Welcome Letter

Welcome to the second issue of Vital Signs, featuring the capabilities and expertise of the AMITA Health Cancer Institute.

The AMITA Health Cancer Institute provides high-quality, holistic cancer care in the community setting, with a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities, including genetic testing, as well as the latest therapies ranging from new chemotherapy regimens, targeted radiation therapy and immunotherapy to surgery and integrative oncology. Starting from the first contact with our nurse navigators, patients are guided through diagnosis and treatment planning by our highly trained, caring, and personable staff. The dedicated and multidisciplinary team works together to provide personalized care for the whole patient, with nurse navigators, social workers, dieticians, and genetic counselors available to support patients’ psychosocial and emotional wellness. Physicians are readily accessible to patients and their families, and communication with the referring physician is essential and direct — ensuring that everyone is on board with the care plan.

The AMITA Health Cancer Institute has an active research program, and through its affiliation with National Research Group Oncology, provides opportunities for patients to enter national clinical trials in breast, lung, and blood cancer conducted by the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). Also, the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, recently granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the AMITA Health Cancer Institute’s integrated network program at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village and AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center Hoffman Estates.

In this issue of Vital Signs, you’ll read about the AMITA Health Cancer Institute’s accredited advanced breast surgery program, leading-edge lung cancer care that combines molecular tumor profiling and the latest targeted therapies, and the personalized oncology approach that is used throughout the AMITA Health Cancer Institute to optimize patient care and experience.

We look forward to working with you and your patients.