For women who face a diagnosis of breast cancer, the decision on how to move forward and where to go for care can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there has been an enormous amount of research leading to advances in how we detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer. The result—breast cancer is being caught earlier and more women are surviving and living better lives.

The Lankenau Hospital Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program helps guide patients through this maze of information, giving them the tools needed to understand and deal with their condition. Our specialists have been pioneers in their fields and have brought many treatment advances to the area. In addition, our talented teams of caring specialists are also teachers and researchers, offering patients the very latest advances to fight breast cancer.

Breakthrough Cancer Research in a Community Setting
The research program at the Lankenau Hospital Cancer Center in the Philadelphia suburbs has received national attention. In 1994, Main Line Health, of which Lankenau is a member, was designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) to conduct prevention and treatment cancer research, a distinction held by only 50 centers nationwide. This designation allows us to work with other prominent organizations— such as The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center—through national cooperative research bases.

These research bases connect Lankenau to important research endeavors with major national groups such as the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG), and the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). The Center was recently ranked one of the highest among CCOPs in the number of patients enrolled in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) studies, and fourth in the number of sentinel node breast biopsies performed in a North American clinical trial validating the use of sentinel node biopsy in early stage breast cancer as a less invasive alternative.

We offer a full range of clinical trials through our research affiliations, participating in the advancement of treatment in the areas of radiation, surgery, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. We are also actively involved in cancer prevention research. Clinical trials may be recommended and monitored by the treating physician as appropriate for the patient’s clinical situation. More Info!

Comprehensive Screening and Detection

• Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program. Each year, more than 180,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Many of these women wonder if they are in the 10% that have a hereditary form of the disease. Of those women who have family histories, many tend to over-estimate their breast cancer risk. Women in both groups may benefit from evaluation, education and counseling through Lankenau Hospital’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program.

  Program Participants meet with a certified genetic counselor to discuss risk factors, a personalized risk profile, appropriate screening guidelines and risk reduction options. Individuals with personal and/or family cancer histories suggestive of an inherited predisposition are offered genetic counseling and genetic testing when appropriate. In addition, breast self exam instruction is provided. All participants have the expertise of both a medical oncologist and an outpatient oncology social worker, as needed.

• Breast Imaging Services. Early detection of breast cancer can dramatically improve survival outcomes. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms beginning at age 40; annual clinical exams and monthly breast self-exams. The Lankenau Cancer Center offers women the latest technological advances for breast cancer detection including digital mammography with computer-aided detection. Digital mammography makes more information about the breast available because the computer images can be enhanced, lightened, darkened, or magnified on a computer monitor. In addition, breast ultrasound and breast MRI can give physicians more detailed information about a breast mass or mammographic abnormality. This can prove essential in guiding further evaluation and treatment.

Our highly-skilled board certified radiologists are supported by a team of certified radiology technologists to provide expertise in detecting disease.

Diagnosing Breast Cancer
If further analysis is required beyond imaging studies, patients are referred to a surgeon to conduct a breast biopsy. In this procedure, doctors remove a sample of tissue from the suspicious area and send it to a pathologist to analyze the tissue sample. Today, patients benefit from less invasive breast biopsy procedures that offer shorter recovery times, less scarring and less post-procedure pain. Our doctors were among the first in the region to introduce these techniques including:

• Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy. Performed under general anesthesia, a very thin needle is inserted into the suspicious mass and cells are extracted for microscopic evaluation.

• Core Biopsy. Performed under local anesthesia for palpable tumor sites identified by mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. A radioactive material and blue dye are injected into the area surrounding the tumor site. Then, through a small incision under the patient’s arm, doctors remove the lymph nodes that have absorbed the most radioactive material or blue dye. This less invasive technique allows the surgeon to isolate and examine  this important node and trace the expected path of spreading cancer cells. It is being used with increasing frequency for  detecting aggressive, early stage cancers.

Once cells are extracted, the surgeon works closely with the pathologist to accurately and quickly diagnose the presence of disease. Accredited by the College of American Pathologists, Lankenau’s Pathology Department offers state of the art technology including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry studies and electron microscopy. These provide detailed diagnostic and prognostic information.

Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatment at Lankenau brings together a multidisciplinary team. In addition to physician specialists in medical, surgical and radiation oncology and other consulting physicians, clinical team members may include the areas of social work, nursing, nutrition, rehabilitation, and pastoral care. The patient and family members are integral members of this team as well. The clinical group convenes regularly to discuss all newly diagnosed cases and to develop an appropriate plan of care. Every case is then reviewed and discussed at each step in the treatment process. The yreatment plan takes into account medical, social, and family needs.

Treatment for breast cancer is based on the type, stage, and size of the tumor, as well as, general health, and ability to tolerate certain medical procedures or medications. Patients also have the option to participate in important, national clinical research trials. The treatment plan may include one of the following modalities:

• Surgical Oncology: Surgical advances in breast cancer care include the use of breast conservation techniques whenever appropriate. In addition to preserving healthy tissue, these meticulous techniques minimize blood loss and scarring, and reduce recovery time. If a mastectomy is required, our physicians work closely with consulting surgeons in reconstructive surgery to offer women many options. Our team includes surgeons who are board-certified and/or fellowship-trained in surgical oncology.

• Medical Oncology: Our experienced staff of board-certified medical oncologists treats hundreds of breast cancer patients each year in a caring and supportive environment. Patients have access to the latest treatment advances in chemotherapy, hormonal therapies and targeted therapies, including new modalities. Oncology-certified nurses help educate patients about the disease and provide support for the family and caregivers. Because of the large numbers of breast cancer patients treated at Lankenau, patients have access to clinical research and the latest breakthrough therapies.

• Radiation Oncology: The Radiation Oncology Suite at Lankenau is equipped with sophisticated technology, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and CT scanning within the Philadelphia area to offer patients Mammosite®, an internal radiation therapy technique that reduces treatment time from several weeks to several days. The staff of the Radiation Oncology department offers each patient education, care and encouragement in a supportive and understanding environment.

Supportive Services
The Lankenau Cancer Center offers a variety of supportive services to help patients with the ongoing needs of illness.

• Psychosocial Support: Individual, group and family counseling; support groups.

• Rehabilitation Services: Occupational, physical and speech therapy services.

• Lymphedema Management Program: Helps to manage symptoms after breast surgery. More Info!

• Nutrition Services: Provided by registered dietitians. More Info!

• Home Care: Through our comprehensive Home Care Network.

• Free Wig Program: To help patients look and feel their best.

• Hospice & Bereavement Services: Specialized services for end-of-life care are offered through
  our Home Care Network.

• Pastoral Care: Offered through our Hospital Chaplain.

• CarePages: A free, private web page service to help family and friends stay in touch. More Info!

Meet Our Physician Specialists...

• Paul B. Gilman, MD; Medical Director
• Ned Z. Carp, MD; Surgical Director
• Marisa Weiss, MD; Director, Breast Radiation
• Jennifers Sabol, MD; Medical Director, Breast Health Center

For more information or to schedule an appointment:  Surgical Oncology: 610-642-1908; Radiation Oncology: 610-645-2433; Medical Oncology: 610-645-2494.

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