The Blood and Marrow Transplant Program is conducted in conjunction with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Physicians actively perform stem cell transplants on a variety of illnesses where this treatment is indicated. These conditions include acute and chronic leukemias, myelodysplasia, lymphomas both low- and high-grade, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. Both autologous and allogeneic transplants are performed. The sources of transplant include matched siblings as well as matched unrelated donors from the National Marrow Donor Program. The program also performs cord blood transplants. There are a series of experimental transplants, which include the use of haploidentical sibling transplants. The program is using depletion of T-cells and has an experimental program, which transplants haploidentical sibling stem cells and lymphocytes without an attempt for permanent engraftment. Additional experimental protocols include prevention of graft vs. host disease with extra corporeal radiation, as well as a program for preventing the mucusitis of transplant with the use of an epithelial cell growth factor. The program is certified by FACT as well as the National Marrow Donor Program.

Special Services

Multidisciplinary evaluation
Evaluation for clinical trials
Second-opinion service

Director

Roger K. Strair, MD, PhD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey offers a multidisciplinary Brain and Spine Tumors Program for adults and children. The Program specializes in the treatment of primary head and neck cancers, brain and spine tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell cancer, glomus tumor, paragangliomas, acoustic neuromas, salivary gland and mucosal tumors, astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastomas, and hemangioblastomas, and metastatic tumors that may have arisen from elsewhere in the body such as the breast, lung, or prostate. The team of highly specialized experts consists of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, neuropsychologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists who review cases in a formatted multidisciplinary approach. Read more...

Director

Robert Aiken, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

The Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center provides comprehensive care for people with breast cancer. Mammography using state-of-the-art digital equipment as well as breast ultrasound and MRI are provided at the Women's Imaging Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the flagship hospital of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The Rutgers Cancer Institute's compassionate breast cancer team includes nurse practitioners, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast radiologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, pathologists, social workers and clinical psychologists. When appropriate, patients are evaluated for participation in national cancer clinical trials, as well as for cancer clinical trials available only at Rutgers Cancer Institute. New patients should plan to bring mammograms and other breast images with their reports, along with pathology slides from any biopsies, to their initial visit.

Advances in cancer treatment have led to many more people surviving cancer. People who are beyond the active treatment phase of their care may have lingering or late-appearing effects from their disease or treatment. As a result, cancer survivors need specialized healthcare services that include proper monitoring and health maintenance activities. The Survivorship Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is a program that is designed to meet the special needs of cancer survivors by addressing their unique health issues. Oncology nurse practitioners and other healthcare team members provide care in this program. The program strives to assist in maintaining and promoting an individual's best possible level of health and improve their overall quality of life.

Patients with concerns about hereditary breast cancer or other high-risk breast conditions are evaluated in The LIFE Center. The LIFE Center is dedicated to teaching young women how to maintain breast health and reduce the factors that increase their risk of breast cancer. Genetic counseling and testing is available in the LIFE Center.

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Gastrointestinal/Hepatobiliary Oncology Program of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is a multidisciplinary clinical and scientific program that provides comprehensive services to patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions involving the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, rectum, pancreas, biliary tract, liver, retroperitoneum and other intra-abdominal organs. The program emphasizes the comprehensive evaluation of patients under one roof with a close collaboration of multiple specialists, including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, pharmacists and social workers.

The Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group meets on a weekly basis to address clinical and research issues relating to all types of GI malignancies. At this meeting, treatment and patient care issues are presented to ensure that the full spectrum of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up options are appropriately considered for every patient. The program integrates a spectrum of clinical, basic and translational research activities, ensuring close collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians for the rapid translation of research discoveries to clinical care and to enlist the assistance of basic researchers in solving clinical problems.

The clinical arm of the program provides interdisciplinary diagnostic and treatment modalities that include prevention in high-risk populations, early diagnosis, therapeutic evaluations, multidisciplinary management of patients with cancer and pre-cancerous conditions, and treatment of advanced disease. The program strives to make new prevention, diagnostic and treatment approaches available to patients through institutional, regional and national clinical protocols.

Director

David A. August, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The dedicated doctors, nurses and researchers of the Gynecologic Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey take a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of and research of cancers of the female reproductive system. This approach is based on an innovative, continuity of care model under which the oncologist who guides the patient through the diagnostic process also performs surgery, directs the patient's chemotherapy treatments if any are needed, and stays with the patient through the entire course of her disease. This allows the gynecologic oncologists to better understand each individual patient's disease. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is one of just a few cancer centers nationwide to approach treatment in this manner.Read more...

