Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Program
The Liver Tumor Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center treats hundreds of patients yearly with hepatic tumors – both primary and metastatic. We see the following patients in our multidisciplinary clinic: •
Hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma or HCC)
•
Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
•
Liver metastasis
•
Gallbladder cancer
•
Hepatic mass (unknown, hemangioma, hepatic adenoma, cyst, focal nodular hyperplasia)
The clinic has been named a Blue Distinction Center for liver cancer by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. That means we offer a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient cancer care program, delivered by a multidisciplinary team with subspecialty training and distinguished clinical expertise in treating complex and rare subtypes of cancer. We are committed to providing excellent care to all patients, no matter the complexity of their needs.
Meet the Team Theodore Welling, M.D. Surgical Director Associate Professor, Surgery
Neehar Parikh, M.D. Medical Director Clinical Lecturer, Internal Medicine
Christopher Sonnenday, M.D. Associate Professor, Surgery
Hari Nathan, M.D. Assistant Professor, Surgery
Nataliya Razumilava, M.D. Clinical Lecturer, Internal Medicine
Vaibhav Sahai, M.D. Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine
Mary Uan-Sian Feng, M.D. Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology
Paula Novelli, M.D. Assistant Professor, Radiology
Jonathon Rubin, M.D. Professor, Radiology
Theodore Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Comprehensive Cancer Center Professor and Chair, Radiation Oncology
After Referral Patients in the multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Program receive a comprehensive evaluation coordinated within a single clinic and single visit. A clinical nurse coordinator and program intake coordinator work together to gather records and schedule any additional screenings that may be needed for your patient. Patients are scheduled for their appointment within one to two weeks of referral. The appointment consists of a review of the medical record and diagnostic studies, obtaining a history from the patient and performing a physical examination. Patients also meet with each cancer specialist who will be involved in their treatment plan, giving patients the chance to review treatment options, ask questions and receive answers and outline a timeline for therapy. The treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, local regional treatments, radiation oncology, or a combination.
(l to r) Tracy Licari, PA-C, Lea Chansard, R.N., clinical nurse coordinator Kim Vanderwall, R.N., Debbie Sebring, PA-C
Our staff of highly trained hepatobilary surgeons, hepatologists, medical and radiation oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses communicate frequently with each other and the rest of the multidisciplinary team to ensure that patient needs are quickly identified and addressed. This team meets weekly during a dedicated Liver Tumor board where personalized treatment plans are discussed and made for patients.
Research and Innovation Our multidisciplinary program developed the radiological criteria to more accurately diagnose primary liver tumors. In fact, we have one of the largest funded research programs in primary liver tumors in the U.S. and are worldwide pioneers in radiation therapy for primary liver tumors. Our translational research is aimed at using laboratory discoveries to develop new therapies or improve existing therapies to treat liver cancer. By focusing on the biology of new tumors, we hope to advance liver cancer care by answering questions about how these tumors start and what makes them progress. For the latest clinical trial options for your patients, visit www.mcancer.org/liver-cancer/clinical-trials.
U-M Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Program Average Yearly Patient Volumes
365
83
14
189
68
New patients
Resections
Liver Transplants For Cancer
Local Regional Treatments: TACE, Y90, RFA
Radiation : Oncology SBRT
We are happy to participate in care of the patient in whatever capacity desired by the referring physician and patient. Our interaction can be as brief as a visit offering a second opinion or as involved as performing surgery, rendering local regional treatments, chemotherapy and providing ongoing cancer surveillance. To make a referral to the Multidisciplinary Tumor Program at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, or for a consult, call M-LINE at 1-800-962-3555.
Contact Us U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Clinic 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Floor B1, Reception E Ann Arbor, MI 48109 mcancer.org/liver-cancer
For Referrals: 1-800-962-3555 Fax: 734-232-9365
mcancer.org/liver-cancer
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Theodore Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., Director; Scott Wood, MBA, Chief Administrative Officer Executive Officers of the University of Michigan Health System
The Regents of the University of Michigan
Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs; James O. Woolliscroft, M.D., Dean, U-M Medical School; T. Anthony Denton, J.D., MHA, Acting Chief Executive Officer, U-M Hospitals and Health Centers; Kathleen Potempa, Ph.D., Dean, School of Nursing.
Michael J. Behm, Mark J. Bernstein, Laurence B. Deitch, Shauna Ryder Diggs, Denise Ilitch, Andrea Fischer Newman, Andrew C. Richner, Katherine E. White, Mark S. Schlissel, ex officio.
The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory affirmative action employer. Š 2015 The Regents of the University of Michigan