Investing in quality cancer care
Pallavi P. Kumar, M.D., became the director of medical oncology for LifeBridge Health's Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute in summer 2021. Dr. Kumar completed her residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University and Sinai Hospital and her fellowship in hematology/oncology at the National Cancer Institute. Her interests include gastrointestinal cancers, gynecologic cancers and melanoma. She is passionate about immunotherapy and clinical trials aimed at advancing cancer treatment.
Q: What types of cancers are treated at the Alvin & Lois
Lapidus Cancer Institute?
A:
We focus on all solid tumors and blood disorders; however, if there are specialized diagnoses, we have strong relationships with surrounding centers to provide the care the patient needs.
Q: What are some of the main services available to
patients?
A:
Our patients receive consultations from a surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist, where we can profile a tumor to optimize treatments. With services
like nurse navigators, genetic counseling, nutritional guidance and support groups, we provide patients with a comprehensive approach to their medical care.
Q: What is your role as director of medical oncology?
A:
I ensure we're providing quality oncologic care to the community—with a focus on multidisciplinary approaches to patients—through collaboration with colleagues, clinical trials and research work.
Q: What's in the works for cancer care?
A:
We're working to unify our processes across the LifeBridge Health system, including Sinai, Northwest and Carroll hospitals. We're also building a new cancer
center — which will encompass all disciplines of cancer — on the Sinai Hospital campus. This exciting project will house the latest management and treatment strategies
under one roof.
Q: What does it mean to invest in quality cancer care?
A:
Offering the best treatments by working together. Oncology works with other departments such as surgery, radiology, pathology, nursing and more to provide the essential care a patient requires. Continued education for our team allows us to expand our abilities with the personalized care our patients are seeking.
Q: What sets LifeBridge Health's oncology care apart from others in the region?
A:
I think it's the advanced practitioners, nurse navigators, research nurses and medical assistants who provide the focused care our patients require. As a provider, it's essential for my patients to receive attentive care during this difficult time. When providers are part of the treatment planning and management for patients, their cases can be discussed in a forum of skilled physicians and staff.
The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute and the William E. Kahlert Regional Cancer Center offer advanced diagnostic and treatment services for many types of cancer. With a team approach to patient-centered care, our specialists also provide supportive care related to pain management and survivorship.
Learn more about our cancer services at lifebridgehealth.org/cancer