NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

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Research and Clinical Trials

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Clinical Services

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Colon Cancer

The coordinated efforts and compassionate approach of our gastroenterologists and surgeons has enhanced the diagnostic and treatment options available for patients with colon cancer. Advanced technologies are applied in colon and colorectal surgery, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic procedures, which avoid large incisions, lessen trauma to the body, and minimize the effect of surgery on the immune system. A study by Hospital researchers has shown that elderly patients with colon and rectal cancers can benefit from chemotherapy and radiation and should not be denied those treatments based on age considerations.

Therapeutic Excellence

Surgical Advances

The NewYork-Presbyterian Cancer Centers' surgeons are leaders in laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, a technically complex procedure. Preliminary clinical studies indicate that the results are as good as, or better than, the traditional open surgical approach for colon cancer. A recent study comparing laparoscopic-assisted surgery to the conventional procedure for treatment of colorectal cancer indicates that performing these surgeries laparoscopically preserves the body's immune system. As a follow-up to that work, researchers are now conducting a trial to determine whether stimulating the immune system of patients after open surgery will improve outcomes. In addition, research is being conducted on tumor vaccines administered pre-operatively to determine if they are effective in fighting and killing any tumor cells that may remain after surgery. Our surgeons are also at the forefront of new techniques to preserve colorectal structure and function, including the creation of bowel anastomosis (a method for joining the intestines together allowing stool to pass through normally) and innovative procedures that avoid permanent colostomies and ileostomies.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiologists are improving quality of life for patients with colorectal cancer and increasing survival rates using non-surgical, catheter-directed techniques. They have developed extensive expertise in combination therapies, including chemoembolization and direct tumor ablations. In one study, use of these techniques for appropriately selected colon cancer patients achieved twice the survival rate reported with conventional intravenous chemotherapy alone.

Research

Clinical Trials

Patients who come to NewYork-Presbyterian Cancer Centers for care also have access to some of the most important and advanced clinical trials in the country for colorectal cancer. These trials include investigations related to:

• Cox-2 inhibitors in colon cancer chemoprevention
• Celebrex to prevent the recurrence of colon polyps
• Diets enriched with low-fat diary foods for colorectal cancer prevention
• Colon cancer diagnostics, including the use of radio-guided therapy to locate occult tumor deposits at the time of surgery
• Use of colonoscopy for colon cancer screening
• Comparison of laparoscopic-assisted colectomy to traditional, large-incision laparotomy for treatment of colon cancer (supported by the National Cancer Institute)

In addition, physicians are investigating agents that may prevent the development of colon polyps; exploring the etiology of colorectal polyps and cancer; and evaluating novel mechanisms of action of omega—3 fatty acids—constituents of fish oil-to understand how dietary factors alter the risk of colorectal cancer.

Special Services

Enterostomal Therapy

Enterostomal therapy is a cornerstone of our high quality and empathetic approach to care in patients with complex intestinal disorders requiring the need for a temporary or permanent stoma. Enterostomal therapy nurses have advanced specialized training in the management of stomas. They provide counseling for patients before and immediately after surgery, as well as throughout recovery, to help them adjust and lead normal lives. Our enterostomal therapy nurses also counsel patients with complex wounds, intestinal fistulas, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Their contributions to the quality management of patients are an essential component of care.