An overview of the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center - a top-50 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Cancer – the only cancer center in New Jersey with this prestigious designation.
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2. John Theurer Cancer Center
One of the Nation’s
Top 50 Cancer Centers
For the past 25 years, John Theurer Cancer Center
at Hackensack University Medical Center has
become one of the largest and most comprehensive
cancer centers in the United States. Today, we are
a top-50 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals
for Cancer – the only cancer center in New Jersey
with this prestigious designation.
jtcancercenter.org
201-996-5900
3. message A Message from Dr. Pecora and Dr. Goy
At the John Theurer Cancer Center, we believe cancer is hard enough for patients and their loved ones.
It is this belief that drives our passion to deliver extraordinary care every day, helping us become one of the
nation’s top 50 cancer centers – the only cancer center in New Jersey with this recognition.
Over the past 25 years, we have become one of the largest cancer centers in the United States, but we have
kept our focus on the unique needs of the patients who place their trust in our doctors and staff. Prevention,
treatment, and research advances have grown exponentially over those 25 years. We are not only keeping
up with the change of pace, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative care, and providing tomorrow’s
treatment today by:
• Taking multidisciplinary care to a new level with teams of disease-specific experts under one roof
• Delivering personalized medicine focused on novel therapies, participatory treatment, predictive
measures, and preventive care
• Advancing research through biomarker-driven clinical trials and translational research
• Providing holistic care that includes a wide range of complementary services important to the
well-being of our patients that can be easily integrated into their care
• Creating a comforting environment in a new high-tech, high-touch building
We believe our model is the next step toward the future of patient care. In the pages that follow, we invite
you to see how the John Theurer Cancer Center is changing the cancer care experience one patient at a time.
Sincerely,
Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E. Andre Goy, M.D., M.S.
Chief Innovations Officer, Professor and
Chairman and Director, Chief of Lymphoma, and
Vice President of Cancer Services, John Theurer Director, Clinical and Translational Cancer Research,
Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University
Medical Center
4. facilities A New Building to Deliver Extraordinary Care
In January 2011, we opened a new building that now houses our 14 specialty divisions along with our
research and oncology services. This provides our patients with an unparalleled experience through
innovative approaches in comfortable surroundings.
Innovative Care in a Patient-Centered Environment
The lobby features a flight of 200 soaring Murano glassblown birds and an inspiring Living Wall made of over
30 plant species, all hydroponically growing without soil and accompanied by a 24-foot waterfall. The wall
breaks down indoor air contaminates through entirely natural processes, releasing purer, cleaner air.
Other resources to help patients and caregivers in their fight against cancer include:
• Tranquility/meditation room, fitness studio, and yoga classes that are free for patients
• Terrace garden with a vegetable garden to teach cancer patients how to grow their own food
• Patient resource library with a medical librarian and cyber café to stay connected
• Demonstration kitchen for cooking and nutrition lessons
jtcancercenter.org
5. John Theurer Cancer Center Practice Specialties
We are comprised of 14 specialized divisions and Radiation Oncology experts.
Division Chiefs are supported by medical, research, nursing, nutrition, and
psychosocial support for more advanced, focused care for patients.
Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Geriatric Oncology Division
Transplantation Program
Head and Neck Oncology Division
Lymphoma Division
Thoracic Oncology Division
Multiple Myeloma Division
Radiation Oncology Department
Leukemia Division
Urologic Oncology Division
Neuro-Oncology Division:
Brain and Spine Institute Breast Oncology Division
Skin and Sarcoma Division: Gynecologic Oncology Division
Cutaneous Malignancy Program
Research Division
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Division
specialties
6. Hematological Malignancies
Our clinicians are leading some of the most significant research for blood-borne
Lymphoma
cancers today. In 2010, we presented research updates and clinical trial results of Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., Chairman and Director, Chief, Lymphoma and Director, Clinical and Translational Cancer Research
Tatyana Feldman, M.D., Attending, Lymphoma
40 cutting-edge studies at the annual American Society of Hematology Meeting,
Anthony Mato, M.D., Attending, Lymphoma
including multicenter, international trials in collaboration with leading cancer
Pritish Bhattacharyya, M.D., Pathology, Lymphoma
institutions, such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI), MD Anderson, Dana-Farber,
Kar Chow, M.D., Pathology, Lymphoma
Mayo Clinic, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Xiao Yang, M.D., Ph.D., Pathology, Lymphoma
Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology
Led by internationally renowned clinician and researcher Dr. Goy, the Lymphoma Division is dedicated to
Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation treating cancers of the lymphatic system, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and
serious blood disorders such as amyloidosis.
