׉?ׁB!בCט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://NC4lyqXi4c7sg4Ncn586-f6APQN8JqizpfZ42qJERbE c`׉	 7cassandra://imBAo61n6EMyJBrtdZ5N-P1pmVNvhup5MjTC1wpQnws͓`m׉	 7cassandra://Fq65giL9wMAK6Mrdt6NlUolwEEPfKhPG2Fk34R8tYL88`K ׉	 7cassandra://61lEZKrGPDw9aG1GyHmFvdQsXW6GhjgQ65lLNddtETs i	@͠\\X'ͯ-ט   (u׈         ׈E\\X'ͯ-׉E mPowerful Allies
Center for Cancer &
Blood Disorders
2018 CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
Based on 2017 Outcomes
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͠\\X'ͯ-׉EbCancer.
A powerful enemy
requires powerful
allies.
Nearly one-third of people in the U.S. will develop
cancer in their lifetime. But every year, more people
survive by early screening and detection. As the
only cancer center in the region to collaborate with
Duke Health, we’re bringing the latest in cancer care
research and treatment home to Augusta County.
That means even when facing a diagnosis of cancer,
you’re surrounded by the leading minds.
To learn if you should have a cancer screening,
call (833) AHC-HLTH to get connected with an
Augusta Health physician.
Center for Cancer &
Blood Disorders
׉	 7cassandra://1FL4JTo2p-hiXT6hkwRav45pwgElKsnUhK3k6xOcIIE5`K \\X'ͯ-׉E6TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message from Leadership
2
Tumor Board and Cancer Committee 3
Finding Focus: SBRT and SRS
Analytic Cancer Case Distribution
4
6
Clinical Case Study—Primary Site:
Stage IV Non-Small Cell
Lung Cancer
Down to Earth: Lung Cancer
Screening
Annual Cancer Symposium
Community Outreach
7
10
12
13
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The Cancer Center at Augusta Health experienced some key changes
this year, including a name change. Now known as the Augusta Health
Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, the new name more appropriately
reflects the broad scope of services the Center has provided the
community for more than a quarter century. Of the new patients who
register at the Center any given month, nearly half of them have been
referred to the Center for suspected blood abnormalities ranging from
anemia to leukemia.
Ron Turnicky, DO
Chairman, Cancer Committee
Progress in the treatment
of cancer can only occur
where clinical research
is important part of the
delivery of care and
the development of
tomorrow’s cures. The
Augusta Health Center for
Cancer & Blood Disorders,
with its affiliation
with Duke Health, is
committed to excellence
by participating in clinical
trials that evaluate all
aspects of care, including
screening and prevention,
new drugs, new treatment
strategies, side-effect
management and
survivorship.
2
This month we completed a successful survey by the American College
of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. The program anticipates receiving
several commendations when we receive the final report early next
year. A successful survey is a testimony to the sustained excellence in
cancer care that we have delivered to the cancer patients of Augusta
County over the past 10+ years.
Our clinical research program is growing. Progress in the treatment of
cancer can only occur where clinical research is an important part of
the delivery of care and the development of tomorrow’s cures. The
Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, with its affiliation
with Duke Health, is committed to excellence by participating in
clinical trials that evaluate all aspects of care, including screening
and prevention, new drugs, new treatment strategies, side-effect
management and survivorship.
We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Duke to build a
robust clinical trials program that meets our community’s needs and
reflects the most common types of cancers treated in this area of
Virginia. Our modern clinical trials program provides advanced and
up-to-date clinical trials here in Augusta County in a safe and closely
monitored environment. Our research staff coordinates regularly with
the research support team at Duke as well as participates in national
and regional conferences to stay knowledgeable. This year the clinical
research team opened more than 10 new trials, doubling the number
from prior years.
Our low dose lung screening program is making a difference. Typically,
24 lung cancers are detected with every 1000 screening exams. Here
at Augusta Health, 37.5 cancers have been diagnosed with every 1000
screen exams – that is 150% more than expected. Of the patients
FROM LEADERSHIP
diagnosed through our lung screening program, many are found
with Stage 1 disease that may be cured with surgery alone.
