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Saint Louis University Hospital's standing as an academic medical center puts it among those at the forefront in developing and providing some of the latest medical treatment and procedures for cancer patients. Among the numerous cancer programs and services offered at the hospital are:
- Breast Center, click here.
- ENDOSCOPY LABORATORY:
The Endoscopy Laboratory provides immediate access to
its services for patients in need of prompt evaluation. An
endoscope is a tube and optical system that enables physicians
to exam a hollow organ or cavity and take a biopsy sample.
- FINE NEEDLE BIOPSY:
Fine needle biopsy is used to evaluate masses and lesions. A
minimally invasive procedure, it involves inserting a needle
through the skin and into the organ or tumor to be investigated
and removing a piece of tissue for examination
- GENETIC COUNSELING:
Because some families may have a genetic predisposition for
developing certain types of cancers, the Division of Hematology
and Oncology offers a comprehensive, confidential program to
help family members identify their potential cancer risks, take
steps thay may help reduce their risks, and undergo screenings
to detect cancer in its early stages. Intensive education and
- HEAD AND NECK CANCER:
At the Head and Neck Cancer Clinic, evaluations are provided at
the same time, in one setting, by a team of head and neck
surgeons, radiotherapists and oncologists for the convenience
of the patient, family and referring physician. The team
develops a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan for each
patient.
- IMAGE-GUIDED SURGERY:
The Section of Image-Guided Surgery in the Division of
Neurosurgery is a leader in stereotactic surgery, in which
surgeons use computer images to guide them to the locations of
cancers and provide treatment.
- LYMPHEDEMA TREATMENT CENTER:
Secondary lymphedema, a swelling of a body part due to an
accumulation of lymph fluid, sometimes occurs in cancer patients
who receive radiation therapy and/or have lymph glands removed.
The Lymphedema Treatment Center at Saint Louis University
Hospital offers a comprehensive evaluation and therapy program
conducted by physical and occupational therapists extensively
trained in lymphedema management. After an in-depth evaluation,
patients undergo a treatment program that covers skin care,
manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging and remedial
exercise.
- MULTIDISCIPLINARY MELANOMA GROUP:
This group brings together physicians from oncology,
otolaryngology, surgery, nuclear medicine and dermatology
to provide patients with a coordinated approach to treating skin
cancer. Among the treatments offered is Mohs Surgery, a
specialized technique designed to remove various types of skin
cancers while at the same time preserving healthy tissue.
- ORTHOPEDIC ONCOLOGY:
The orthopedic specialists at Saint Louis University Hospital are
among leaders in performing bone tumor procedures. A Bone
Bank is located on site – this is designed to allow bone
grafts to be performed more quickly and efficiently. Advanced
imaging techniques are used to determine the location and extent
of tumors. Once a tumor is diagnosed, a variety of options may be
available for skeletal and joint reconstruction.
- POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (See Radiology, Clinical Services)
- PROSTATE CANCER, (See Kidney and Urinary Tract Diseases and Disorders)
- RADIATION ONCOLOGY:
Patients of the Radiation Oncology Department have access to
advanced equipment available through the hospital's affiliation
with Saint Louis University. Members of the department's medical
team participate in various aspects of clinical patient care,
research and teaching, and they are involved in activities that
keep them abreast of current treatments.
- BONE MARROW AND STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION:
Saint Louis University Hospital's longstanding interests in various
aspects of cancer care led to the creation of an innovative stem
cell transplantation program in 1990. Since that time, more than
690 autologous (using a patient's own bone marrow cells) and
more than 130 allogeneic (using donor bone marrow cells)
transplants have been performed. This procedure is used to
treat some types of leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma, multiple myeloma, breast cancer and germ cell
tumors. Patients undergo a comprehensive pre-transplant
evaluation provided by a multidisciplinary team of experts.
- Cancer Research
The Saint Louis University School of Medicine Division of
Hematology and Oncology is an active member of the Southwest
Oncology Group and also participates in the National
Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. In this way,
some of the most advanced courses of treatment (protocols)
are available to patients of Saint Louis University Hospital.
In addition, Saint Louis University is participating in two associated breast cancer studies sponsored by the American College of Surgeons' Oncology Group that look at sentinel lymph node dissection. The first study's goal is to determine whether conclusions may be drawn about women's survival rates when small amounts of cancer are detected in their lymph nodes and/or bone marrow. The second study aims to determine if there is a therapeutic advantage in performing an axillary lymph node dissection in women with tumor metastasis in sentinel nodes.
Saint Louis University is also one of only 16 international sites participating in a novel melanoma vaccination trial. The five-year study is testing the effectiveness of a vaccine developed to prevent melanoma cells from reproducing.
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