Working with the area’s top hospitals and doctors, Cincinnati Cancer Advisors provides reassurance and peace of mind for patients during one of the most difficult journeys of their lives.
Every patient’s cancer journey is different, from the organs where cancerous cells are found to the stage of cancer diagnosis.
However, the emotional toll of cancer is consistent for nearly all patients. Even with support from loved ones and trusted physicians, patients may still need reassurance that their treatment plan is right for their diagnosis or advice on other options to help deliver the best outcome possible.
“A diagnosis of cancer can be a shock,” says Slobodan Stanisic, M.D., a hematology and oncology specialist with The Christ Hospital. “The diagnosis may be difficult to comprehend, and it may be challenging to sort out the many available treatment options. Often a second opinion can reassure a patient and family as they assess the many available treatments.”
More patients are finding those resources through Cincinnati Cancer Advisors (CCA), an oncology consultation practice funded by the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation. CCA provides platinum-level second opinions, genetic counseling and financial navigation services to nearly 400 Greater Cincinnatians with newly diagnosed cancers each year — all at no charge.
It’s an example of collaboration at its best. While CCA doesn’t treat patients directly or take over their care, its team of expert cancer advisors works as an additional resource for patients and primary care doctors. The advisors include physicians and nurse practitioners with extensive oncology experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
A typical CCA consultation lasts at least two hours, giving patients much more time to discuss their care. During the consultations, the advisors will review patients’ medical records and assess their current treatment plans before delivering their recommendations. The advisor also speaks with the treating oncologist before and after the consultation to ensure everyone is on the same page for the best possible outcome.
As a physician, Dr. Stanisic said he values the information he receives and the professional review each patient gets from CCA. He’s among a growing number of primary care doctors and oncologists who’ve been working with CCA since its launch in 2020 and who encourage their patients to consult with CCA as part of their cancer care.
Many patients leave feeling reassured about their current care plan and appreciate hearing in greater detail why it’s the best course of action for their diagnosis. In testimonials, multiple patients mention that their CCA visit strengthened the relationship they already had with their primary physicians.
Sometimes a CCA advisor might offer additional options, such as a clinical trial or another test. This information doesn’t contradict the existing care plan but can help physicians make adjustments as needed.
“In my practice, we know that when patients hear the word cancer, their world stops,” says Kurt P. Leuenberger, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at Oncology Hematology Care (OHC). “We want to surround them with all they need to fight their cancer, and part of this involves recommending a second opinion. CCA provides a valuable resource to Greater Cincinnatians by offering free second opinion consultations that thoroughly examine possible treatment options, including available clinical trials. This alleviates some of the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with the diagnosis of a life-altering disease.”
CCA’s connections to and knowledge of clinical trials nationwide is a key benefit many physicians cite when recommending the service to patients.
Dan Flora, M.D., is a medical oncologist and director of oncology research at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. He says that as a physician passionate about cancer research and clinical trials, he appreciates how CCA takes a deep dive into the patient’s specific cancer diagnosis to suggest a clinical drug trial that could be the right match. He also praises the personal touch CCA provides patients and physicians, taking time to talk by phone versus simply sending information electronically.
“I’ve personally used CCA for patients with complex diagnoses, rare types of cancer and other situations when cases aren’t as straightforward,” Dr. Flora says. “Connecting patients with experts throughout the region provides them with additional peace of mind during one of the scariest times of their lives.”
CCA started in 2020 as an outgrowth of the work of William Barrett, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Cincinnati and co-director of the UC Cancer Center. He would offer second-opinion appointments to cancer patients on weekends for no charge.
Steve Abbott was one of those patients more than nine years ago when he visited Dr. Barrett with a complex prostate cancer case.
Through that visit, Abbott learned about a clinical trial at the University of Michigan and was able to enroll for diagnosis and successful treatment. Abbott valued the services received so much that he joined CCA as executive director and shares his story as an example of how CCA’s free, in-depth consultations can improve patients’ quality of life.
An accessible resource like CCA is also crucial for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Rekha Chaudhary, M.D., a board-certified medical hematologist and oncologist with UC Health, has had patients travel to major cancer centers around the country for another option or reassurance, only to be told to receive treatment back home.
For patients already struggling with poor health due to cancer treatment, it can feel even more demoralizing to be sent home with no answers, not to mention managing the physical and financial toll of traveling for medical care.
“When you have cancer, you’re debilitated, and travel can be difficult,” Dr. Chaudhary says. “Patients love the idea of being able to stay in town to get this service and getting another opinion from a doctor besides doing research online. CCA can give them the assurance they need. It’s an important option to have.”
Michael Freese, M.D., a Cincinnati internist affiliated with MDVIP, said several patients have told him their experience with CCA was spectacular. Dr. Freese said he tells all his patients about the resources available at CCA and is happy to submit a referral if they want to schedule a visit.
“CCA is a fantastic resource we have in Cincinnati and very beneficial for patients,” Dr. Freese says. “I’m not sure this type of collaboration is common anywhere else. They’re very helpful in ensuring there’s no stone unturned in the evaluation and management of each patient. I’m glad to be able to work with them.”
Do you need a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis? Contact Cincinnati Cancer Advisors at cincinnaticanceradvisors.org or call 513-731-CARE. CCA is located at 4805 Montgomery Rd., Suite 130, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212.