Emory Report
October 19, 2009
Volume 62, Number 7



Winship doctors testing less invasive technique for lymph node removal

A new technique for lymph node removal in the groin area may reduce the risk of complications for patients fighting melanoma or other cancers of the genito-urinary system. “We are the only group in the world performing this procedure for melanoma,” says Keith Delman, assistant professor of surgery.

Delman and Viraj Master, assistant professor of urology, developed the procedure, which involves complete lymph node removal through small incisions away from the groin, aided by videoscope. Standard procedure for these cancers is with an 8-10 inch incision, and nearly half of patients acquire an infection. The new technique greatly reduces the chance of infection.




    

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October 19, 2009
$1M for Winship study of prostate cancer disparities

By Vincent Dollard

The Emory Winship Cancer Institute has received a $1 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study health disparities and informed decision-making among prostate cancer patients.

Theresa Gillespie, associate professor, Department of Surgery and the Emory Winship Cancer Institute, is principal investigator of the multi-site, national study based at Emory. Other members of the study team include: Joseph Lipscomb, health policy and management, Rollins School of Public Health; Michael Goodman, epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health; John Petros, Department of Urology, Emory School of Medicine; and Katharina Echt, Department of Geriatrics & Gerontology, Emory School of Medicine. Kevin Ward will direct the Emory Winship shared core resource support in data management.

The CDC will provide Emory and Gillespie with $1 million over two years to investigate informed decision-making regarding treatment options and health disparities in early-stage prostate cancer, primarily in terms of access to care and racial differences. The study will use a mixed-methods approach to determine how men and their significant others make decisions for treatment options in early stage prostate cancer.

One specific aim will focus on why African American men, who have the highest mortality rates from prostate cancer in the United States, choose active surveillance more frequently than surgery or radiation as compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

Collaborating institutions and study sites are the Southwest Georgia Cancer Coalition; three Veterans Administration medical centers in Atlanta, Durham and Kansas City; and multiple communities through the National Rural Health Association.

Read more at whsc.emory.edu.