Dr. David Sugarbaker
Tel: (617) 732-6824
In the world of thoracic oncology, Dr. David Sugarbaker has few equals in his research and expertise within the field. A complicated and exact field, thoracic oncology is emerging as one of the great frontiers in cancer research. Dr. Sugarbaker's research is at the frontlines of this new frontier. Of particular interest to Dr. Sugarbaker and his research staff is the emerging research field in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is typically contracted by those who have had occupational exposures to asbestos, such as construction or shipyard workers. Until recently, many mesothelioma patients felt there was simply no hope. Much of this had to do with the appearance that they had no real allies in their fight against this devastating cancer. Dr. Sugarbaker has joined their ranks and is now leading the fight against mesothelioma and eliminating needless asbestos exposures in men and women across the country.
Prior to Dr. Sugarbaker's foray into mesothelioma treatment, many patients felt their cases were hopeless if they were not candidates for surgery for some reason. For many patients, surgery is ruled out because the affected area is too large or it has expanded within proximity of an area in which operation would be hazardous. Dr. Sugarbaker is at the forefront of a new multi-modality treatment program, which integrates certain aspects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy into a patient's treatment program. By incorporating more methods of treatment, more options become available to a patient and their family as they navigate their battle with cancer.
An example of Dr. Sugarbaker's multi-modality treatment can be seen in the integration of surgery and radiation. Prior to the new methods those with tumors too large for surgery were simply treated with chemotherapy or radiation, with the hope that killing some cancer cells would prolong life-expectancies. However, now Dr. Sugarbaker is using radiation or chemotherapy to make more patients candidates for surgery. Radiation is administered in several sessions prior to surgery. The tumor has then been reduced in size enough so that it is operable. Other forms of this integration include surgery and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is now able to be administered to the affected area following surgical resection of the tumor, leading to a longer period between surgery and recurrence.
Ultimately, as with any other thoracic oncologist, Dr. Sugarbaker's goals are a solution that completely eliminates mesothelioma and finding a cure. Until that point is reached Dr. Sugarbakers research is allowing more and more patients to extend their prognoses and spend more time with their families and loved ones. This is, undoubtedly, the most important thing anyone can gain as they battle with a difficult cancer such as mesothelioma.
