Inova Schar Cancer Institute Announces Formation of First Molecular Tumor Board in the Metro D.C. Area Where Patients and Their Families Participate

The Inova molecular tumor board aims to provide patients and their physicians access, information, education and advocacy

News provided by

Inova

Apr 12, 2016, 08:04 ET

FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Inova Schar Cancer Institute announced today the formation of a molecular tumor board (MTB) comprised of physicians, oncologists, researchers, and genetic counselors. These experts convene weekly to analyze advanced and rare primary cancers that may be amenable to targeted therapies. The mission of the MTB is to personalize care recommendations for patients, matching the cancer's molecular profile to relevant clinical trials or therapies. Not only will the MTB identify these potential courses of action, but unlike most, will also advocate on behalf of the patient for acceptance into trials or access to targeted therapies. In keeping with the Inova Schar Cancer Institute's emphasis on patient-centered care, the MTB encourages the patient and family members to be in the room to participate in the discussion and learn about next steps in treating their disease.

Under the guidance of Donald "Skip" Trump, MD, FACP and CEO, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, the molecular tumor board is led by J. Milburn Jessup, MD, Scientific Director, Precision Cancer Care Program and surgical oncologist and scientist, and Timothy Cannon, MD, Clinical Director for the Molecular Tumor Board and Personalized Medicine Initiative and board certified in Medical Oncology.

"I believe having a molecular tumor board in the mid-Atlantic that embodies our commitment to science, precision medicine, and compassionate, patient-centered care will be a great service to our patients and our community," said Dr. Trump. "Our goal is to improve life expectancy and quality of life for patients, and move continually closer to making cancer a chronic disease and eventually, to find a cure."

The tumor board is continued evidence of Inova's commitment to personalized health, not only using precision medicine to predict, prevent, and treat disease, but also building patient-centered programs to meet the needs of the whole person.

About Inova

Inova is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that serves more than 2 million people each year throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond. Inova is a comprehensive network of hospitals, outpatient services and facilities, primary and specialty care practices, and health and wellness initiatives.

Inova encompasses the full array of health services, including the area's only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit. We are home to many nationally and internationally recognized programs, including Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI), Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI), Inova Schar Cancer Institute (ISCI).

Inova is a global leader in the science of genomics and the new era of personalized health, which uses a person's genetic make-up, family and medical history, and lifestyle to determine the best prevention and treatment. We connect researchers, clinicians and empowered consumers to improve patient care, enhance prevention and encourage wellness.

Contact:
Kelly Schlageter
[email protected]
703-205-2221

SOURCE Inova