Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
When formulating a treatment plan for patients diagnosed with breast cancer, there are many different factors that are essential to consider. Typically, evaluation of the patient and recommendation for a course of action will involve various expert physicians with different areas of specialty. For example, a radiation oncologist may suggest possible radiation treatment, whereas a surgical oncologist would weigh in on the likelihood of a positive outcome by removing a tumor through a surgical procedure.
Important Methods to Use When
Delivering High-Quality, Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Cancer Care
Below are a few novel approaches for caring for patients with breast cancer that the GenesisCare team of cancer specialists currently practice in Collier County, Lee County, and Sarasota County.
Multidisciplinary Care Teams
Our multidisciplinary care team approach (MDT) brings together a group of healthcare professionals from different areas of clinical expertise in order to discuss and determine the personalized treatment plan for each patient. Emphasis is placed on communication between experts, integrating the group knowledge and expertise, such as with surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology. A consensus treatment plan is then developed that is specific and personalized to each patient. Through a comprehensive review of best clinical practices for treatment, the care team looks at the medical diagnosis and other health considerations. Considerations include patient lifestyle, nutrition and exercise, psychosocial variables, and potential treatment-related side effects that may impact the overall quality of life.
Tumor Boards
The multidisciplinary tumor boards focus on prospective patient case reviews to ensure that each cancer patient’s evidence-based treatment guidelines are discussed and implemented. Physicians and other members of the cancer care team come together regularly in order to develop a personalized treatment plan based upon the input and expertise of each member of the team.
The team discusses all possible treatment options available, particularly those guideline- developed by expert panels for each tumor type, such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN].
The guidelines are instrumental in providing a comprehensive cancer treatment plan supported by the current literature and published studies. Although such guidelines are important in developing a treatment plan, other investigational therapies and clinical trials may also be applicable for a cancer patient. Additionally, a patient may express an individual concern, such as a reluctance to undergo an operation or receive radiation therapy, allowing the team to develop alternative treatment options and possibly accrual to a national clinical trial.
“The multidisciplinary tumor board has become an essential component to bring together the cancer care team’s specialty-based opinions and clinical expertise. We can then assimilate the information to develop a personalized, evidence-based approach and treatment plan supported by national treatment guidelines for each cancer type,” explains Dr. Adam Riker.
Dr. Riker is one of GenesisCare’s expert surgical oncologists practicing out of our GenesisCare Centers in Collier County, Lee County, and Sarasota County. As a member of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), he is committed to improving the standard of breast cancer care for all. He leads the centers in delivering high-quality care for breast disease through up-to-date knowledge of best practices, guaranteeing quality measures, continuing professional education, involvement in clinical research and understanding of clinical trial participation as an option for treatment. With connectivity to a larger consortium of national, professional organizations, Dr. Riker enables patient access to a greater assortment of advanced treatment options.
Clinical Research Participation
When pursuing treatment for breast cancer, there may be an opportunity to participate in a clinical research trial in cases where the circumstances for a cancer patient are not being met with current treatment guidelines. Our experts are invested in clinical advancement and prepared to make recommendations and provide resources around investigational therapies and cutting-edge clinical trials applicable to each patient.
To learn more about GenesisCare, call (833) FOR-MYGC or visit genesiscare.com/us.
GLOBAL LEADERS IN CANCER CARE
Across the world, GenesisCare has more than 440 centers offering the latest approaches to cancer care, including modern technology and novel therapies. With more than 5,000 highly trained healthcare professionals and support staff globally, GenesisCare’s mission is to deliver exceptional treatment and care in a way that enhances every aspect of your personal cancer journey.
Our dedicated healthcare professionals are committed to finding new and innovative ways to provide attentive care. Care that’s designed to fit around you and your life—care that treats you, not just your condition.
About Dr. Adam Riker
Dr. Riker is board-certified in general surgery and fellowship-trained as a surgical oncologist. His clinical specialty includes breast cancer, sarcoma, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers [Basal cell & Squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma]. He has actively participated in numerous cancer clinical trials examining optimal immunotherapy treatment options for cancer, presenting his clinical and translational research findings at multiple scientific meetings, both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Riker completed his undergraduate education and medical school degree at the University of South Florida, in Tampa, his residency in general surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, and a 3-year clinical and research fellowship in surgical oncology, at the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dr. Riker is a proud veteran of the Armed Forces, enlisting at a young age and serving in the United States Army, and later on as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service. He is an avid runner and enjoys fishing, hunting, reading, writing and traveling abroad to learn more about international models of healthcare delivery. His passion for physical wellness, advancing healthcare, and providing public service are reflected both inside and outside of his professional work.
