The Cancer Committee performed outstandingly in 2009. We continued our tradition of success in patient care, education and community outreach, while our efforts were reviewed by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer in September, an accreditation process that occurs every three years. We were recognized with commendation for the high quality data we submitted to the National Cancer Database, the quantity of prevention and early detection programs that we provided and the number of quality improvements implemented each year. We also submitted a detailed self-review that highlighted areas needing improvement and reinforced our strengths. As a result, we received a three-year accreditation award status from the Commission on Cancer and are more committed than ever to the pursuit of excellence.

As we continue our efforts, I am pleased to share the reported quality and performance improvements projects below:

Clinical Trials Database
We previously noted that the clarity of information and patient knowledge of currently offered clinical trials was not easily available. Through many efforts, a finalized searchable list of open clinical trials has been posted on the SLUCare website. There are more than 30 site specific trials with title, brief description, contacts and a link to find out more information. The website address is www.slu.edu/x32846.xml or one can navigate through cancercenter.slu.edu to learn more about the Cancer Center, its physicians and treatments and support classes offered.

Outreach Efforts
Our community outreach finds new opportunities to strengthen previous efforts and to share experiences with cancer survivors and their families. This year we participated in the 1^st Annual Colon Cancer Alliance Walk, hosted the interactive Super Colon exhibit at Saint Louis University Hospital, participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, provided screenings and took part in a panel discussion at the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk and Expo, and participated in many community and employee-based health fairs. Our monthly "Meet the Experts" informal discussions at the Cancer Center continued to educate patients, families, and staff on topics such as brain tumors, melanoma, lung cancer, breast imaging and caring for cancer patients. There was also excellent attendance at the 8th Annual Symposium on Gastrointestinal Cancers.

CyberKnife
The CyberKnife is a stereotactic radiotherapy device that utilizes image-based targeting to treat patients with a high dose of radiation in a minimal number of visits. Stereotactic radiotherapy is traditionally delivered to brain tumor, but with the ease of using the CyberKnife for extracranial targets, we have noted a growth in the number of patients with cancers of the lung, spine and prostate now eligible for this treatment. With the increase in patients came an increase in wait time for treatment, so a quality improvement goal was established to reduce the time from simulation to treatment, resulting in a reduction to two weeks; this objective was met at both the Lake Saint Louis and SLU Hospital - Midtown CyberKnife locations.

Health Care Reform
A current topic of debate in Congress and discussion in homes across the United States is health care reform, specifically a lack of or decreased access to medical care due to insurance availability and cost. Many physicians fear that limited access to screening contributes to patients presenting with advanced and often incurable disease. Saint Louis University Cancer Center received a grant of more than $220,000 from the St. Louis affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure to assist financially stressed women with breast cancer screenings and treatment. Our new nurse navigator estimates that we will assist more than 500 women through the Show Me Healthy Women program because of the grant.

Preventive Care
Physicians and nurses recognize how difficult curbing an unhealthy behavior can be, especially with an addiction such as smoking. To help in this fight, our talented staff applied for and received funding to offer comprehensive smoking cessation classes. The Grand Vision Cancer Information Center staff and St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer has helped many people at Saint Louis University and in the community who wish to stop smoking through a behavioral modification program and with medications for cessation. With training from the American Lung Association, we look forward to assisting our patients and community to support a healthier lifestyle.

Cutting-Edge Technology
Our expansion continues with our staff and technology. We’ve welcomed a new diagnostic radiologist specializing in mammography and MRI, Christine Doherty, M.D. The Lake Saint Louis CyberKnife continues to have a strong impact in the communities west of St. Louis. This year, Saint Louis University Hospital added the area's strongest open MRI, aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of our patients. The 1.2 Tesla open MRI scanner offers reduced scanning times, larger table, and a 270-degree field view to improve comfort for every patient, including the anxious, young and elderly. We also have added functional MRI capabilities to expand our ability to diagnose and research more non-invasive assessment of disease.

The commitment and caliber of our staff, nurses, and physicians at Saint Louis University Cancer Center have made all of these projects possible. As we continue to provide patient care and seek cures for cancer, we reflect on the many people whose lives have been changed by our center, as well as the challenges we have yet to face.

John Dombrowski, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Physician Liaison, Saint Louis University Center Cancer Committee