(November 19, 2024) MUSC Hollings Cancer Center launches next-day appointment access for patients diagnosed with certain abdominal cancers

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has implemented a next-day access program for patients diagnosed with stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas or hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers.

"Most patients that are diagnosed with cancer want their tumor removed yesterday," said Kevin Roggin, M.D., chief of the MUSC Division of Surgical Oncology and clinical director for surgical oncology at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. "Our goal is to provide next-day access for patients with a new diagnosis of abdominal cancer."

"We understand that being diagnosed with cancer is often the worst day of a person's life. Our program is designed to alleviate their fears and expedite rapid access to our specialists without having to wait for an appointment, which can typically take weeks. We are confident that after meeting our experienced and compassionate team, they will choose Hollings for their care," added Roggin.

Cancers included in this program:
• Stomach
• Small intestine (including duodenum)
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Bile Duct
• Periampullary region (hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers)
• Retroperitoneal sarcomas
• Rare benign or malignant tumors like GIST, neuroendocrine tumors, pancreatic cystic neoplasm (IPMN) and choledochal cysts

Under the Next-Day Access program, people with any of these diagnoses can call to speak with an experienced nurse coordinator who will review the patient's information to ensure that the case is appropriate for the next-day program and schedule a one-hour combined appointment with a cancer surgeon and an advanced practice provider.

Most patients can be seen the next business day. If next-day access is not feasible for the patient, the program manager can easily set up a timely appointment to see the team.

At the initial "intake" appointment, patients are seen by an advanced practice provider who will perform a physical exam and discuss medical history as well as a board-certified cancer surgeon who specializes in treating these cancers. They will outline a plan of action. A second follow-up appointment will be set within a week of the first visit to finalize the treatment plan.

In between these appointments, the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center surgical oncology team members will collect the patient's outside records, studies and biopsy specimens; expedite any additional testing to complete their workup, including state-of-the-art radiology tests (i.e., CT/PET scan, MRI, interventional GI (endoscopic) evaluations); and coordinate appointments with Hollings' world-class genetic counselors, nutritionists and anesthesia providers.

Each case will be collectively reviewed at the weekly multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Cancer Tumor Board, a group that includes medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and members of the Clinical Trials Office. Together, these specialists pool their expertise to ensure that each patient has a tailored care plan and the option to participate in clinical trials, when appropriate. Finally, all patients will be assigned a personal nurse oncology navigator who will work as an advocate to guide them through the continuum of their cancer care.

"Our team works together to ensure we offer the most personalized approach to each patient, guiding them every step of the way in their cancer journey. We want to engage with our partners across the state to provide enhanced access to our system and then return the patients to their communities to complete their cancer care," added Roggin.

To speak with a nurse, patients should call 843-985-PANC (7262), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday except holidays

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About MUSC Hollings Cancer Center
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is South Carolina's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center with the largest academic-based cancer research program in the state. The cancer center comprises more than 140 faculty cancer scientists and 20 academic departments. It has an annual research funding portfolio of more than $50 million and sponsors more than 200 clinical trials across the state. Dedicated to preventing and reducing the cancer burden statewide, the Hollings Office of Community Outreach and Engagement works with community organizations to bring cancer education and prevention information to affected populations. Hollings offers state-of-the-art cancer screening, diagnostic capabilities, therapies and surgical techniques within its multidisciplinary clinics. Hollings specialists include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, psychologists and other clinical providers equipped to provide the full range of cancer care. For more information, visit hollingscancercenter.musc.edu.

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