Scott Rowley, M.D., F.A.C.P., Chief, Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Program
Michele Donato, M.D., Medical Director, Blood and Marrow Collection Facility • Participates in groundbreaking research • Dr. Goy is a member of the Lymphoma Research
David Vesole, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Chief and Director, Research, Multiple Myeloma funded by the Susan Vaughan Foundation for Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, which
Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chief Innovations Officer, Professor and Vice President of Cancer Services Translational Research in Lymphoma, the FDA, is comprised of the world’s leading lymphoma
and several pharmaceutical companies. researchers and oncologists.
One of the nation’s 10 largest adult Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant programs, performing more than
• Dr. Goy is widely known for his work as • Collaborates with the Lymphoma Research
300 transplants last year and more than 4,000 total.
co-principal investigator on the PINNACLE trial, Foundation to present the latest practices in the
which led to the FDA’s approval of VELCADE® diagnosis and management of lymphoma.
• More than 30 clinical trials underway, including lymphoma (non-Hodgkin, Hodgkin) as well as (bortezomib) for a defined group of mantle cell
multicenter studies in collaboration with the myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders lymphoma patients.
NCI and National Marrow Donor Program. and hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell anemia).
• Dr. Goy took part in the original pilot study for
• Part of the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials • Extensive experience in stem cell transplant RITUXAN® (rituximab), which doctors have
Network and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, therapy for multiple myeloma. widely used to treat lymphomas, leukemias,
allowing us to collaborate on national clinical trials. • Performs more photopheresis procedures than and autoimmune disorders.
• Clinical trials cover multiple areas: leukemia any transplantation program in the country.
(AML, ALL, CLL, CML), plasma cell dyscrasias
(myeloma, amyloidosis, Waldenstrom’s),
7. “I would have gone anywhere to get the best possible treatment, but I found
Multiple Myeloma it right here in Hackensack. My friends and family didn’t have to travel into
David Siegel, M.D., Ph.D., Chief, Multiple Myeloma New York City during my lengthy hospital stay and the care I received was first-rate.”
David Vesole, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Chief and Director, Research, Multiple Myeloma —Julie Mott, leukemia survivor and 8th person in the world to survive
Joshua Richter, M.D., Attending, Multiple Myeloma a liver transplant and stem cell transplant
One of the few facilities in the U.S. to provide specialized expertise in multiple myeloma, primary systemic
amyloidosis and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, offering new and emerging therapies that enhance the
quality and extend the life of patients with plasma cell disorders.
Leukemia
• Member of the Multiple Myeloma Research today, including VELCADE® (bortezomib), REVLIMID®
Consortium (MMRC), a unique research model (lenalidomide), Pomalidomide, and Carfilzomib. Stuart Goldberg, M.D., Chief, Leukemia
consisting of 16 institutions to accelerate the Pritish Bhattacharyya, M.D., Pathology, Leukemia
• Our researchers joined colleagues from 20 institutions
development of novel, cutting-edge multiple Kar Chow M.D., Pathology, Leukemia
to publish the first complete genomic portrait of
myeloma treatments. Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology
multiple myeloma.
• Dr. Siegel and Dr. Vesole are two of the The Leukemia Division uses a variety of treatment options, including chemotherapy and stem cell
• A leader in innovative stem cell transplant modalities
foremost international authorities in multiple transplantation, to ensure patients receive the best care available.
for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
myeloma, frequently published in top-tier
peer-reviewed medical journals such as Journal • Active in clinical trials that led to FDA approval • Partners with multiple patient supports groups,
of Clinical Oncology, Blood, Lancet Oncology, of GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) and a new such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to
and The New England Journal of Medicine. indication for Tasigna® (nilotinib). host educational events and to provide important
Multiple Myeloma programs for patients and their loved ones as well
• Participated in landmark research that has Research Consortium • Dr. Goldberg is internationally recognized for his
led to the approval of some of the most as for health care professionals.
Powerful Collaboration Accelerates Results research in leukemia and other blood cancers.
significant multiple myeloma therapies used In April 2010, he led research published in the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, which concluded
myelodysplastic syndromes blood cancer is five
“When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, they told me I had up to times more common than previously thought.
three years to live. Thanks to access to the latest clinical trials and great
personnel, I have spent the last 17 years traveling the world and
watching my grandchildren become adults.”
—George Chambers, 17-year multiple myeloma survivor
8. “I was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was four months pregnant.
Neuro-Oncology: The Brain and Spine Institute It wasn’t certain that the entire tumor could be removed, but Dr. Kaptain took on
Samuel A. Goldlust, M.D., Co-Chief, The Brain and Spine Institute my case and I’ve been in remission for five years. It is nothing short of a miracle.”
