer prevention and treatment. Main Line Health CCOP, which comprises the cancer centers of Lankenau, Paoli, and Bryn Mawr Hospitals, is one of only 50 centers in the United States to hold this prestigious National Cancer Institute designation. Phase II and III lung cancer treatment trials for both Small Cell and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and an array of supportive therapy and prevention trials including research for pleural effusions, pain management, and smoking cessation are available.

Supportive Services

• Individual and group counseling by a dedicated oncology social worker.
• Nutritional service provided by registered dieticians.
• SmokeFREE is a self-management smoking cessation program that addresses the physical and psychological
  addiction to smoking.

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