Long-Term Cancer Survivors Program
The Long-Term Childhood Cancer Survivors Program, established in 1987 within the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Golisano Children’s Hospital, is one of the longest running late effects clinics in the United States. Patients are usually transferred to the Long-Term Survivors Clinic when they have been disease free and off therapy for at least five years.
The goal of the program is to provide monitoring and counseling regarding late effects of therapy. It is not designed to be a primary care clinic, but to complement care delivered by primary care providers. In addition to providing patient care and follow-up, the clinic is an educational and advocacy resource for patients, families, and health care providers.
Currently, there are approximately 450 patients enrolled in the clinic with an influx of about 30-40 new patients a year. Patients are generally seen on a yearly basis. Exceptions include:
- Older patients who are further from completion of therapy may be seen every 2-5 years depending on diagnosis and any late effects.
- Patients newly enrolled in the clinic may be seen every six months.
- Children approaching puberty may be seen more frequently to monitor growth.
We follow our patients into adulthood with no upper age limit.
Our Specialists
- O.J. Sahler, M.D. is the Medical Director responsible for overseeing the care delivered and the functioning of the clinic.
- Louis Constine, M.D. is the Pediatric Radiation Oncologist who provides medical direction and care for patients who have received radiation therapy.
- Pediatric Psychosocial Team includes referral for educational and parent advocacy resources for patients and their families.
What to Expect
During a visit to the clinic, patients can expect:
- An interval history
- Complete physical exam
- Appropriate lab work and imaging studies
Other periodic evaluations, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram (ECHO), DEXA Scan, pulmonary function testing (PFTs), and audiologic evaluation may be ordered to monitor health status or to evaluate symptoms.
Referrals to other subspecialists, such as cardiologists and endocrinologists, are based on assessments made during clinic visits in coordination with the primary care physician.
Resources
A report is developed to provide each survivor with an individual summary of his/her clinical course including presentation, diagnosis, and treatment including any complications. The report also provides information regarding potential late effects. This report is sent to the patient’s primary care physician and is available on MyChart.
More Information
If you would like more information about the Long-Term Childhood Cancer Survivors Clinic at Golisano Children’s Hospital or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (585) 275-2981.