Committed to Excellence in Cancer Research, Education and Patient Care

Inroads February 2021

Want a Rapid Second Opinion? Tulane Cancer Center Doctors Are Standing By

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, and exploring and identifying the best treatment options is key to a better quality of life, recovery and survival. Second opinions can play a pivotal role in this process. That's why Tulane University School of Medicine recently launched its Oncology Second Opinion initiative, which provides rapid second opinions across a broad range of cancer diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Why Are Second Opinions Important? "One of the reasons second opinions are valuable is that they can confirm a treatment choice if it is correct or provide alternatives," said Oliver Sartor, MD, Assistant Dean for Oncology and Tulane Cancer Center Medical Director. "Before a serious medical procedure - something that could be life altering - seeking a second opinion is good medicine and quite frankly often times it can round out a patient's experience and decision making in a positive way, even if they decide to pursue what the original physician recommended." "In many circumstances there is more than one option about how to initiate therapy," said Kendra Harris, MD, MSc, Chair of Radiation Oncology. "And so the role of a second opinion can be both to expose patients and their families to different care teams and to make sure that their first action is the right action for their specific circumstance. That's the reason second opinions can play an important role, especially at the beginning." Spencer Krane, MD, Assistant Professor of Urology, agrees. "You're not offending anyone by getting a second opinion. You're arming yourself with the information you need to make a life-altering decision." Why Get a Second Opinion with Tulane Doctors? Our physicians are clinical experts in their fields of medicine – educating future doctors, leading research and clinical trials, and developing new treatments. And they work as a multidisciplinary team, with a full range of medical services, to provide truly comprehensive cancer care. Tulane physicians are available NOW to rapidly provide second opinions for a broad range of cancers and treatment options, including: Bladder and Kidney Cancers Brain Cancer Breast Cancer Head & Neck Cancers Leukemia Lung Cancer Lymphoma Multiple Myeloma Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy Surgical Oncology Testicular Cancer Thyroid Cancer How Do You Book an Appointment for a Second Opinion? For more information about cancer treatment with Tulane Doctors or to make an inquiry for a second opinion with one of our cancer specialists, please visit https://tulaneoncology.com/ or contact Rebecca Winchell at 504-988-7872 or cancercare@tulane.edu.

Meet a Few of the Tulane Physicians Who Will Provide Your Second Opinion...

Bladder & Kidney Cancers Pedro Barata, MD, MSc Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology

Brain Cancer Christopher Trevino, MD Neuro-Oncologist Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology Adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery

Breast Cancer Ralph Corsetti, MD Surgical Oncologist Edward G. Schlieder Chair in Surgical Oncology Professor & Vice Chair of Clinical Experience - Northshore Campus

Head & Neck Cancers Paul Friedlander, MD, FACS Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology

Leukemia Francisco Socola, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology

Lung Cancer Mark Sides, MD, PhD Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology

Lymphoma Nakhle Saba, MD Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology

Multiple Myeloma Hana Safah, MD Professor of Clinical Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Stem Cell Transplantation Program and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Programs

Prostate Cancer L. Spencer Krane, MD Assistant Professor of Urology

Prostate Cancer Oliver Sartor, MD C.E. and Bernadine Laborde Professor for Cancer Research, Deming Department of Medicine & Department of Urology Medical Director, Tulane Cancer Center Assistant Dean for Oncology

Radiation Oncology Audrey Dang, MD Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology

Radiation Oncology Kendra Harris, MD, MSc Professor and Chair of Radiation Oncology

Surgical Oncology Ralph Corsetti, MD Surgical Oncologist Edward G. Schlieder Chair in Surgical Oncology Professor & Vice Chair of Clinical Experience - Northshore Campus

Testicular, Bladder & Kidney Cancers Erik Castle, MD Professor of Urology

Thyroid Cancer Emad Kandil, MD, MBA, FACS, FACE Professor and Elias Hanna Foundation Chair in Surgery Chief of General, Endocrine & Oncological Surgery

Krewe de Pink Donates $25K to Breast Cancer Research Program

Prescott Deininger, PhD, Tulane Cancer Center director, (far left) and Henry Wathieu of the Burow/Collins-Burow Lab (center) accept a check from Krewe de Pink President Greg Cantrell (far right) at an outdoor presentation in December 2020.

The leadership of Krewe de Pink – a New Orleans-based 501c3 organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research – recently presented Tulane Cancer Center Director Prescott Deininger, PhD, with a check for $25,000, representing the results of their fundraising efforts in 2020. "The past year was one of unprecedented challenge for all of us – challenges that severely limited so many of our day to day endeavors, including fundraising," said Deininger. "The fact that despite these obstacles the members of Krewe de Pink were able to raise and donate such a generous gift is a testament to their commitment and passion for this cause, and we couldn’t be more grateful." Proceeds from Krewe de Pink fundraisers benefit the laboratories of Bridgette Collins-Burow, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine, and Matthew Burow, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, whose research teams focus on triple-negative breast cancer. Although the organization typically produces three fundraising events each year – the Pink Bra Run, the Krewe de Pink Prom, and Death by Chocolate-Not Breast Cancer – only the third took place as originally planned in February 2020. COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings caused Krewe de Pink leadership to cancel their springtime run and convert to a virtual format for the Prom that took place in the fall. "We have come so far in our short time as a 501c3," said Greg Cantrell, current Krewe de Pink president and founding member of the organization. "We originally partnered with Delta Air Lines and the Hard Rock Cafe and did an annual event to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. As much as we loved raising money for BCRF, it made more sense to do more in our local community and when we found out what an impact Tulane Cancer Center was making, we just knew this is who we wanted to support. COVID really pushed us this past year, but we were still able to make a $25,000 donation. We were not and are not deterred!" This latest donation brings Krewe de Pink's cumulative support of Tulane Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Research Program to $125,000. "We pledge to continue utilizing these incredibly important funds to support the search for new treatment options and hopefully, one day, a cure for breast cancer. And it is good to know that we have such good friends right here in our community who are with us each and every step of the way," said Deininger.

