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Treatment Options

If you're facing a diagnosis of cancer, our expert teams at the Upstate Cancer Center are there to diagnose, treat and support you and your family every step of the way. Let our multidisciplinary lung cancer and thoracic oncology program team help guide you through your options for the most personalized care available for your cancer.

As part of a medical university, Upstate offers:

  • A team dedicated to your type of cancer

    Together, your multidisciplinary team will review your case and make the best, most personalized recommendations, based on your needs. Each team has experts with years of experience, and many who are nationally-recognized in their field. The TOP team meets with a molecular tumor board to make the most informed treatment decisions for personalized medicine.
  • Physicians from a variety of specialties work collaboratively, including:

    Surgical Oncology : Your surgeon specializes in thoracic oncology and uses a range of advanced techniques and technologies, such as minimally invasive or robotic surgery to remove your cancer.

    Robotic surgery : is an option for most lung cancer and esophageal cancer patients, as well as those with other tumors in the chest. The precision of the robotic instruments and 3-D visualization allow the surgeons increased maneuverability within the chest. This allows precise dissection around critical structures within the chest, and makes a minimally invasive surgery possible for even the most complex cases. A robotic surgery leads to less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker return to normal activities, with minimal scarring. Upstate is the region's only teaching hospital and has invested in the latest robotic technology, which is especially appropriate for these types of tumors. Upstate has four robotic systems, the most in the region. TOP's robotic thoracic surgery program is the first and only one of its kind in Central New York.

    Learn more about what to expect with your robot assisted thoracic surgery.

    Medical Oncology : A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy or other medications. Your surgical oncologist will work with you to establish a treatment plan to receive these medications on regular intervals at the Cancer Center or at home.

    Radiation Oncology : A radiation oncologist will define a radiosurgery plan to use precise high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. The Upstate Cancer Center has the advanced technology found only at an academic medical center, including treatment options specialized for lung cancer and other thoracic cancers including:
    Integrative Therapy : Our integrative therapy team includes nutrition, massage and Reiki to complement your traditional treatments to help you feel your best.
  • Clinical Trials

    Upstate Medical University offers more clinical trials (advanced and novel treatment) than any other facility in Central New York. Your team may recommend a clinical trial of a new drug or procedure for your best treatment.

 

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