| Colon cancer together with rectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Today, advances in surgery, radiation, chemotherapy agents, and targeted therapies–often offered in integrated treatments—are bringing new hope and better options to colorectal cancer patients. Stony Brook's Colorectal Cancer Team evaluates and manages treatment of patients with colon and rectal cancers, Crohn's Disease, familial polyposis, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases of the large bowel. The team places an emphasis on early screenings, particularly in high-risk groups, and adheres to National Quality Forum guidelines for assessment of quality care. Depending on the patient's needs and preferences, the colorectal team deploys a wide range of diagnostic and treatment techniques, including pioneering, multi-therapy approaches. Surgery- Roberto Bergamaschi, MD, PhD, Team Leader, Professor and Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
- Marvin L. Corman, MD
- Paula I. Denoya, MD
- Thomas Gregg, MD, PhD, Colorectal Surgery Research Fellow
- Arnold Leiboff, MD
- Brett Ruffo, MD
- William B. Smithy, MD, Colorectal Fellowship Program Director
- Norman Cruz, NP
- Geraldine Massimino, RN, Nurse Navigator
- Patricia Pugliani, PhD, Data Manager
- Lynn Hydo, RN, MBA, FCCM, Medical Statistician
Gastrointestinal MedicinePathologyRadiologyRadiation OncologyMedical Hematology/OncologyEnterostomal Therapy- Karen E. Chmiel, RN
- Susan Guschel, RN
Stony Brook offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up services for patients with colorectal cancer, including expedited diagnosis and technologically advanced radiation, surgical, and systemic therapies. See Diagnostics, Treatments & Technologies for more information. Highlights include: - Genetic counseling. A specialized genetic counselor is available to patients and families dealing with inheritable colorectal cancers.
- Imaging technology. New and powerful imaging technologies help surgeons remove disease and spare vital tissue. We use endorectal ultrasound, magnifying endoscope, and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques such as laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
- Intracorporeal Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is performed entirely outside the body (hence, the term "intracorporeal"). It is an advanced procedure that is a safe and effective alternative to both conventional open surgery and laparoscopic-assisted surgery. It provides the surgeon with better vision, control and accuracy.
- Rectal Cancer Staging. Rectal cancer staging can be determined by endorectal ultrasound and PET/CT scan or endocoil MR imaging. Treatment consists of combined chemotherapy and radiation.
Our exceptional clinical support services contribute to coordinated care. These include Nutrition Services, Pain Management, Palliative Care/Survivorship & Support, Pharmacy Services, Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Yoga, and our Tumor Board. For more information, see Clinical Support Services. The research team is participating in a multi-center American College of Surgery Oncology Group (ACOSOG) trial "A Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing Laparoscopic-assisted Resection Versus Open Resection for Rectal Cancer." The study tests the hypothesis that laparoscopic-assisted resection for rectal cancer is not inferior to open rectal resection, based on a composite primary endpoint of oncologic factors that are indicative of a safe and feasible operation under the auspices of the National Cancer Institute. For information, see Innovations & Research in Cancer. For specific clinical trial listings, see our Current Clinical Trials. Stony Brook Pioneers HIPECStony Brook is the only Hospital in Suffolk County to offer HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy). This pioneering approach is used on tumors—typically difficult to treat—that have spread to the abdominal cavity from primary colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, appendiceal cancer, or mesothelioma. After the bulk of the abdominal tumor is surgically removed, the area is treated with HIPEC to kill any remaining cancer cells. This offers patients the potential for a better survival rate. Additional Sources of Information PRINT "Colorectal Cancer: Highly Preventable, Highly Treatable" by Dr. Paula Denoya Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: What It Is and Why It's So Effective by Roberto Bergamaschi, MD, PhD, Chief, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, Professor of Surgery |
