Issue 27

Date: February 28, 2013
Winter 2013
In this issue we present

• UW-Oncoplex, Second to None in Genetic Profiling of Cancer Cells
• SCCA Proton Therapy, A ProCure Center Accepting Appointments
• Radiation Oncologist Embraces the Future
• New Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Clinic Open
• Prostate Cancer Challenged by the Dream Team

Issue 26

Date: October 29, 2012
Fall 2012
In this issue we present

• Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer: New Opportunities and Challenges 
• Esophageal Cancer: Early Diagnosis and Specialized Surgeries Can Improve Outcomes
• Esophageal Cancer: A Moving Target, an Opportunity
• Robotic Surgery for Endometrial Cancer--And Survivors' Obesity -Related Risks
• Non-Invasive Screening Test Could Replace Colonoscopy
• Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy: a New, Improved Way to Treat Leukemia

Additionally, we welcome Gabriela Chiorean, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine and an associate member at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center who specializes in treating pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and hepatobiliary cancers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Issue 25

Date: August 15, 2012

In this issue we present the pros and cons of PSA testing for patients, SCCA’s Liver Tumor Clinic, teatment updates for high-risk, localized prostate cancer, new studies for using transplantation to treat Crohn’s Disease, a new multi-center trial comparing haploidentical and cord blood transplants, as well as a new trial for engineered T cells to treat leukemia and lymphoma.

Additionally, we welcome Alessandro Fichera, MD, to the new director of the University of Washington Medical Center Colorectal Surgery. 

Issue 24

Date: June 12, 2012

In this issue we present some promising new immunotherapy studies,  low-dose CT Screening for lung cancer, a new multi-center trial opening soon for haploidentical and cord blood transplants, non-chemotherapy treatment for follicular lymphoma, a provider profile on Edward N. Libby, MD, as well as information on the most informative CME of the year.

Issue 23

Date: March 01, 2012
Winter 2012

In this issue we present a ground-breaking gene therapy study for Fanconi anemia in adults, a new genomic test for ovarian cancer, new treatment for patients with colon cancer metastases to the liver. Additionally, we spotlight one of our national leaders in cardiothoracic surger, Dr. Michael Mulligan.

Issue 22

Date: December 14, 2011
Fall 2011

In this issue we are excited to present findings from a clinical study about a new enzymatic therapy for pancreas cancer. PEGPH20 is bringing hope to patients with an unforgiving disease as it makes it possible for chemotherapies to do their job. We have two interesting articles about bone marrow transplantation: one regarding the tricky balance of treating sickle cell disease and the other about making this life-saving treatment more accessible to older patients.

Issue 21

Date: August 17, 2011
Summer 2011

In this exciting summer issue, we report on our leading head and neck cancer care, ranked sixth among the top cancer centers in the nation and new therapies for Lung Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Pancreas Cancer. Also, a recent article by SCCA researchers in the New England Journal of Medicine documents improved survival after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation over the past decade.

Issue 20

Date: April 25, 2011
Spring 2011

In this issue, we are pleased to announce FDA approval for Yervoy (ipilimumab), the first drug shown to prolong the lives of people with melanoma. This quarter we broke ground for a new Proton Therapy Center that is scheduled to open in 2013. A special event is planned in April for patients and families with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. You can also read about Translational Research, the wave of the future for cancer treatment and the Seattle Cancer Consortium Breast SPORE (Specialized Program in Research Excellence) who received a sizeable award. 

Issue 19

Date: January 19, 2011

In this issue we invite you to read about our exciting alternative donor program for bone marrow transplants and how mini-transplants can help older patients or patients who may not be able to tolerate conventional high-dose conditioning. We’re also learning more and more about detecting lung cancer at earlier stages. This quarter, we talk about last November’s study from the National Cancer Institute that showed 20 percent fewer lung cancer deaths in people who were screened with low-dose spiral computed tomography compared with chest X-ray. And our prostate cancer feature focuses on Abiraterone, the latest breakthrough for treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

In 2011, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance will celebrate its 10th anniversary. We invite you to share your comments about SCCA on a community celebration Web site: www.sccatenyear.org. We’ll also be breaking ground for a new proton beam therapy center this year.

Issue 18

Date: July 02, 2010

In this issue of The Leading Edge we're announcing a new clinical trials database that lists all of the clinical trials currently open at SCCA. Topics covered also include the Survivorship Program – Good for your patients and open to all cancer survivors regardless of where they received their original treatment; New trials leading to better treatments, featuring several new clinical trials open at SCCA for newly diagnosed and relapsed patients with AML, Melanoma, and gliomas; as well as a dedicated team is best practice for treating pancreas cancer. A new linear accelerator at SCCA provides more targeted radiation therapy to treat solid tumors.

Issue 17

Date: February 01, 2010

In this issue of The Leading Edge, get the latest information on a triple-negative breast cancer trial, minimally invasive lung biopsies, surgical management of T3 and T4 lung cancers, the latest news on treating pancreas cancer, lymphoma trials news, and SCCA's new patient housing facility.

Issue 16

Date: September 01, 2009

In this issue, we introduce a new Phase I clinical trials unit for patients participating in Phase I clinical research and several clinical trials now seeking patients including those with malignant glioma, prostate cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. We also discuss the efficacy of VATS lobectomy for lung cancer treatment.

Issue 15

Date: January 01, 2009

Each quarter of The Leading Edge newsletter, we'll highlight the latest news on leading-edge research and therapies that SCCA physicians are offering. In this issue we're featuring FES PET – It’s the new wave of advanced imaging technology; New T-cell lymphoma project at SCCA; Evaluation of first-line treatments of extensive stage small-cell lung cancer; and Outcomes research a new focus at SCCA Prostate Cancer Center.

Issue 14

Date: September 15, 2008

In this issue: Leading-edge prostate cancer treatments -- basic scientists partner with clinical researchers; Advancements in lung and brain tumor treatments; New and ongoing acute myeloid leukemia trials.
 

Issue 13

Date: April 01, 2008
April 2008

In this issue: Treatment of high risk prostate cancer; Early detection and best treatments for men with prostate cancer; Diet and Prostate Cancer; Measuring Treatment Response; GPS for the Body; Gamma Knife Technology; Educational Opportunities

Issue 12

Date: January 01, 2008
Topics featured in this issue are: Early detection and treatment optimization for colon cancer; The future of cancer therapy – targeting tumor stem cells; The Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program; Neuro-oncology comes to SCCA; The Survivorship Program; Lung Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Clinic.