Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center

Lung cancer treatment at the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed and aggressive cancers known to medical science. At the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, we have created the most comprehensive program to combat and defeat lung cancer head-on: the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center. The enter is a collaboration of multiple specialists led by Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center Medical Director and Interventional Pulmonologist Dr. M. Douglas Mullins and Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Marc Bailey. Our goal is to expedite treatment, empowering our specialists to find lung cancer early and then determine the best course of treatment for recovery and healing.

Why choose treatment at The Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center?

When facing a diagnosis of lung cancer or other thoracic conditions, access to comprehensive, expert care in one place can make all the difference. The Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center offers a seamless, multidisciplinary approach to treatment that puts patients at the center of care.

At the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center, you won’t have to juggle multiple appointments or navigate between different specialists on your own. Instead, you’ll meet with a dedicated team of experts in the same room at the same time. This team includes: 

• Dr. Mullins and Dr. Bailey are highly experienced specialists in thoracic oncology. 
• A radiation oncologist, ensuring a well-rounded treatment plan. 
• A dedicated nurse navigator, Kaitlyn Youmans, to guide you through every step of your treatment needs and resources for care beyond treatment. 
• A nurse practitioner and a respiratory therapist are both available on-site for personalized support. 
  

This integrated approach allows for comprehensive, coordinated care specific to you and your plan for wellness. A highly trained, experienced specialist addresses every aspect of your treatment concerns and needs, whose top priority is you and your rapid recovery.

Unique pathways to care

Patients come to the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center through various avenues, ensuring accessible and timely care: 

• Referrals from primary care physicians who trust us with their patients’ thoracic oncology needs. 
  
• Self-referrals from individuals seeking expert treatment from a team approach or a second opinion. 
• Participation in our standout programs: 
  • The St. Joseph’s/Candler Lung Cancer Screening Program, which identifies at-risk individuals early. 
  • The Rapid Access Lung Treatment Program, designed for swift diagnosis and intervention.

Accessibility should never be a barrier to treatment for any person. These programs reflect our commitment to innovation and accessibility, setting the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center apart from other facilities. 

Rapid Access Lung Treatment Program

The Rapid Access Lung Treatment Program is a unique initiative for patients with pulmonary abnormalities detected on a scan or those recently diagnosed with lung cancer. This program is designed to:

• Prevent the spread of lung cancer through timely intervention.
• Provide patients with a streamlined care process, reducing the anxiety associated with waiting for test results or multiple doctor’s visits.
• Create personalized treatment plans focused on preserving and enhancing quality of life.

This program is a cornerstone of our patient-first approach, ensuring quick access to expert care when it matters most.

Treatment innovations at the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center

At the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center, we utilize the latest advancements in technology and treatment to provide comprehensive care for lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions. Our cutting-edge tools and innovative programs are designed to diagnose and treat patients more effectively, minimize discomfort, and prioritize quality of life. Here's an overview of our advanced treatment offerings:

Monarch Robotic Platform

The Monarch Platform represents a groundbreaking advance in lung cancer diagnostics and treatment. This technology integrates robotics, software, data science, and endoscopy to enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of lung nodules. Key features include:

• A non-invasive procedure that reduces false positives, false negatives, and potential side effects.
• The ability to reach small, hard-to-access nodules with precision.

Dr. Mullins, an experienced thoracic specialist, operates the Monarch robot in the Bronchoscopy Suite at Candler Hospital. Our team will assess if you are a candidate for this advanced diagnostic tool.

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da Vinci Robotic Surgical System

The da Vinci Xi Surgical System provides a state-of-the-art option for treating lung cancer when surgery is necessary. This minimally invasive technology offers numerous benefits, including:

• Small incisions that minimize blood loss and reduce pain.
• A faster recovery time for patients.
• Enhanced precision through its 3D-HD vision system provides surgeons with a magnified view and exceptional control.

Dr. Bailey, a skilled thoracic surgeon, performs surgeries using the da Vinci Xi system at Candler Hospital, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients.

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CyberKnife® technology

The CyberKnife® is a cutting-edge radiation therapy system designed to deliver high doses of radiation with remarkable accuracy. Despite its name, CyberKnife® involves no incisions and offers a pain-free experience for patients. Key features include:

• Precision targeting of tumors, even in hard-to-reach areas, while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
• Sub-millimeter accuracy for exceptional results.

Our radiation oncologists, part of the Advanced Thoracic Oncology Center team, determine if CyberKnife® is the right option for you. Our highly skilled specialists perform the procedure in the CyberKnife® Suite at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion.

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