Best pancreatic cancer center ?
I will have original Medicare when I turn 65 years old early next year . I will need surveillance and /or surgery . I live in Los Angeles area and would like the best pancreatic cancer center to assist . Any recommendation? Prefer center that would monitor more closely . I am willing to drive or take flight for this . Thank you
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
Fom Google:
"For comprehensive pancreatic cancer care in Los Angeles, City of Hope is a leading option, offering one of the nation's most experienced surgical teams, leading clinical trials, and advanced treatment methods like minimally invasive robotic surgery and precise radiation therapy. Other top centers include UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai, both of which provide expert-led multidisciplinary care and innovative treatments for complex cases. For a second opinion or more specialized care, the USC Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Disease Center and The Pancreatic Cancer Center of Los Angeles are also well-regarded."
In my opinion you should have your PCP order a "multi-disciplinary" consult - (Oncologist, Radiologist and Surgeon). Be sure that they have all your medical records and scans available for the appointment.
1)The pancreatic cancer team at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin includes physicians with an international reputation for research and clinical care. They have highly specialized training in treating cancers of the pancreas, and they provide a wide array of advanced therapies under innovative treatment protocols.
2)A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and having a strong team of experts by your side can make all the difference. At HonorHealth Cancer Care we are dedicated to empowering and uplifting you and caregivers, working together to deliver comprehensive care that addresses both your medical and emotional needs. SCOTTSDALE AZ
I have met with Dr Arsipov at Cedars and was quite impressed. He trained at Johns Hopkins with another well regarded doctor in this arena.
I don’t continue to see him because I live on the east coast.
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin is on the leading edge as far as treatments go. IMO you could not go wrong in working with them Although they were unable to help our situation, I found them available, responsive and knowledgeable. It is possible that you will not even need to go there in person, initially anyway. Have all of your medical records and scans available when you contact them. They can do much of what is needed based upon these. Your GP should IMO be involved. Wishing you the best.
Has anyone used Mass General Boston for a Total Pancreatectomy?
I’m concerned that they don’t seem to have an integrated team approach. When I asked the surgeon for a consult with a gastroenterologist for info on what to expect after the operation he suggested I talk to my PCP. Other hospitals like Mayo and John’s Hopkins seem to have multi disciplinary teams for patients going through this. TYIA
We were at Mass General 2 weeks ago and had a multi-disciplinary consult (IV Radiologist, Oncologist and Surgeon) as well as 2 residency students. They spent a great deal of time with us, answered all our questions and were clearly knowledgeable. I think you need to be sure you have the PC department and as specifically for a multi-disciplinary consult. We were very satisfied with the meeting. Just our experience however. Mayo and John’s Hopkins are certainly 1st rate hospitals as well.
Someone previously mentioned Honor Health. They are in Scottsdale, so easy commute. While chemo infusion center needs to be of high quality and near you; quarterly consults with a doctor a bit further away is absolutely recommended when you need a specialist and one is not in your area. I have a young, smart oncologist that is great at managing my health during chemo and a solid pharmacist there. But he is not a pancreatic specialist. So I do visit another doctor out of my area for an opinion when I am at a crossroad. He/she then conveys this to my doctor. I think my oncologist appreciates this!
IMO you need to get a multi-disciplinary consult at a "high volume" Pancreatic Cancer center. Chemo can generally be done locally, but I feel it is best to have you care guided by a hospital that has a Pancreatic Cancer specialty group. They are in the best position to provide care guidance.
I went to Honor Health Virginia Piper Cancer Center in 2018 Met Dr. Borazanci. I was in trial for the TRIPLET and have survived until today. My CA-19-9 in 11 and scans show no activity
We’ve been extremely happy with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. Fortunate to be in a clinical trial/phase 2.
We will commute this winter between Palm Springs and Rochester 🙂 I agree with the commentary that it is important to keep consistency within the team that is treating you, especially the oncology lead.