Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Program

A novel multidisciplinary approach to care has been initiated at Princess Margaret Hospital July 2006 that seeks to challenge the traditional approach in managing women diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer. The care of this patient group is complex and requires coordination of various disciplines including medical, surgical, radiation oncology as well as nursing and other supportive care disciplines. An innovative clinical, research and education driven Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) program has been established focusing on coordinated treatment planning among the various disciplines. This will redefine cancer research and treatment for young women who are typically affected by this disease. It is an Advanced Practice Nurse led program which allows for a flexible approach to working across specialty areas and organizational boundaries.

The goal of the LABC program is to provide consistent and optimal care to capitalize on the collective knowledge base of the interdisciplinary team. Patient evaluation and supportive care paths have been developed. Data relating to demographics, disease presentation, treatment, response rates, symptom distress and quality of life are being collected prospectively. Interdisciplinary communication and future research initiative discussions are occurring from a city-wide and provincial perspective.

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