Our cancer screening and prevention efforts are expanding! Our
understanding of how inherited genetic make-up predisposes
people to certain cancers is expanding. This deepened
understanding informs us on how to screen, advise and manage
patients and families that may be at increased risk for cancer
through the course of their lifetime. Cancer prevention starts with
confirming that family members share a genetic mutation, followed
by counseling patients and families about the need for continued
screening, possible interventions and follow-up visits. The
development of community-wide screening programs for at-risk
individuals with a family history of cancer is underway at Augusta
Health. You can look forward to these services in the community in
2019.
Our community is making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
An important feature of our cancer program is the financial support
available to our patients through a philanthropic fund known as
the “Bridge Fund.”
In total, generous individuals donated $52,000
in 2017 to Augusta Health cancer patients in need. Even more
important is the difference these gifts were able to make in the lives
of our patients including help with expensive medications, wigs,
turbans and head wraps and new and enhanced services through
the Bridge Fund. On behalf of our patients, we extend our thanks to
those who made a donation, small or large, to the Bridge Fund.
Finally, it has been my honor to serve as the Cancer Committee
Chair for 2018. My predecessor, Dr. Robert Kyler, and I have agreed
to serve in this capacity as Chair because we so firmly believe in the
critical mission at Augusta Health to sustain and grow the Cancer
Program. As of January 1, 2019, we confidently hand this role to the
Cancer Program’s Medical Director, Dr. Kelvin Raybon, who agreed
to lead the Cancer Program in the coming years, assuring us of his
commitment to clinical research and to providing cutting-edge
treatments here in the community.
We all thank you for entrusting us with the opportunity to be your
caregivers at Augusta Health.
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
׉	 7cassandra://hR3zf9zLsPrzo4hWdZy3grQoMtU54IgaNLe-UQFYr4YE`K \\X'ͯ-׉E
52018 CANCER COMMITTEE MEMBERS
2017 TUMOR BOARD
Patient-focused weekly Tumor Board meetings provide a
forum for discussion of complex cases. Multidisciplinary
physician attendance and presentation of National
Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines contribute
towards the most appropriate management of the
disease. Clinical trial options are also discussed as
presented by physicians and the Research Coordinator.
The Augusta Health Tumor Board is also supported by
Duke Health physicians who attend via video conference.
Cases presented in 2017
Annual Analytic Caseload 2017
Cases presented prospectively
(in diagnosis, staging and/or treatment phase at presentation)
Average of physician attendance
Average of non-physician attendance
238
32.75% (238/727)
97.5%
12
11
Ronald Turnicky, DO, Pathology, Cancer Committee Chair
Naheed Velji, MD, Medical Oncology, Cancer Liaison Physician
Robert Kyler, MD, Radiation Oncology, Cancer Conference Coordinator
William Thompson, MD, Surgery
Matthew Shapiro, MD, Radiology
Kelvin Raybon, MD, Medical Director, Medical Oncology
Cynthia Allen, MD, Pathology, Cancer Registry Quality Coordinator
Patrick Baroco, MD, Palliative Care
John Girard, Director of Cancer Services, Cancer Program Administrator
Sheryl Search, MSN, RN, OCN, Nurse Manager Oncology and Infusion, Oncology Nursing
Leigh Anderson, LCSW, Social Worker, Psychosocial Services Coordinator
Angela Bartley, CTR, Cancer Program Coordinator, Certified Tumor Registrar
Patricia Benson, RN, Clinical Coordinator, Quality Resource Management, Quality Improvement Coordinator
Catherine Raines, CHES, Health Educator, Community Outreach Coordinator
Lisa Lenker, BS, Clinical Research Coordinator
Donna Markey, RN, MSN, ACNP-cs, Medical Oncology, Genetics Professional