George Kaptain, M.D., Co-Chief, The Brain and Spine Institute —Antonia Reyes, brain cancer survivor
Hooman Azmi, M.D., Neurosurgeon, The Brain and Spine Institute
Mark Pascal, M.D., Neuro-oncologist, The Brain and Spine Institute
David Panush, M.D., Section Head, Neuroradiology, Diagnostic Radiology
Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology Skin and Sarcoma: Cutaneous Malignancy Program
In 2011, the John Theurer Cancer launched the Brain and Spine Institute to coordinate multi-disciplinary Andrew Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chief Innovations Officer, Professor and Vice President of Cancer Services,
cutting edge care and research for primary and metastatic brain tumors as well as the neurological and Chief, Cutaneous Malignancy Program
complications of cancer. Donald McCain, M.D., Ph.D., Vice Chairman and Chief, Surgical Oncology, Cutaneous Malignancy Program
James Wittig, M.D., Chief, Sarcoma Cancer and Chief, Orthopedic Oncology
• Led by neuro-oncologist Dr. Goldlust, who • One of only 20 facilities in the U.S. to offer Robin Ashinoff, M.D., Chief, Dermatologic, Mohs and Laser Surgery
recently joined from Memorial Sloan-Kettering MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy, a Richard Winters, M.D., F.A.C.S, Vice-Chairman, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cancer Center and neurosurgeon Dr. Kaptain, novel technology that allows for precision removal
Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology
who has subspecialty training both in neuro- of tumors that may otherwise be inoperable.
oncology and skull-base surgery. • Advanced imaging capabilities include diffusion Provides a multidisciplinary team of leading experts in Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, dermatology, medical
• Multidisciplinary team includes experts in tensor imaging, an MRI technique that allows oncology, oncologic surgery, radiation oncology, reconstructive surgery and research. Our program treats all stages
neurology, neurosurgery, medical oncology, precision mapping of neural pathways in the brain. of malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and other cutaneous malignancies.
radiation oncology, behavioral health, With this and other related imaging modalities,
neuroradiology, otolaryngology, pathology, our physicians are able to minimize harm to • One of the largest surgical melanoma practices • Involved in the landmark study that led to the
and nursing. normal tissues during treatment. in New Jersey, conducting more lymphatic cases FDA’s fast track and approval of YERVOY™
• Research is focused upon developing novel • The Annual Neuro-Oncology Symposium brings than any other in the state. (ipilimumab), a breakthrough treatment for
therapeutics for primary and metastatic brain together world renowned experts to discuss recent • One of the only cancer centers in New Jersey metastatic melanoma.
tumors, improving care for tumor-related breakthroughs and trends in the field. with a dermatopathologist on the staff. • Extensive experience in limb-sparing surgery for
epilepsy, and developing strategies for shoulder girdle tumors, cryosurgery, radiofrequency
neuro-protection in cancer patients. • Extensive expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery,
a specialized procedure that has the highest cure ablation, and minimally invasive biopsies.
rate of all surgical treatments for basal cell and
squamous cell carcinoma.
9. Gastrointestinal Oncology Head and Neck Oncology
Andrew Jennis, M.D., Co-Chief, Gastrointestinal Oncology Loren Godfrey, M.D., Co-Chief, Head and Neck Oncology and Director, Brachytherapy
Donald McCain, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., Vice Chairman and Co-Chief, Gastrointestinal Oncology Brian Benson, M.D., Co-Chief, Head and Neck Oncology
Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology
Our specialized team is dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers of the head and
Our team of more than 20 experts in gastroenterology, surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, neck, including cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, thyroid, and sinuses.
radiology, pathology and nursing is dedicated to cancers of the gastrointestinal system. Our team offers
innovative treatments and surgical approaches to improve outcomes and decrease recovery time. • Brings together experts in otolaryngology • Hosts annual Head and Neck Cancer Forum that
(ear, nose, and throat medicine), plastic and provides support, networking, and information.
• Extensive expertise with the da Vinci® robotic home earlier and recover faster compared to reconstructive surgery, medical oncology, • Active research in radiation approaches to improve
surgery system for minimally invasive, precise open procedures. maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, radiation outcomes and quality of life for head and neck
surgeries. oncology, radiology, and nursing. cancer patients.
• Open and robotic colon resections, where
• Endoscopic ultrasound for early detection of a part or the entire colon is removed.
gastrointestinal diseases. • Extensive experience treating primary and
• Experts in laparoscopic liver resections, a metastatic liver tumors with hepatic resections Thoracic Oncology
surgical technique that allows patients to go and radiofrequency ablation.
