Alla Gimelfarb, MD

NorthShore University HealthSystem and the Division of Hematology/Oncology are pleased to welcome Alla Gimelfarb, MD to the Kellogg Cancer Center.  Dr. Gimelfarb completed her medical training at University of Illinois in Chicago, Residency and fellowship training at Rush University Hospital.

She currently sees patients at Glenbrook Hospital Kellogg Cancer Center and Evanston Hospital Kellogg Cancer Center.

What are your areas of interest?

Hematology and Lung cancer

Can you tell us about what you see as some significant research/clinical initiatives in your area? In the last decade, the treatment of hematological malignancies has undergone profound changes. We now base our treatments on molecular and genetic factors that allow us to tailor therapies to individual patients.  Based on advances in molecular biology and genetics, we now know more about the why and how hematologic cancers develop. This, has led to explosion of treatment options for patients and increasing use of targeted agents that work for specific tumor types in specific patients.  Not only do these targeted therapies increase overall survival rates in patients with hematologic cancers they are often better tolerated and have less side effects then traditional chemotherapy.

Lung cancer has also been undergoing a similar transformation. The development of new drugs and new targeted agents has led to increase in survival in many patients afflicted with this disease. The exiting areas of research in lung cancer is development of new agents that work in different types of lung cancer and can be tailored based on the molecular make up of a particular tumor.  

Is there anything else you would like people to know about your cancer specialty? 

Cancers are not all created equal! Hematologic malignancies are a complex set of diseases that are often very different from each other. Because of the advances in medical science we now have many treatment options that are vastly different from each other. When faced with a hematologic malignancy, patients need to be sure that they will rely on a team of doctors and nurses that are particularly proficient in diagnosis as well as treatment of this disease. This must include pathologists who are specifically trained in diagnosis of hematologic problems, nurses who are skilled at administering particular treatment and of course hematologists who are well versed in variety of medications that are now available.

When it comes to lung cancer, it is a common belief that chemotherapy treatments only provide side effects without much benefit  in this often terminal disease. What is not well known, that even in terminal lung cancer treatment not only extends patients life, but often alleviates some of the symptoms that this cancer brings.

What is one thing that you frequently tell your patients? 

My approach to cancer treatment is very aggressive. I believe that we need to optimize patients’ chances of cure whenever possible. I also believe that second, and perhaps more important part of my job, is to preserve patients’ quality of life.  I often tell my patients this is like a war where we are on one side and their disease is on another.  I believe that aggressive approach to cancer treatment and symptom management is key to practice of oncology.   

Tell us about a few of your non-medical interests. 

My main non medical interest is my family. All the time that I do not spend at work is devoted to my husband and my two little boys. They are my constant reminders of why I do what I do.