Additional/Other Members:
William Jones, MD, Urology
Carmen Gonzalez, MD, Pulmonology
Jared Davis, MD, Pain Management
Joe Surratt, NP, Gastroenterology
Karen Clark, MT, MBA, Vice President Operations
Rader Dod, BA, RT (R), Director of Radiology Services
Donna Berdeaux, RN, BSN, Breast Health Navigator
Megan Howell, RN, BSN, Aerodigestive Navigator
Mary Beth Landes, MS, RD, CSO, Oncology Registered Dietitian/Nutrition Navigator
Stephanie Mims, PT, DPT, MBA, Director of Therapy Services
Clay Wilson, PharmD, BCOP, Pharmacy Oncology Services
Mark Westebbe, Pastoral Care Representative
Colleen White, RT(R)(T) Chief Radiation Therapist
Annika Dean, American Cancer Society
Linda Sutton, MD, Medical Director, Duke Cancer Network
Renee Muellenbach, Assistant Vice President, Duke Cancer Network
3
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://AREXCh0vtAUCjga3KYvSKa8sxLH-yfX9L5k3q1cKtlg 8`׉	 7cassandra://oybsAyX8Nl7cckI2vnEvWI4WSHd4nZvF95ybf4Ub4o0Ͳr`m׉	 7cassandra://hzdKHZloi7xwGvID-KXzsJxMqv_de-PgUmGDbUpnm787g`K ׉	 7cassandra://3YT7HMyZIPz9qDFZ3gd49wMpUgpux4vbNlnmZPm5a7gz ͠\\X'ͯ.ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://se25Z3aulvh4cxnwYLPI82Uqxc5Zspc8l-Yw3Yiauk4 \`׉	 7cassandra://52O-osXo1GYf5satb9wtB15yii5-VAyPuYJ8yGt5Mk89`m׉	 7cassandra://PBQw9dwOE3GM-cqqbwMwNwOj0AoXnH7Vxe2t7PZUqWY7P`K ׉	 7cassandra://Ox-oXS-L3rVECvmQjk2rMHsHrreyGUOKEqIVA4H44f4̎͠\\X'ͯ.׉EFinding Focus
New radiation technique makes treatment less invasive and highly targeted
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery
(SRS) may sound complicated, but their benefits couldn’t be more
straightforward: more effective and less invasive treatment for many cancer
patients.
These highly
sophisticated and
innovative technologies
are now at Augusta
Health and will give
oncologists the ability
to deliver treatment
in a number of clinical
scenarios, says Robert
Kyler, MD, medical
director of Radiation
Oncology at the Augusta
Health Cancer Center, a
Duke Health affiliate.
SRS is used for lesions in
the brain and spine, while
SBRT is used to treat
lesions in other sites such
as the lungs, liver and
bones. They both work by
aiming multiple narrow
radiation beams at the
target from multiple
angles as the treatment unit rotates around the patient. Because the
targets are quite small, minimizing movement during treatment is critical.
Patients are therefore rigidly immobilized while being treated, and the
4
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
equipment features devices that monitor and adjust for patient movement
during treatment to ensure a high degree of safety.
Range of advantages
That kind of focus
brings a range of
advantages, says Dr.
Kyler. The less-invasive
approach may be
appropriate for some
patients who would
not be ideal surgical
candidates — for
example, older patients
with early lung cancer
who may have COPD —
and it also eliminates
the need for surgical
recovery time.
“Surgery is often the
first consideration, but
not all patients are able
or willing to have it.
SRS or SBRT is ideal in
those settings due to
its noninvasive nature
and the high likelihood
of control,” says Dr. Kyler. “Studies of patients with early lung cancer treated
with SBRT have shown rates of tumor control equivalent to those achieved
by surgery,” he adds.
continued on page 5
׉	 7cassandra://hzdKHZloi7xwGvID-KXzsJxMqv_de-PgUmGDbUpnm787g`K \\X'ͯ-׉EBTHE GOAL SEAL THAT IS THE GOLD STANDARD
Another benefit is time — both in terms of the
treatment itself and the number of treatments
needed. Conventional radiation for patients
entails three to six weeks of daily treatments,
which often require ample transportation time
and schedule disruption. And with
surgery, recovery can take weeks to
months.
But with SRS and SBRT, treatment can
usually be done in just one to five
sessions that last from 30 to 60 minutes.
Dr. Kyler notes that the procedure is quick
and painless, offering a high dose of
radiation in just a few treatments.
