NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is the First Hospital in Queens to Off
NYC Newswire
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is the First Hospital in Queens to Offer Groundbreaking Treatment for Liver Cancer Patients - 1
Pioneering Liver Cancer Therapy Comes to Queens NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is leading the way in cancer care with the introduction of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAI), a cutting-edge treatment for patients battling advanced liver and gastrointestinal cancers. Elmhurst is the first public hospital on the East Coast and the first in Queens to offer this innovative therapy, bringing renewed hope to underserved communities.
A Game-Changing Cancer Treatment
HAI therapy involves surgically implanting a pump into the hepatic artery, allowing high doses of chemotherapy to be delivered directly to the liver. This precise targeting helps shrink tumors while minimizing side effects, offering a less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy. Treatments typically last six months, with follow-up visits every two weeks.
Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, emphasized the importance of this service for Elmhurst’s diverse patient base: "Many of our patients come from poor and immigrant communities, or are uninsured, and have historically not had access to the latest and best treatments for cancer. We are bringing renewed hope to these patients by offering treatment options that can extend their lives.”
Expanding Access to State-of-the-Art Care
Elmhurst Hospital’s commitment to providing cutting-edge care for all patients aligns with NYC Health + Hospitals' mission. Dr. Jennifer Whittington, Surgical Oncologist at Elmhurst, highlighted the significance of this treatment: “This is an FDA-approved therapy for patients with advanced colon, rectal, and liver cancers. Everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, deserves access to the best possible care.”
Impacting Lives and Families
The introduction of HAI therapy is not just about medical innovation—it’s about making a real difference in patients' lives. Grace Ann Weick, Associate Executive Director for Clinical Operations & Trauma Services, expressed pride in the hospital's new offering: “We feel truly honored to be part of an initiative that extends our patients’ lives, allowing them to create cherished memories with their families.”
For more information about this program, call 718-334-3201.
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