Overview and Goals
The Program continues its mission of providing high quality healthcare for individuals with cancer of the oral cavity in the western Pennsylvania catchment area. Last year, the Program saw 343 new patients with tumors of the head and neck. The Program has noticed an upswing in our patient load which is probably a reflection of the recognition of our Oral Cancer Center as the most desirable place for patients who have cancer of the oral cavity to be referred to in this region. Many of these referrals are related to the fact that we have the capabilities for major microvascular reconstruction of large wounds by our plastic surgical colleagues. Our efforts in regards to oral cavity cancer are strengthened by our close collaboration with our colleagues in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We also have the advantage of having the Regional Center for Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation. This is the only place in this region where patients needing special prosthetic devices following cancer surgery can be managed. We have also noted an increase in referrals that may be due in part to the fact that Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD, has joined our head and neck surgical team. Dr. Ferris has special training in head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins University and has already, in the two years that he has been with us, witnessed a very vigorous growth in his practice. It may be that this additional surgeon has provided even faster access for patients to be seen in consultation for their oral cavity cancer.
Program outreach efforts have increased over the last several years. We have had a number of very successful screening clinics in the Pittsburgh area which have taken place in a variety of venues, such as supermarkets, churches and barbershops, all of which are in medically under-served areas. In addition to the screening clinics, we have had a very successful series of continuing education programs designed specifically for practicing dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons. We also had numerous presentations at the 6th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer held in Washington, DC, August 7-11, 2004.
The Program's basic science investigations continue to thrive, with all of our laboratories now having enough data to publish in scientific journals. One of our investigators was recently featured on the front page of USA Today in an article focusing on her scientific observations in the area of genetic susceptibility to oral cancer. Our clinical research activity is underway with the continuation of the EGFR gene therapy program.
Within the Oral Cancer Program, a subgroup specializes in research into and clinical care for paraganglioma.