Sparing healthy tissues
Also, there is minimal damage to the
normal, healthy tissues surrounding a
tumor, which improves outcomes and
minimizes recovery time. Side effects and
complications from the treatments are
uncommon, Dr. Kyler adds.
This treatment option became available
at Augusta Health in October 2017, and
Dr. Kyler notes that it is already being
used for more patients than anticipated
and will continue to be a valuable
addition to Augusta Health’s oncology
options.
“This is a cutting-edge approach, and it’s exciting
to have it available to our patients,” he says.
“With such a powerful technique, we can target
tumors with more precision, in a way that’s safe,
noninvasive and highly effective.”
Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders’ Radiation Oncology Practice
Accredited by the American College of Radiology
The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality, but this specific Gold Seal is more than a
symbol. The American College of Radiology’s seal is also an assurance and a
promise—a promise of the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety
at a facility providing radiation oncology therapy to treat cancer. Radiation
oncology therapy is the careful use of high-energy radiation to cure cancer or
relieve a cancer patient’s pain.
Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders is one of only four sites in the
Charlottesville metropolitan area that has earned Radiation Oncology Practice
Accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR).
What does this accreditation mean? It means that:
• Augusta Health’s Center for Cancer & Blood
Disorders has voluntarily gone through a
very rigorous review by the ACR to ensure
that it meets the nationally-accepted
standards of care;
• The staff at the Center are well-qualified, through
their education and certifications, to perform
medical imaging, interpret the images and
administer radiation oncology therapy
treatments; and
• The equipment is appropriate for any test or treatment its patients will receive
and that the facility meets or exceeds all quality assurance and safety
guidelines.
So the Gold Seal, while small, represents a big effort by the physicians and staff to provide the
highest level of care possible.
5
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://M3U07VxcgP6IfKT-3rEiwUtgjmk9MKVRuMMJqpxFuLI O#`׉	 7cassandra://N_DN1C8lNU21KCPfyQvyHRzMlwVw8jZldYJajW56Mz0=`m׉	 7cassandra://DIjccCVN23vao1Z8e0OpAlcllWLbMY9M8pAqr4ofrWg`K ׉	 7cassandra://zPXyK77g--2Ge87tdYzi3AdjNP7xwYhkaYJAaYO1QdM /͠\\X'ͯ.ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://fl0fgF6GVknuezX5kC9YvMPdLa_29-VRFs8v2FBFMO0 4`׉	 7cassandra://gH1zH-gLTBBF_Ve8ANfnDLQlhB3EvyfQjin9fZhkqJw`m׉	 7cassandra://XiGidnuSdTAxkHdFPZ1hF-cBS3nO5zU-jIy3JQh1NKA>`K ׉	 7cassandra://U4PxRj7qqv53ICJi1EjObG6Py5jiM9U_Aia0BicPex0f͠\\X'ͯ.׉E a2017 Analytic Cancer Case Distribution (N=727)
6
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
׉	 7cassandra://DIjccCVN23vao1Z8e0OpAlcllWLbMY9M8pAqr4ofrWg`K \\X'ͯ-׉Ez2018 Standard 4.6 Monitoring Compliance
with Evidence-Based Guidelines
PRIMARY SITE: STAGE IV
NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Prepared by:
Kelvin Raybon, MD,
FACP, Medical Director,
Center for Cancer and
Blood Diseases
including lung cancer. The Programmed Death Ligand – 1 (PD-L1) receptor is
a down-regulating signal on cytotoxic T lymphocytes; prominent expression
of PD-L1 by cancers allows avoidance of recognition and attack by T
lymphocytes due to this self-recognition checkpoint. Monoclonal antibodies
directed toward either the PD-L1 ligand or its receptor block this checkpoint,
allowing greater immune recognition and destruction of tumor. Checkpoint
inhibiting monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the care of non-small
cell lung cancer, initially as second-line therapy beyond chemotherapy, and
subsequently as first line treatment in cancers that highly express the PDL1
ligand, with or without the addition of chemotherapy. Assays to detect
high expression of PD-L1 are therefore useful in treatment selection, and are
currently recommended in all lung cancer patients with advanced disease
that are candidates for therapy.
