On the brink of innovation , here in Bloomfield
Surgical oncologists currently have but a handful of tools for overcoming challenges such as peritoneal cancer .
These include :
• Standard chemotherapy
• Cytoreductive surgery , a lengthy process during which all tumors are removed
• Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy ( HIPEC ), a specialized treatment available only at select cancer centers
The Peritoneal Surface Program at West Penn is changing that . “ We ’ re researching smarter , safer , and less invasive options , including ones that harness the patient ’ s own immune system to target cancer cells ,” said Dr . David Bartlett , head of the first-of-its-kind program .
ThermoChem HT 2000 is a product of ThermaSolutions and is used with permission .
“ Our laboratory is dedicated to developing immune therapies we can deliver into the abdominal cavity to treat these cancers with fewer side effects and less chance of relapse , ” Dr . Wagner said . Several of these options are currently in clinical trials . Stay tuned .
Providing solutions , comfort and hope
As surgical oncologists , David Bartlett and Patrick Wagner are oncologists first , but their specialty is surgery .
“ If we ’ re able to help patients who ’ ve lost hope or who have run out of answers by providing novel therapies that are meaningful and may make a big difference in their lives , that ’ s the big reward ,” said Dr . Bartlett .
If they feel a patient with a metastatic cancer , such as peritoneal cancer needs a different weapon , they work in a multidisciplinary fashion with their partners in other specialty branches to come up with the best possible plans .
“ The goal is to provide patients who are suffering from a cancer that is deemed terminal with treatments that can prolong their lives and even be curative ,” said Dr . Wagner .
Here , leading our new high-tech , high-touch designated cancer center , supported by a team of nurses , clinical fellows and clinical assistants , they ’ re on the right track . DAVID BARTLETT , MD
PATRICK WAGNER , MD
For appointments , call ( 412 ) 687-7348 or visit ahn . org / cancer .