Treating the Whole Person


A Breast Cancer Hub: Care That Comes to the Patient In many hospitals, a breast cancer patient visits multiple locations to see different specialists. In contrast, Froedtert & The Medical College built a model centered on the patient. Care is coordinated in one place — the Breast Care Center. Physicians are steps away from each other to maximize collaboration, and specially trained nurses follow patients throughout treatment. The Breast Care Center is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, which recognizes facilities for offering the highest level of quality care in breast health.


The Breast Cancer Program at Froedtert & The Medical College offers comprehensive treatment and resources, including: • Team approach: Multiple specialists work together to form individualized treatment plans • Clinical trials: Additional advanced treatment options that may not be offered everywhere • Support: Includes psychological services, nutritional counseling, genetic counseling, pain management and acupuncture • Rehabilitation: Improves quality of life and independence in mobility, safety and daily activities after cancer treatment • One-stop setting: Appointments, laboratory, pharmacy and support services all located in the Clinical Cancer Center


To learn more about our comprehensive program and team specializing in breast cancer, visit froedtert.com/breast. To schedule an appointment, call 866-680-0505.


Cutting-edge technologies can now deliver precise, computer-controlled radiation based on a CT scan of the patient’s anatomy. “We build a CT computer model that shows normal tissues — heart, lungs, and thyroid — that should be avoided,” Dr. White said. “The model targets the highest possible radiation dose to the tumor, while minimizing radiation to healthy tissues. We also use respiratory gating to track the patient’s breathing and synchronize radiation delivery with the chest’s movement.”


Medical Oncology: Saving Lives


Medical College of Wisconsin oncologists use information about the unique genetic material of breast cancer to tailor treatment to patients. “We use Oncotype in early stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer to determine the risk of recurrence, and whether the patient will benefit from chemotherapy,” Dr. Charlson said. Oncotype DX™ profiles 21 genes to help provide this important guidance.


By identifying certain genes present at higher levels within tumor cells, oncologists ascertain not only how the tumor might behave, but what drugs might be beneficial in fighting the cancer. Low-risk breast cancers often do not require chemotherapy, and may be successfully treated with estrogen blockade. Identifying patients who have breast cancer with elevated levels of Her-2 means treatment will include targeted drugs that improve success rates.


If a woman’s tumor is initially too large for lumpectomy, chemotherapy may expand her options. “When a patient is interested in breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery may make lumpectomy more feasible,” Dr. Charlson said.


“In later stage breast cancers, chemotherapy helps control metastatic or advanced breast cancer, while maintaining a high quality of life,” Dr. Charlson said. “Advances are making breast cancer drugs increasingly effective and safe.”


Advanced Practice Nurses: Patient Advocates John Charlson, MD


The Breast Cancer Program includes advanced practice nurses who focus on the needs of women with breast cancer. They are knowledgeable about the latest research in breast cancer, and provide critical input into treatment planning. They act as advocates, help patients understand their alternatives, answer questions and help assure that care is well coordinated and appropriate for each individual.


Clinical Trials: Access to Advancements


Froedtert & The Medical College actively pursue clinical trials to advance treatment through national cooperative groups: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Our physicians also participate in investigator-initiated trials. More information is available at froedtert.com/clinicaltrials.


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