JMC launches comprehensive lung cancer program

Recruiting one of the nation's leading specialists in minimally-invasive lung and chest surgery, Jupiter Medical Center (JMC) has launched the first comprehensive program in Palm Beach and Martin counties dedicated to prevention, early detection, treatment and care of patients with lung cancer and other diseases of the chest and lung.

K. Adam Lee, M.D., a Board Certified Thoracic Surgeon and nationally recognized pioneer in robotic assisted lung cancer surgery, is medical director of the new Thoracic Surgery and Lung Center, which expands the scope of JMC's nationally accredited Ella Milbank Foshay Cancer Center.

"Knowing that over 80 percent of lung cancers have a chance to be cured if detected and treated early, we've assembled a 'brain trust' of specialists and armed them with the latest technology, such as low dose spiral CT screening," said John Couris, Jupiter Medical Center President and CEO. "Nationally, more people die of lung cancer than colorectal, breast and prostate cancer combined," added Dr. Lee. "Our team is focused on changing lung cancer's dreadful statistics."

The need for sophisticated early CT screening has gained growing national attention. The National Cancer Institute's 2010 National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) results showed 20 percent fewer lung cancer deaths among high-risk patients who were screened with low-dose spiral CT technology than with chest x-ray.

JMC's program streamlines diagnosis and coordinates treatment for better outcomes. The Center will evaluate each patient and, if needed, perform CT scan, radiologic tests or biopsy within 24 to 48 hours, according to Dr. Lee. Treatment will typically be provided within two weeks, he added. The Center's continuum of care includes:

• CT Lung Screening Program - National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) guidelines recommend spiral CT screening for current or former heavy smokers aged 55 to 74, who quit less than 10 years ago and show no symptoms and have no personal history of cancer.
• Lung Nodule Clinic - Patients with an abnormal chest X-ray or CT of the lung will leave the clinic with a plan of care the day of their consultation. Center will make Endoscopic Bronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) available, a technology that guides physicians via real-time images as they perform biopsies that require no incisions, are safer and more accurate.
• Minimally-Invasive Thoracic Surgery, including Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System, as well as Video Assisted Thorascopic Surgery.
• If a patient is diagnosed, the Center coordinates high-tech radiation, chemotherapy and infusion services, with supportive care from dedicated lung patient navigators, oncology social workers, rehabilitation services, plus education and survivorship programs.