SIU TOPS Program to Deal with Lung and Other Cancers of the Chest

A new program to help patients and their families deal with lung cancer, the most common cancer killer in the U.S., and other cancers of the chest has been developed at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.

The new Thoracic Oncology Program at SIU, or TOPS, brings lung cancer specialists into a weekly clinic setting at the SIU Cancer Institute. The program, which started seeing patients this fall, is designed so several specialists evaluate patients with possible or confirmed cancers on the same day and then develop a consensus treatment plan for each individual. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Cancers of the chest include those in the lungs, esophagus, thymus gland and pleura, which is a membrane in the chest.

"This SIU clinic brings together specialists from several disciplines focused on treating various thoracic cancers, including lung cancer, in order to provide the best outcome possible for our patients in central and southern Illinois," said Dr. Stephen R. Hazelrigg, professor of cardiothoracic surgery and medical director for TOPS. "We also have support services for patients and families such as a regular support group meeting, nutrition counseling and smoking cessation programs."

Other team members represent medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine, diagnostic radiology, pathology, nursing and social services. Diagnostic radiology, pathology and radiation therapy services are being provided by community physicians. The team can provide first or second opinions to new patients as well as evaluate in-patients at Memorial Medical Center or St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

The mortality rate for lung cancer is greater than the three most common cancers combined -- breast, colorectal and prostate. Approximately 171,900 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, while more than 430 patients with lung cancer die each day. The overall five-year survival for lung cancer is only 12-14 percent. Annually, lung cancer kills more men than prostate cancer and more women than breast cancer.

Nearly 90 percent of lung cancers are caused by smoking and secondhand smoke. Increased risk also can come from exposure to carcinogens such as radon and asbestos.

"Smokers can reduce their chance of developing lung cancer if they stop the habit, says Dr. Akshay Sood, an SIU assistant professor of pulmonary medicine and member of TOPS. "An additional benefit from smoking cessation is the reduction of coronary artery disease and emphysema."

There are few early warning signs for lung cancer, though many patients have no symptoms when they are diagnosed with lung cancer. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, coughing blood, shortness of breath or wheezing, and recurrent bouts of pneumonia.

Early detection is critical. Testing patients at high risk for developing lung cancer means tumors can be found while small and more easily treated. The five-year survival rate for the earliest possible lung cancer, stage 1 disease, treated surgically is 50-70 percent.

"We are working to bring advanced technology quickly into the evaluation of patients in order to assure they are started in the right direction, with appropriate diagnosis steps and treatment recommendations," explains Dr. Manuel Valdivieso, director of the SIU Cancer Institute and TOPS member. "We want to realize more success for our patients by the judicious incorporation of different treatment disciplines, including access to national cooperative group clinical trials."

Hazelrigg also says the TOPS team is working to include compassionate and patient-centered care, which includes various related services. These include advice about nutrition, special exercise programs, coping help as well as treatment for possible depression, and home and hospice care.

The support group for lung cancer patients and their families meets the third Tuesday of each month and usually features a guest speaker. More information about the support group is available by calling the SIU Cancer Institute administrative offices at 217-545-6818 weekdays.

The Thoracic Oncology Program at SIU is based at the SIU Cancer Institute, which is located in the Baylis Building (first floor), 747 N. Rutledge St., Springfield. To contact the TOPS program about new or follow-up patients appointment or to request information, call 217-545-7422 weekdays.

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