The program brings together physicians and other health professionals from multiple fields - surgery, medical oncology, and cancer genetics - to offer patients a broad range of services, including screening and risk assessment, genetic counseling and access to clinical research trials. The clinic takes place on Fridays, alternating between gastrointestinal-related cancer one week and breast and ovarian cancer the next.

The most obvious benefit of high-risk cancer assessment is early detection, which translates into less radical treatments and better outcomes, explained Shelly Lo, MD, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, division of hematology/oncology.

"As a medical oncologist, I often see new patients with cancer that is already at an advanced stage," said Dr. Lo. "It is very exciting to have the opportunity with this clinic to educate patients, increase patient awareness and encourage a proactive approach with a goal of reducing an individual's risk of developing cancer or at least detecting cancer at its earliest and most treatable form."

Frequent assessments, the opportunity to consult regularly with leading experts and access to the latest tests and treatments is very reassuring for people at high risk.

"Discussions with patients are individualized, and through patient education comes empowerment," said Dr. Lo. "We discuss screening and surveillance options, chemoprevention options, clinical trials in which patients may be eligible to participate, and we refer for genetic counseling as appropriate."

Research plays a key role in the clinic. "The research protocols, I think, are the most interesting aspect of the clinic, because we are branching into new areas of cancer detection that really hold promise for the future," said Katharine Yao, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery.

"The clinic provides a great medium to educate patients about research protocols in which they may be eligible to enroll," said Kathy O'Day, clinical research nurse.

For example, Loyola is one of several medical centers in the country investigating a promising new method for detecting breast cancer at its very earliest stage. "We are looking at random fine needle aspirations of the breasts as a way to detect abnormal cells and find certain molecular markers that may predict the development of breast cancer," said Dr. Yao.

In addition to Drs. Lo and Yao, who focus on breast and ovarian cancer detection and treatment, the clinic includes three physicians who concentrate on gastrointestinal cancer assessment, as well as a genetic counselor, research nurse and psychosocial oncologist. The clinic's coordinator, Bhuma Krishnamachari, MS, a genetics counselor, evaluates each patient's family history to determine if a genetic mutation is likely in the family.

This diversity of expertise is what makes the clinic unique. "We have a multidisciplinary case conference every other week and are able to gather input from each other's different perspectives," said Dr. Lo. "Each patient, therefore, is approached and discussed from various angles, thus individualizing their care."

With multiple specialists collaborating on their care, patients often can avoid making multiple trips to specialists and are assured that a comprehensive plan of action will include input from every member of the health-care team. For more information or to make an appointment, call (708) 216-8563.

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