In this study, we report the initial evaluation and pretreatment studies,
testing for molecular mutations and PD-L1 expression, and initial treatment
in all newly diagnosed Stage IV lung cancer patients, squamous and nonsquamous,
for the year 2017. Goals were to assess the alignment of care with
national guidelines, and the impact of cancer testing on therapy, as well as
to identify any barriers in care management .
Introduction
Lung cancer remains the number one cause of cancer death in both men and
women in 2018. Although a new approach to early diagnosis with low-dose
CT scan lung cancer screening is now available, the majority of lung cancer
patients currently present or recur with widely metastatic disease that is
incurable. Therefore, most lung cancer therapy remains focused on palliation
of symptoms and prolongation of survival with systemic drug therapy.
Encouragingly, advances have been made. Since the discovery of the EGFR
mutation in 2004, research has increasingly identified subgroups of nonsquamous
lung cancers that are “driven” by specific mutations that give
the cancer its growth advantage. These molecularly driven forms of lung
cancer, often seen in nonsmokers, have allowed the development of drugs
specifically targeting these mutations, resulting in treatments that are not
curative, but more efficacious and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.
EGFR, ALK, ROS-1 and BRAF represent the currently recognized and targeted
molecular mutations in lung cancer.
Likewise, research in just the last few years has shown the importance
of immune surveillance in the persistence and spread of many cancers,
Monitoring Compliance with Evidence-Based Guidelines
Current standard of care (NCCN Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer v4.2018)
suggests that Stage IV lung cancer patients that are candidates for systemic
treatment should be tested for the presence of any mutations that are
the targets for currently available therapeutic agents and expression of
PD-L1 ligand to help select their optimum treatment. However, specific
recommendations have changed rapidly in the last two years; challenging all
care providers to remain abreast evidence-based recommendations.
Summary of NCCN Lung Cancer Targeted Testing Guideline
Recommendations with date of revision:
V7.2015 – EGFR and ALK – July 2015
V5.2017 – EGFR, ALK, and PD-L1 – May 2017
V8.2017 – EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, and PD-L1 – August 2017
V2.2018 – EGFR, ALK, ROS-1, BRAF, and PD-L1 – February 2018
continued on page 8
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
7
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`m׉	 7cassandra://1bHN-fB-kSIEZmadahPY9QvpE3Pba8Ff86w-mA3NyxM4`K ׉	 7cassandra://RSZ5QVTZZFqq8P6yrckA5JbidbqW-MlR507xIJcD8RA x|T͠\\X'ͯ.ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://LV2pXevSwmXYRWBYQIdKsM_BaQeXdAQ3E_m2wcbTLOA ~`׉	 7cassandra://HDZTRI055iS67VlMZALZlFp0pLWE26oWpEwbiP6syRMB`m׉	 7cassandra://w4VmTJ4CM6895Lxe1dIW3IqDNBMwQeiVektk2eBLohs:`K ׉	 7cassandra://9wQed8A9ddU5hr4Mg_llYYKGK-QLAu9n_ant04aTU6oA ͠\\X'ͯ.	׉EwEvidence-based recommendations for the year 2017 specifically included
the recommendation to test all non-squamous Stage IV lung cancer
tumors for EGFR, ALK, and (starting in August 2017) ROS-1 mutations, as
well as for expression of PD-L1 (starting in May 2017). For patients with
Stage IV squamous cell lung cancer, testing for tumor expression of PDL1
(starting May 2017) and ROS-1 (August 2017) was recommended; if
patients with squamous cell lung cancers had no smoking history, or mixed
adeno-squamous histology, then EGFR and ALK testing were additionally
recommended.
NCCN guidelines otherwise recommend a CT of chest and upper abdomen,
CBC, and chemistry profile for all patients with Non-Small cell lung cancer at
the time of diagnosis. Additional PET/CT of whole body and MRI of brain is
recommended specifically for Stage IV patients.
