MDNews - Mid Hudson

special clinical section: ONCOLOgy dan costi n , m d, Fac p A TENACIOus ADVOCATE of research to improve cancer care, Dr. Costin has been for many decades a leader among White Plains oncology professionals. as principal investigator in several studies and protocols, Dr. Costin and his team have done much to raise community awareness of White Plains hospital's role in new developments driving medical oncology. + Administrative posts: Founder of Westchester institute for the treatment of Cancer and Blood Disorders, now known as White Plains Physician associates Cancer and Blood specialists of new york; medical Director of White Plains hospital's Cancer Program + Medical school: University of California, san Francisco + Internship and residency: Beth israel hospital + Fellowships: national Cancer institute, new york University + research interests: Breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer televisions and dedicated valet parking. In addition, educational opportunities are available to help patients and their families understand their conditions, treatments and outlook. Hospitalists at White Plains Hospital enhance cancer patients' care by providing 24/7 medical oversight and ready help in times of emergency. When oncologists are away from the hospital or conducting office visits, they find having the support of consistent physician care for their patients very helpful. Close attention by and enhanced communication with a hospitalist are luxuries not previously available. Having expert cancer care available in Westchester County means medical treatment fits well with local community values, Dr. Sadan says. Not only are travel times to appointments and treatment reduced; patients remain in the community — among familiar faces — as well. "Every community has different needs," she says. "If you live in Manhattan, for example, 'community ties' may be less prominent and possibly less important for patients and their families. At White Plains Hospital, we understand our role in our neighbors' lives. This is the place we go when we are not well, so ensuring that it creates a feeling of safety, trust and warmth is of vast importance. We are committed to making sure our community and our neighbors have excellent medical care." research in Depth At the heart of White Plains Hospital's Cancer Program is a dedication to improving cancer treatments through research. Dr. Costin encourages any eligible patient to join a clinical study, whether of Joshua Raff, mD, a member of White Plains hospital Physician associates Oncology and hematology, examines a experimental treatments, cancer patient. targeted drug therapies or the effects of exercise on Infusion Center, a freestanding space well-being after cancer treatment. Current that offers private or community rooms, studies are investigating chemotherapy depending on patient preference, as well drug combinations, exercise and eating as amenities such as large, flat-screen regimens, and pain reduction. 16 | Mid Hudson MD News ■ MDNEWs.COM + TL-118 anti-angiogenic drug combination study. In its experimental phase, this study adds drug combination TL-118 to standard gemcitabine treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer. As White Plains Hospital is the only United States location for this study, participation is a "win-win" for patients, Dr. Costin says. "Patients receive standard treatment with this drug added," he says. "It is an exciting study because pancreatic cancer is tough to treat and patients have so few options." + Kinesio tape for cancer-related pain. In this upcoming study, White Plains has undertaken the first ever raw-state study of this non-medicinal, non-invasive therapy for pain in cancer patients. Made famous by Olympic athletes, kinesio tape is thought to enhance lymphatic circulation and reduce edema. + Endocrine therapy with or without chemotherapy for breast cancer patients with a low risk of recurrence. This study examines whether patients with HR-positive, HER-2 negative breast cancers — which are not likely to recur — need chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, or whether hormonal therapy works equally well. A threshold for chemotherapy recommendation is also sought. Research studies constitute a community obligation for White Plains Hospital, Dr. Costin says. As patients speak about their participation, they raise awareness and encourage others to do likewise, elevating the standard of cancer care. "Clinical studies are opportunities to not only help patients but also to make discoveries that will benefit the outside community in general," Dr. Costin says. "Our patients will expose other patients to innovative, interesting and exciting modalities. People should think about these aspects of research studies, as well as enhancing their own treatments. There are so many important ways we can help others, from medication studies to issues of quality of life and longevity." For Dr. Sadan, the decision whether or not to participate in a clinical trial should be

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