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Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in incidence and the second leading cause of death from cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, but it is also one of the most preventable. The Colorectal Cancer Program at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care offers patients access to nationally recognized physicians and surgeons who offer superb treatment for all stages of the disease and exceptional skill and experience in the treatment of recurring and advanced cases of colorectal cancer.
One of the few of its kind worldwide, our Program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer brought to patients by physicians who are leaders in the fields of medical oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology and radiation oncology. These skilled experts meet regularly to discuss each case in detail and determine, as a team, the best course of treatment. Their efforts are accompanied by a full range of support services, including strong advocacies in risk assessment, treatment, innovation and research, as well as highly trained and specialized staff for community outreach and education.
As innovators and leaders, we are making significant, ongoing contributions to the development of preventive therapies and innovative treatments. Working with our research partner, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, we have the ability to offer the most current clinical trials and advanced therapies to our patients, such as pre-operative chemotherapy and advanced radiation therapy, as well as the full spectrum of laparoscopic and robotic sphincter-saving surgeries, which greatly reduce the likelihood of the need for a colostomy.
Our team of Upper Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary physicians works closely with our Colorectal team and has developed innovative and successful techniques for metastatic cancers of the liver from tumors that have spread from the colon or rectum. When standard chemotherapy and surgical intervention have failed, we are able to use sophisticated techniques, including complex liver resections and regional therapies, such as radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat energy to destroy the tumor. We also offer cutting-edge infusion therapies, which allow the delivery of very high doses of chemotherapy directly to the liver, sparing the rest of the body from the side effects typically seen from systemic chemotherapy. Additionally, our team utilizes HIPEC a groundbreaking technique for treating colon and rectal cancer that has spread to the peritoneal cavity. This treatment, being refined at the Center for Cancer Care, bathes the abdomen with chemotherapeutic agents to eradicate rogue cells, while sparing the patient the side effects of systemic chemotherapy.
The Center for Cancer Care also provides the most advanced radiation oncology offerings for colorectal cancer including image guided intensity modulated radiation techniques, targeting the tumor or tumor bed while sparing the bowel and pelvic bone marrow from radiation effects. Precise target localization is achieved by partnering with our diagnostic imaging specialists utilizing MRI techniques for rectal tumor localization and PET-CT fusion treatment planning.
The Center for Cancer Care offers colorectal patients advanced medical oncology options ranging from chemotherapy to immunotherapy to other novel anti cancer drugs. Partnering with the National Cancer Institute- designated Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Montefiore provides access to a variety of advanced clinical trials. These include an investigation of how to minimize the unwanted side effects of FOLFOX chemotherapy for treatment of Stage 3 colorectal cancer, a study to determine the benefit of combining FOLFOX with bevacizumab, an immunotherapy for the treatment of metastatic disease and an exciting home grown trial for patients with advanced colon cancer with a Kras mutation. The trial is based on the findings that Reolysin® (a live virus) can kill cancer cells especially those with a mutant Kras gene and is focused on determining the effectiveness of combining Reolysin® and FOLFIRI chemotherapy.
Through ongoing research studies, we are discovering more options for treating colorectal cancer, as well as preventing it. Experts in our Genetics Program enhance research activities by conducting state-of-the-art risk assessments to determine a patient's probability of contracting hereditary colorectal cancer and help patients take preventive measures before the disease occurs.
Screening and early detection are key factors in ensuring positive outcomes for colorectal cancer. Having been recognized by the city of New York as a leader in our field and a formidable force in colorectal cancer prevention, Montefiore is dedicated to promoting awareness and facilitating risk assessments in the community. We provide education and support to our patients, our community and healthcare professionals across the nation.
We understand a cancer diagnosis or recurrence of cancer can be overwhelming and that each patient's medical history and condition is unique. Our multidisciplinary team customizes each treatment plan to minimize disruptions caused by the disease and maximize functionality.