Overview of
The Bob Rosenberg
Interventional Radiology Program
Because of our Generous Supporters, ICAN patients involved in
The Bob Rosenberg Interventional Radiology Program
have access to the following information services:
- A review of the patient's medical history and risk factors (gender, genetics, breast tissue density and previous chest radiation), a complete review of symptoms prior to presentation, (breast lump or thickening of skin, breast redness, inverted nipple, nipple discharge), a review of diagnostic tests and complementary tests, a review and analysis of the patient's surgical pathology report relating to TNM staging ("Tumor Node Metastasis") and prognostic factors (ER, PR, and Her2 status), a review of patient’s current condition as well as any comorbid factors.
- Referrals, at the patient's request, to medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, and additional specialists relevant to the patient's ongoing care, some of them specialists in a specific type of breast cancer.
- Referrals to support groups that may be of assistance in handling the emotional impact that cancer has on the patient and the patient's family.
- Referrals to ICAN's Susan L. Heffon Pre-Hospice and Palliative Care Program, directed by Sharon Rostoker, RN, which evaluates the patient's case and works with the medical team and the caregiving team on home health care issues and palliative care issues.
- Referrals to ICAN’s Attorneys’ Council that may be of assistance in addressing insurance issues or employment termination issues (because of diagnosis or disclosure of metastatic disease).
- Review of the nature/amelioration of specific side effects from chemotherapy (nausea, neuropathy, hair loss, mouth sores, fatigue, increased risk of infection, weakness and fertility issues) as well as from other treatment modalities (surgery and radiation).
- Discussion of the interaction of diet and cancer chemotherapy drugs based on recent studies (type of diet to follow while on drugs).
- Delineation of the symptoms about which the breast cancer patient should alert her oncologist (fever, difficulty breathing, and sudden or worsening of swelling or pain, new lump).
- Discussion of relevant breast imaging technology as well as imaging tests for metastatic disease (mammograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ductograms, CT/PET scan).
- Discussion of pain management issues and treatment options that can be addressed with the patient's medical team and anesthesiologists.
- Explanation of the recommendations given or not given by the patient's oncology team; assistance in answering the patient's questions which remain either after or between appointments with the medical team.
- Review of the relevant radiotherapy/interventional radiology options which the patient, in turn, may discuss with her medical team (Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation) [1] [2] [3]
- Discussion of the relevance of the patient's specific immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cytogenetic results to available clinical trials so that the patient may explore all options with her medical team.
- Analysis of relevant breast cancer clinical trials options as well as the nature and purpose of clinical trials using Remission Coach®.
- Review of relevant breast cancer-specific drugs in the anticancer pipeline (hormone therapy, biomolecular receptor agonists/antagonists).
- Review of all evidence-based and complementary and alternative medicine ("CAM") avenues approved by the medical oncology team or by an integrative respected oncologist from the medical oncology team.
- Review of the merits of filing a "Single Patient Investigational New Drug” (IND) for Compassionate or Emergency Use" for a specific experimental cancer drug, if relevant to the patient's situation.
- Exploration of options that might reduce travel costs for the patient as well as ICAN supporters who have volunteered to host a clinical trials patient in a particular city.
The Bob Rosenberg Interventional Radiology Program
is a vital part of ICAN's Cancer Patient Advocacy and Clinical Trials Program Advocacy Services.
For more information about this special program, please click on.....
ICAN is currently working on The Bob Rosenberg Interventional Radiology Program. We are working to put together a Family and Friends Advisory Council for the The Bob Rosenberg Interventional Radiology Program. If interested, please email us at Bob.Rosenberg.Program@askican.org.
If you would like to become involved as a donor and supporter or a member of our Cancer Research Literature team as a Research Team Leader (medical school students, physicians, nurses, and post-docs only please), you may reach us at Bob.Rosenberg.Program@askican.org.
Federal Tax I.D.: EIN 86-0818253