Annual Pink Games Surpass $200K in Funds Raised for Patient Relief

David Mocklin, head athletic trainer at the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, addresses the attendees of the Mt. Carmel vs. Dominican varsity volleyball game in October 2020. Funds raised through this and other annual "Pink Games" initiatives provide financial assistance to local cancer patients through Tulane Cancer Center's Patient Relief Fund. (Video provided by Varsity Sports Now)

"At one point, we didn't know if we would even have a volleyball season in 2020," said David Mocklin, head athletic trainer at the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine and founder of the Pink Games – a series of benefit volleyball games, swim meets and other fundraising events and activities, often involving friendly competitions among grade levels at the participating high schools, that benefit Tulane Cancer Center's Patient Relief Fund (PRF). "We were also severely limited as to the number of people who were able to attend the games last fall," said Mocklin. "So COVID definitely had a major impact on our annual plans." Despite these significant challenges, though, the students, athletes, coaches, administrations and athletic trainers at Archbishop Chapelle, Dominican, St. Scholastica Academy, Cabrini and Mount Carmel Academy not only held their fundraisers but they surpassed a major milestone – the $200K mark – by raising $16,437, bringing the total seven-year impact of the Pink Games initiative to $215,422! "There was such an amazing effort put forward by all of the schools, despite the unprecedented times," said Mocklin. "I couldn't be prouder of everyone's continuing commitment to serve others in our community and to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients here." Tulane Cancer Center's PRF was established in 1998 to help patients meet unexpected expenses associated with their care. It's often the only source available to our social worker to solve urgent problems – things like lack of transportation, meals or temporary lodging – that could become insurmountable impediments to the ability of a patient to follow his or her cancer treatment plan. These funds are also an important source of emotional relief for needy patients who are often overwhelmed by a cancer diagnosis.  "In past years, we held an annual check presentation at Tulane, where the students involved in Pink Games got to meet a few of the people they've helped and hear their stories," said Mocklin. "Those visits made a real impact on all of us, reinforcing our continued commitment to this cause." "With the financial, physical, social and emotional hardships brought on by COVID, these funds have never been more important to our patients than they are now," said Prescott Deininger, PhD, director of the Tulane Cancer Center. "And the fact that these students managed to achieve this milestone despite so many challenges exemplifies their deep dedication to serve, and for that we are so very grateful and proud." If you would like to make a donation to Tulane Cancer Center's Patient Relief Fund, please visit our "Giving" page by clicking here.

Department of Urology Launches Men's Health Webinar Series

To increase awareness of the causes, symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for various urological conditions, the Department of Urology recently launched a Men's Health Webinar Series. These monthly virtual seminars are free and open to the public and will provide information on a variety of men's health topics, including erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, low testosterone and male infertility, among others. Viewers will be able to participate anonymously and ask questions privately, all from the comfort of their homes. "The topics we plan to cover are directly pertinent to cancer survivorship and improved quality of life for many men who have been diagnosed with and treated for genitourinary cancers," said Omer Raheem, MD, MSc, assistant professor of urology and director of men's health in Tulane's Department of Urology. And one of the benefits of an interactive virtual seminar is that participants can get their questions answered without having to book an appointment in clinic. "Webinar attendees can anonymously submit their questions to the experts in real time and get answers during the presentation," said Dr. Raheem. "We wanted to make it as easy as possible to create that virtual dialogue and provide men with the information they need to stay healthy." Currently scheduled webinars are listed below. Topics, dates and times of future events will be advertised here as details are finalized. Remember, registration is required to participate and space is limited. So please register early, if you're interested in attending.

Upcoming Men's Health Webinars Include...

Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction Omer Raheem, MD, MSc Director of Men's Health Assistant Professor of Urology Learn about a treatment for erectile dysfunction beyond medication that thousands of men have chosen as a way to return to an active sex life. February 9, 2021 - 6 PM To register, please click here. Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence Cooper Benson, MD Assistant Professor of Urology Learn about a treatment for male urinary incontinence beyond pads or diapers that thousands of men have chosen as a way to return to an active life. March 16, 2021 - 6 PM To register, please click here.

For more information on Tulane Cancer Center, please contact Melanie Cross, Manager of Communications, 504-988-6592, mcross@tulane.edu or visit www.canceriscurable.com To make a tax-deductible donation to Tulane Cancer Center (Federal Tax ID# 72-0423889) please click here. Thank you for your generosity and support!

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