Bernard Park, M.D., Co-Chief, Thoracic Oncology
Harry Harper, M.D., Co-Chief, Thoracic Oncology
Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology
Geriatric Oncology One of only a handful of cancer centers in New Jersey with a full-time multidisciplinary thoracic oncology
team, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, esophageal cancer, malignant mesothelioma,
Richard Rosenbluth, M.D., Chief, Geriatric Oncology mediastinal tumors, and other cancers within the chest.
This is the first dedicated program designed for senior cancer patients in New York and New Jersey. • One of the most active thoracic oncology lobectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that
clinical trial sites in New Jersey. can decrease recovery time, using the da Vinci™
• A focus on the unique needs, treatment, and • Operates an active pain-management program surgical system.
recovery of patients age 65 and older. and extensive palliative care services that address • Internationally recognized leaders in minimally
end-of-life issues and attempt to ease pain and invasive surgical approaches to thoracic cancer • Employing advanced diagnostic techniques such as
discomfort for patients. treatment. endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and navigational
• Dr. Park is one of the original innovators in bronchoscopy.
robotic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
10. “The yoga classes have helped improve my breathing, relaxation, and flexibility.
More importantly, it shows me that the doctors and staff don’t just want to Urologic Oncology
treat my cancer – they truly care about my total well-being.” Ihor Sawczuk, M.D., Co-Chief, Urologic Oncology and Chairman, Department of Urology
—Bimla Shukla, breast cancer patient Robert Alter, M.D., Co-Chief, Urologic Oncology
Glen Gejerman, M.D., Co-Chief, Urologic Oncology and Director, Radiation Oncology
This multidisciplinary team, which includes some of world’s leaders in urologic oncology, is dedicated to
Radiation Oncology cancers of the genitourinary system, including kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder, prostate gland, testes,
and male genitalia.
Anthony Ingenito, M.D., Chairman, Radiation Oncology
Glen Gejerman, M.D., Co-Chief, Urologic Oncology and Director, Radiation Oncology • Uses the most advanced diagnostic and • Most experienced TomoTherapy® radiation center
Loren Godfrey, M.D., Co-Chief, Head and Neck and Director, Brachytherapy treatment methods available, including in New Jersey for prostate cancer, which is one of
minimally invasive, laparoscopic, TomoTherapy ®, the most effective radiation methods for targeted
Provides the most advanced radiation therapy treatment methods and a dedicated team of on-site radiation robotic surgical procedures, and cryosurgery. prostate cancer treatment.
oncologists with disease-specific expertise.
• First cancer center in New Jersey to offer • Robotic surgery training site for the northeast.
the complete capabilities of breakthrough
• A multidisciplinary team including board- therapy, and the only cancer center in the country • Ranked number one in New Jersey by Healthgrades
immunotherapy Provenge® (sipuleucel-T)
certified radiation oncologists, medical to acquire two machines. for prostatectomy.
physicists, technologists, radiation therapists, treatment. Prostate cancer patients can receive
• Most experienced cancer center to offer a cell-collection process and infusion by a single • Active in clincial trials for prostate, renal and
medical dosimetrists, certified medical bladder cancer.
TomoTherapy®, treating prostate, lung, and head team, allowing for a more intimate, comforting
assistants, social workers, and registered
and neck cancer with unparalleled accuracy, course of treatment.
dietitians.
precision, and safety.
• Accredited by the American College of • The largest high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy
• Active in clinical trials, with research in new center in the tri-state area, which allows
Radiation Oncology.
approaches such as brachytherapy, Dose physicians to deliver precise radiation treatment
• Safety program ranked above the 95th Verification System® (DVS), and TomoTherapy ®. directly to a tumors.
percentile by the American College of • Implants a breakthrough radiation measurement
Radiology, and patient satisfaction scores are technology, known as DVS®, which provides data
also ranked in the 95th percentile or greater
on the amount of radiation delivered to tumors and
compared to peers. surrounding tissue.
• First cancer center in New Jersey to acquire • Above-ground radiation facility.
TrueBeam™, which enables a radically different
approach to treating cancer with image-guided
11. Women’s Health Oncology Services
We offer a depth of expertise that has propelled our women’s health center to a
Gynecologic Oncology
Donna McNamara, M.D., Co-Chief, Gynecologic Oncology
leadership role in the national fight against cancers specific to women.