Methods
All Non-Small Cell Lung cancers diagnosed in 2017 at Augusta Health with
Stage IV disease were identified by chart review. Cases were divided and
charts reviewed separately as either Non-squamous or Squamous cell lung
cancers. The elements of the pretreatment initial evaluation, including the
molecular markers and PD-L1 expression assessed , and initial treatment were
individually reviewed, and summarized.
Results
NON-SQUAMOUS CELL LUNG CANCER (#25)
Table 1. Initial Pretreatment Evaluation Non-Squamous
Discussion
Based upon this study, it appears that there is a high level of compliance at
Augusta Health with appropriate testing and treatment of Stage IV non-small
cell lung cancer patients who are eligible for treatment, especially in regard to
targetable mutations and PD-L1 expression.
Most patients underwent elements of the initial evaluation and pretreatment
evaluation (Tables 1 and 3). Those that did not undergo advanced testing
with PET/CT and/or MRI of Brain were either treated elsewhere, or were not
candidates for active treatments.
8
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
continued on page 9
Table 2. Molecular / Immunologic Testing Non-Squamous
SQUAMOUS CELL LUNG CANCER (#10)
Table 3. Initial Pretreatment Evaluation Squamous
Table 4. Molecular / Immunologic Testing Squamous
׉	 7cassandra://1bHN-fB-kSIEZmadahPY9QvpE3Pba8Ff86w-mA3NyxM4`K \\X'ͯ-׉EIn review of molecular evaluation in non-squamous cases (Table 2), the
majority of patients received appropriate testing. Most untested patients
were either not candidates for treatment or elected not to receive treatment.
Only 1 patient eligible for treatment did not undergo a request for EGFR, ALK,
and PD-L1, and 2 patients did not have requests for ROS-1, after its addition
to NCCN guideline recommendations. One patient who tested positive for
EGFR mutation did not receive targeted treatment with erlotinib due to other
clinical circumstances. Two patients had testing elsewhere, with incomplete
information available for this study concerning EGFR testing. Two patients
received PD-L1 directed treatment as initial therapy.
Insufficient tissue for testing was not uncommon in the non-squamous cell
cases. Discussion of the challenges to obtaining sufficient tissue is beyond
the scope of the current study. The role of “liquid biopsies,” that is, testing for
cell-free tumor DNA or RNA mutations circulating in the blood, is an ongoing
area of research to supplement tissue biopsies for testing for molecular
targets, and there is expected increased utilization of such testing in the near
future.
All initial treatments of Non-Squamous cell patients were consistent with
NCCN guidelines.
In review of the cases diagnosed at AH with squamous cell lung cancer
(Table 4), PD-L1 expression testing was performed in 8 of 9 patients eligible
for therapy, and 2 patients received PD-L1 directed checkpoint inhibition
therapy as part of their initial regimen. Six of 9 eligible patients underwent
ROS-1 molecular testing; 2 of the 3 patients who did not undergo testing
were diagnosed prior to the addition of ROS-1 to recommendations by NCCN
guidelines.
The current study revealed that there may be opportunities
to reduce cost of testing by avoiding molecular tests with low likelihood
of benefit. Insufficient tissue was not seen as a problem in the cases of
squamous cell histology.
All initial treatments of Squamous cell patients were consistent with NCCN
guidelines except one (pembrolizumab + gemcitabine).
Recommendations
The evaluation and management of patients with Stage IV Non-Small Cell
cancer will likely continue to increase in complexity as new science expands
treatment options in this most lethal of cancers. There will likely be further
identification of important target mutations, and drugs to combat them;
likewise, the optimal use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is in its infancy,
and increasing use is expected. Assessment of patient function to select
patients most able to benefit from therapy will remain paramount, as will the
early utilization of palliative care services.
