Welcome from the Clinical Cancer Committee Chairperson

In 2007, the University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute successfully met its mission that focuses on providing each patient with compassionate, comprehensive and coordinated care through a multidisciplinary, innovative approach. The foundation of our commitment continues to be the pursuit of collaborative translational research and education focused on patients, healthcare professionals, and the community. In so doing, we support our vision to overcome the challenge of cancer through treatment, research, and education in partnership with those we serve. The collective wisdom associated with participants of our multidisciplinary tumor conferences, including breast, head and neck, pulmonary and others represents a means to our mission and vision for the Cancer Institute.

Indeed, 2007 was an exciting year for patient care. Greater than 26,000 outpatient visits were recorded in the Cancer Institute and greater than 3,700 outpatient surgeries were performed. Approximately 13,000 screening mammograms were performed in the Cancer Institute. During 2007, the Breast Health Outreach Program (BHOP) served more than 2,500 women and provided outreach to 26 new sites in 2007. Through the BHOP, greater than 1,800 women had a screening mammogram on the mobile mammography unit with nearly 250 first-ever mammograms. The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund and the Komen for the Cure local affiliate awarded generous grants to the Breast Health Outreach Program during this year. The radiation oncology program evaluated and selected the Nucletron Microelectron Digital Brachtherapy system. This technology will offer cancer patients high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy as a radiation treatment option. In addition, nearly 150 patients were treated with CyberKnife therapy during 2007.

In 2007 the Cancer Institute participated in 154 community events, nearly tripling our outreach activity since 2005. During this year, we participated in health fairs, offered cancer screenings and provided cancer educational presentations throughout the region. Four smoking cessations programs, Freedom from Smoking, were offered by the Cancer Institute in 2007.

Translational research continues to be a major focus of the Cancer Institute. A significant number of patients were screened and enrolled in clinical trials in the treatment of breast, lung, prostate, head and neck and other cancers. The PET/CT program is at the hallmark of translational research in our Cancer Institute, and two studies derived impressive data and conclusions during 2007.

While providing excellent patient care, education and research in 2007, our minds have also been focused on the upcoming American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer survey scheduled for May of 2008. It is our hope to expand upon the outstanding survey in 2005 with across the board commendations in 2008. It is our anticipation that this major administrative objective will be met.

On behalf of all of the clinicians, educators, researchers and administrators of the University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute, I hope you will enjoy reading of our accomplishments in 2007 contained within this report. Thank you for joining us in making a difference for our patients. Together, we will win the fight against cancer.

Sincerely,

Eric R. Carlson, DMD, MD, FACS
Professor and Chairman of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
UT Graduate School of Medicine
Chairperson, Clinical Cancer Committee