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Treatment of Colon Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer: Are We Making Progress?

PROGRAM DETAILS:

The approach to gastrointestinal carcinomas treatment has changed significantly in recent years as a result of refinements in surgical therapy and adjustments to the timing of chemotherapy and radiation in relation to surgical intervention. Dr. David Mahvi joins Andrew on this Patient Power program sponsored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital to discuss the current treatments for colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Mahvi is Chief of the Division of GI/Oncologic Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. You’ll also hear from Eric, a colon cancer survivor, and Linda, a pancreatic survivor – both were treated at Northwestern and share their stories.

The program begins with Eric telling his story of a colon cancer diagnosis in his late 40s. He talks about the symptoms he was experiencing, and how a colonoscopy found a tumor the size of a peach. Eric details his treatment which included a colon resection, radiofrequency ablation and post-operative chemo, among others. He has maintained a positive attitude throughout treatment and speaks highly of his care at Northwestern. He maintains good communication with his doctors and works with them to make treatment decisions.

Pancreatic survivor, Linda, also tells her story of being diagnosed shortly after a friend passed away from the same condition only weeks earlier. She talks about her symptoms and her first bouts of treatment in clinical trials at Northwestern. Because of the nature of her tumor, doctors had to first shrink the tumor with radiation prior to performing surgery. After much treatment and observation, her doctors performed the Whipple procedure. Hear about Linda’s recovery and how she’s leading a much healthier lifestyle today.

Dr. Mahvi goes into detail discussing the intricacies of both Eric and Linda’s case. He talks about the delicate nature of each of their conditions, and their specific surgical and drug therapies. Dr. Mahvi also provides an in-depth explanation of surgical procedures, including the relationship of surgical outcomes to the volume of surgeries performed. You’ll also hear about post-surgery therapies and who should receive them. If you are searching for in-depth information on treatment of colon and pancreatic cancer, this program can provide you with a wealth of information.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
David Mahvi, M.D. David Mahvi, M.D.
Chief of the Division of GI/Oncologic Surgery , Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Dr. David Mahvi is chief of the division of GI/Oncologic Surgery in the department of Surgery at Northwestern Memorial and the James R. Hines, MD, Professor of Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Eric’s Story LISTEN
  2. Linda’s Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis LISTEN
  3. Deciding on Treatment LISTEN
  4. Radiofrequency Ablation LISTEN
  5. Whipple Procedure LISTEN
  6. The Patient Experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital LISTEN
  7. Listener Questions LISTEN
  8. Proper Screening LISTEN
  9. Outlook for the Future LISTEN

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