In reviewing the results generated in this study of data from 2017, several
recommendations for the future can be made in the evaluation and
management of Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
1. Expand discussion of the evaluation, pathology, molecular and
immunologic markers and management of patients diagnosed
with NSCLC at multispecialty tumor conferencess
2. Ensure clinicians have the tools needed to support direct
communication between physicians in identifying the
molecular and immunologic testing to be performed for
individual patients with Stage IV lung cancer
3. Ensure that patient testing and evaluation is commensurate with
the extent of the lung cancer and patient’s functional status
4. Evaluate challenges in the collection of tissue samples that
cause samples to be inadequate for molecular/immunologic
testing in appropriate cases
5. Avoid molecular tests in cases unlikely to be helpful and not in
accordance with guidelines (ie, EGFR and ALK in pure squamous
histology, unless minimal smoking history)
6. Consider additional means of testing for molecular markers or
mutations, such as next generation sequencing of tumors
Summary
In summary, patients diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
at Augusta Health in 2017 underwent initial evaluation, pre-treatment
evaluation, and treatment in accordance with NCCN guidelines as deemed
appropriate. Additionally, adherence to evolving recommendations
concerning molecular and immunologic testing of lung cancer to better
select therapy was appropriate.
Date Presented to Cancer Committee: 11/01/2018
9
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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Routine lung cancer screening detects woman’s lung cancer early
Emily Rankin of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, thought she was out of the woods. While she began
smoking in her late 20s, she quit in her early 60s. Still, at the advice of her family doctor,
Rankin, 71, decided to be screened for lung cancer in May 2017.
“There was really nothing to it,” the retiree and avid gardener recalls of the Low-Dose CT Scan.
“It took maybe two or three minutes, five at the most. It’s quick and simple. But it did the job.”
That simple screening turned out to be a life-changing experience. To Rankin’s surprise, the
routine screening found an 8-millimeter mass in her left lung. After a few more CT scans,
Rankin’s doctor, Jason Lawrence, MD, a pulmonologist at Augusta Health, sent her to Miguel
Aguinaga, MD, FACS, a thoracic surgeon at Augusta Health.
In order to have her cancer removed, Dr. Aguinaga performed a lobectomy with robotic
assistance, which is a minimally invasive procedure, and therefore has a quicker, easier
recovery time than other surgical interventions for lung cancer.
The traditional procedure, a thoracotomy, consists of a large incision, and patients typically
stay in the hospital for 10 days. Many people also have immense pain following this
procedure, Dr. Aguinaga says. The new, minimally invasive surgery is quicker, and patients can
be discharged within one to three days, Dr. Aguinaga says. Rankin’s surgery consisted of just
six small holes on her side and back.
Dr. Aguinaga notes that one benefit of the robotic surgery is that it allows for more precision.
“You have a camera inside of the patient, so you’re viewing what’s happening,” he says. “And
with your hands, you reproduce the movements you want the robot to do. The reason we use
a robot is that you can really get into tight spaces. The vision is incredible.”
Rare cancer revealed
Rankin had surgery on January 16, 2018. Dr. Aguinaga removed the upper lobe of her left
lung. The 8-millimeter mass turned out to be a carcinoid tumor, which is a very rare, slowgrowing
cancer.
continued on page 11
10
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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following day. “I was cancer-free with no chemotherapy, and no radiation
treatments had to be done,” Rankin says. “It was all because of this CT scan
catching [the cancer] early.”
Augusta Health is one of the only hospitals in the area to perform a
lobectomy with robotic assistance. “Emily was the first case we’ve done
here at Augusta Health using robotics,” Dr. Aguinaga notes. “I believe we are
the only program in the entire region that is doing thoracic surgery using
robotics.”
Fast recovery
Rankin’s surgery was in the morning, and that evening she says she was
sitting up in a chair eating French fries. “Dr. Aguinaga came in, and he had
the biggest smile on his face [because] I had recovered that quickly,” she says.
She went home the next day. Within a few weeks, Rankin — who retired
from a factory making pharmaceutical tubes in 2011 — says she was in her
flowerbeds cleaning out leaves. “I’m doing everything I thought I would
never get to do again because I had cancer,” she says.
Rankin remains grateful for her husband’s support, along with the
outstanding care she received from the medical team at Augusta Health.
“I was scared to death,” she says. “Everybody seemed to put me at ease. The
healthcare was really great. It was a bad experience that was made good.”
Rankin also can’t emphasize how glad she is to have undergone the lung
cancer screening. She encourages other high-risk individuals to do the same.
