Why Choose NorthShore University HealthSystem for Lung Cancer Care?

If you have been diagnosed with a thoracic cancer, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer or thymic cancer, you are probably facing a multitude of questions about the care you need and the physicians who will provide it. The Chicago area has such a vast array of cancer-care options that it’s often difficult to know what’s truly important.

NorthShore University HealthSystem's (NorthShore) Thoracic Oncology Program combines state-of-the-art treatments with cutting-edge clinical research to provide world-class care for patients with thoracic malignancies. The program’s multidisciplinary team of internationally recognized specialists work closely together, providing a caring and supportive atmosphere for patients and their loved ones from pre-diagnosis screening through all stages of the disease. The program also contributes to the scientific body of knowledge in managing a variety of diseases. NorthShore ranks third in the Chicago area in admissions of lung cancer patients.† 

Our Multidisciplinary Team of Doctors

Are you looking for reputation or innovation? Chances are you want both. Medical Oncologist Thomas Hensing, MD is the co-chair of the Thoracic Oncology Program along with Cardiothoracic Surgeon John Howington, MD. Dr. Hensing continuously works to bring innovative clinical trials to lung cancer patients at NorthShore.  John C. Alexander, MD, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery leads the lung surgery team along with Michael Frank, MD,and Thomas J. Hinkamp, MD. The team maintains an extensive tumor bank, where tissue samples and clinical data can be used to find new and innovative treatments for the future. The Thoracic Surgery team also includes Daniel W. Ray, MD, who is Head of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Medical Director of Glenbrook Hospital ICU, Medical Director of the Cardiopulmonary Lab, and is a Principal Investigator in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP), a screening research study for the early detection of lung cancer.

Evidence-Based Treatments

Therapies are offered by our medical oncologists, who act in concert with radiation oncologists and our research staff. Our oncologists have taken part in many pivotal studies that have helped to determine which drug therapies are most appropriate for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. New studies are being opened regularly for our patients' participation. Your physician will discuss the potential role for a clinical trial in your care.

A Whole Team Dedicated to Your Care

Every week, our multidisciplinary lung team convenes to discuss new patient cases in detail and to construct a customized treatment plan. The program’s multi-specialty team is compromised of professionals from a variety of disciplines, including: surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonology, oncology nursing, psychosocial support teams, oncology pharmacy, clinical nutrition, and spiritual care. Our team of specialists cares for people of all ages who have thoracic malignancies, including disorders of the lung, esophagus and thymus.

At any point during treatment, any of the team members can use or electronic medical record system to follow up on test results and confer with other team specialists. The end of the “overstuffed manila folder” method of medical recordkeeping means that patients receive quick, reliable answers to their questions about tests or lab results.

Concern for You and Your Family; A Community of CARE

Individuals with a diagnosis of cancer appreciate the warmth and consistent professionalism they experience during treatment at our system’s three Kellogg Cancer Centers. Every patient’s care plan includes psychosocial support and access to integrative therapies and healing resources. Special attention is given to the families and loved ones of our patients both during and after treatment. 

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^{† Source: IHA-COMTData FY2004}