Babak Litkouhi, M.D., Co-Chief, Surgical Gynecologic Oncology
Ami Vaidya, M.D., Director, Gynecologic Robotic Surgery
Breast Oncology Loren Godfrey, M.D.,Radiaton Oncologist, Gynecologic Oncology
Stanley Waintraub, M.D.,Co-Chief, Breast Oncology The Gynecologic Oncology Division provides our female patients with extraordinary care from leading
Mary Jane Warden, M.D., Acting Co-Chief, Breast Oncology physicians who understand the unique challenges of women battling cancer.
Loren Godfrey, M.D.,Radiaton Oncologist, Breast Oncology
• Access to multiple clinical trials in ovarian, • Experts in minimally invasive surgical options,
Our Breast Oncology Division is one of only a handful of facilities in New Jersey to offer the most uterine, and cervical cancers, including national including laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
innovative treatment options delivered by an integrated, prominently trained group of highly specialized trials led by the Gynecologic Oncology Group, • One of few centers skilled in both intracavitary
breast cancer experts. a cooperative cancer research group funded by and interstitial high-dose-rate gynecologic
the NCI. brachytherapy techniques – advanced cancer
• Access to multiple clinical trials in breast cancer, • Offers partial breast irradiation using MammoSite® • One of only 20 centers in the country selected treatments that deliver precise radiation directly
including national trials led by the Cancer and targeted radiation therapy, which reduces to train physicians for the revolutionary into tumors, typically on an outpatient basis.
Leukemia Group B and Eastern Cooperative treatment from six weeks to five days for da Vinci® surgical robot, which makes
Oncology Group, as well as access to new many patients. gynecologic cancer surgery easier and safer.
Phase I drugs. • Each year, we invite leading breast oncologists to
• One of the largest clinical trial sites for present the latest research findings to physicians
Herceptin® (trastuzumab), a drug that changed and health care professionals so they can apply
the landscape for breast cancer care. these learnings to the clinic.
The Maureen Fund is a community-education
outreach program that provides ovarian cancer
screenings and prevention services for women.
The Angels of Hope Foundation has created a comforting environment on
the Women’s Health floor, with a beautiful waiting area to help patients feel
at ease prior to their appointments. Their generous donations also provide
services for women with cancer who otherwise could not afford them.
www.aoh-nj.org
12. research Extraordinary Care Means Cutting-Edge Research
Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., Chairman and Director, Chief, Lymphoma and Director, Clinical and Translational Cancer Research
Robert Korngold, Ph.D., Chairman, Research
Martin Gutierrez, M.D., Director, Drug Discovery/Phase 1 Unit
We have been conducting bench to bedside research for more than two decades. Today, a large part of our
research is supporting personalized medicine and targeted therapies that we believe can help researchers
and clinicians improve outcomes. We have established relationships with cooperative research groups and the
pharmaceutical and biotech industry to help bring innovative and translational drugs from Phase I and Phase II
trials into the clinic for the benefit of our cancer patients and patients around the globe.
• More than 200 open, actively enrolling • Phase I Clinical Oncology program with an
clinical trials and a strong translational outpatient clinic and a dedicated inpatient
research program. bed facility.
• Leading multicenter, international trials • The Tumor Bank has collected more than 2,000
in collaboration with other cancer institutions, high-quality specimens to advance cancer research.
such as the NCI, MD Anderson, Dana-Farber, • Participates in a unique partnership with the
Mayo Clinic, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering. National Cancer Institute to establish a joint
• More than 120 peer reviewed publications clinical research program to develop innovative
published in the last four years to advance immunology-based translational research
cancer research. approaches around bone marrow transplantation.
• Part of the Bone Marrow Clinical Trials • Immunology laboratory leads cutting-edge
Network, Eastern Cooperative Oncology stem cell research focused on improving allogeneic
Group, and Multiple Myeloma Research bone marrow transplant by mitigating the effects
Consortium allowing us to collaborate on of Graft vs. Host Disease.
national clinical trials. • Clinical trial site for many breakthrough
• One of few sites in New Jersey to offer therapies, such as VELCADE® (bortezomib),
Search For Clinical Trials molecular staging and classification
capabilities.
GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate), Tasigna®
(nilotinib), Provenge® (sipuleucel-T), Herceptin®
(trastuzumab), Avastin® (bevacizumab), YERVOY™
jtcancercenter.org/clinical_trials (ipilimumab).
JTCCResearch@humed.com
13. Celebrating Life and Liberty
Every year, we celebrate with all of our patients and their loved ones at Liberty State Park.
This September, more than 2,200 people joined us and we hope this celebration continues to grow.
John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
92 Second Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 • 201-996-5900
jtcancercenter.org