“I hadn’t smoked for eight years, so I thought, oh, I’m fine, there’s nothing
wrong with me,” she says. “If people would have these [screenings] done —
especially if they were smokers and they stopped — they would have a good
success story like mine.”
IMPACT OF LUNG CANCER SCREENING AT AUGUSTA HEALTH
Augusta Health began its Lung Cancer Screening program in April, 2014. According to radiologist Matthew Shapiro, MD, 37
Low Dose CT (LDCT) exams were performed in the first year, and one lung cancer was detected. To date, more than 1,600 LDCT exams have been performed and 43
lung cancers have been detected. That’s a detection rate twice than what was expected when the program began.
“When we look only at patients diagnosed with lung cancer through screening, we see an even greater benefit with 53% in Stage 1A and only 7% in Stage 4. This
suggests to me that there are probably more patients in our area who are at high risk for lung cancer but are not being screened,” says Dr. Shapiro.
Lung Cancer Diagnoses through the Lung Cancer Screening Program, 2014-2018, YTD*
Diagnosis
0
Years
2014-2018
*October, 2018
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
0%
(n=0)
53.5%
(n=23)
11.6%
(n=5)
30.2%
(n=13)
4.7%
(n=2)
100%
(n=43)
11
I
II
III
IV
Total Cases
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Through Collaboration
Those who care for patients with cancer extend far beyond the walls
of the Cancer Center. Primary care providers continue to treat their
patients with cancer—as do pharmacists, pulmonologists, therapists,
nurse practitioners and physician assistants and other medical
professionals.
To reach out to all to provide current information and vigorous
discussion, Augusta Health Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
annually presents a Cancer Symposium for area providers. This year’s
symposium, Advances in the Treatment Modalities of Patients with
Cancer, was held October 11. Through the affiliation with Duke Health,
the symposium was accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing
Center (ANCC), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
(ACPE), and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical
Education (ACCME) for physicians.
The robust agenda focused on a variety of treatments provided at
Augusta Health, as well as their application and outcomes. Presenters
were all from the Augusta Health Medical Staff.
12
AUGUSTA HEALTH • CANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
• Rise of the Robots-Surgery’s Past,
Present and Future at Augusta Health
o Kristin Turza, MD and Brian Stisser, MD
• I Was Born this Way—Genetic Counseling
o Donna Markey, RN, MSN, ANCP-cs
• Manipulating the Hormonal Milieu—Advances in Hormonal Therapies
o Reshma Khetpal, MD
• Laser Focus—SBRT and the Future of Radiotherapy
o David Morgan, MD
• Surviving Cancer—Advances in Science, Treatment and Outcomes
o Kelvin Raybon, MD
• New Frontiers in Cancer Therapy—Exploring the Science of Immunotherapy
o Naheed Velji, MD
• The Good, The Bad and The Ugly—Management of Immunotherapy
Complications
o Raymond Cruz, MD
• Panel Discussion
׉	 7cassandra://Ghal9MIPjGEhdJ6y2bl6irXiUdo9XS19LYQkrAN3LiY@`K \\X'ͯ-׉ECommunity Outreach
Screenings and Preventative
Activities throughout 2018:
• Mamm & Glam Breast Cancer Screening
o September 18
o Partnership with Every Woman’s Life program
o 25 screened
o 3 call-backs
• Prostate Cancer Education and Prevention
o July 14
o Augusta Health Expo
o 23 attendees
• Medical Monday Health Education and
Prevention Series
o Education and Prevention segments on WHSV’s News
at Noon
o Segments on screening and prevention for: Cervical
Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Skin Cancer, Prostate Cancer,
Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer
o 15,000 viewing audience per segment
• Lunch and Learn Health Education and
Prevention Series
o Education and Prevention Lecture Series
Facials were provided by
Kimberly Glover at the
Mamm & Glam Breast
Cancer Screening
o Lectures on advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment;
screening, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer;
screening, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer,
preventive nutrition and screening diagnosis
and treatment of breast cancer
o 375 attendees
13
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Blood Disorders
540-322-5960
www.augustahealth.com
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P, !Cancer Program Annual Report 2018\\Ǘ_:t