Director

Lorna Rodriguez, MD, PhD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Program for Advanced Head and Neck Surgery at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive care for patients in need of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, throat and neck as well as sleep disorders. Head and neck cancer encompasses a wide range of tumors that can develop in several areas of the head and neck, including the throat, larynx (voice box), nose, sinuses, and mouth.

The team of highly specialized experts of neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists review each case in a multidisciplinary approach and use the latest technologies including minimally invasive robotic surgery, gamma knife, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and proton therapy. Read more...

Director

Kianoush Sheykholeslami, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Hematologic Malignancies (Leukemia/Lymphomas) Program features a multidisciplinary group of disease-oriented physicians, scientists, nurses, social workers and other staff members dedicated to optimizing therapy for patients with acute and chronic leukemias, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplasia, myeloproliferative diseases and other hematologic malignancies. Novel laboratory studies and investigator-initiated clinical trials complement studies developed by national cooperative groups and pharmaceutical companies to assure a broad research agenda focused on learning more about the biology of these diseases and improving currently available therapies.

Members of the Hematologic Malignancies Tumor Study Group include: (i) physicians with interest and expertise in the clinical management of leukemia, lymphoma and related diseases; (ii) basic scientists who perform laboratory studies relevant to the biology and treatment of these diseases; (iii) translational scientists who perform studies designed to convert laboratory findings into information of particular clinical relevance; (iv) clinical investigators who work closely with basic and translational scientists to develop trials that test new therapies for patients with leukemia, lymphoma or related diseases; (v) nurse practitioners who specialize in the care of patients with these diseases; (vi) transplant coordinators who care for patients in the process of evaluation for transplantation or novel cellular immune therapies; (vii) research nurses who help ensure that our clinical trials meet the individualized needs of our patients; (viii) clinical research personnel who help develop and analyze clinical trials and data; (ix) social workers who provide a wide spectrum of psychological, emotional and other support services for patients confronted with leukemia, lymphoma and related diseases; and (x) clinical support staff who facilitate patient visits to our office.

The Hematologic Malignancies Tumor Study Group focuses on a broad spectrum of disease-related issues. Ongoing research efforts address multiple aspects of disease biology and patient management. The multidisciplinary group meets frequently and sponsors a variety of research, patient-oriented and educational meetings. In particular, the group understands the patient and family stresses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and related diseases and makes every effort to ensure prompt and collaborative patient evaluation.

Chief

Roger K. Strair, MD, PhD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

Director

Steven Libutti, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Melanoma and Soft Tissue Oncology Program provides comprehensive care to patients with melanoma and sarcoma and involves a dedicated team of specialists, including surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses and social workers. Each patient's case is discussed and reviewed among the entire team and a treatment plan is formulated according to the patient's medical condition and estimated risk of recurrence.

State-of-the-art evaluation, including sentinel lymph node biopsies by New Jersey's leading melanoma surgeons, ensures an accurate staging and initial evaluation. In keeping with the mission of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey to improve upon currently available therapies, experimental adjuvant therapies or clinical trials are offered to patients at the highest risk of recurrence. Clinical trials offering a wide array of approaches toward fighting cancer—including standard chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biologic therapy and exciting new drugs under development—are available to help control disease and reduce the toxicity usually associated with treatment. In addition to some of the most promising new therapies, and in recognition that cancers affect not only the individual afflicted but his/her entire family, a social worker is assigned to each family as needed to help them cope with this serious and often frightening disease.

Director

James S. Goydos, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of subspecialists. A team of physicians, nurses, social workers and child life therapists tends to all aspects of care for the patient and family. In addition, full-time teachers are on staff, so children can stay current with their schoolwork while receiving treatment.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey offers the most advanced approaches to cancer care and the treatment of blood disorders, using sophisticated techniques in diagnosis, surgery and chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As full members of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's largest research organization for the understanding and treatment of childhood cancer, the most advanced care can be provided to children.

Care is provided in a comfortable setting designed specifically for young children and adolescents, with laboratory, pharmacy and transfusion services on site. Patients who need to stay overnight are admitted to the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology unit at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

• Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Program
• Neuro-oncology Program
• Pediatric Solid Tumor and Bone Program
• Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
• Consultative Hematology
• Thalassemia Program
• Bone Marrow Failure Program
• Transfusion Program
• Pediatric Hemophilia Center
• Bleeding Disorder Program
• Pediatric Thrombosis Program
• Psychosocial Services

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Phase I - Investigational Therapeutics Program is a multidisciplinary scientific focus group designed to develop new methods for the treatment of malignancy. The program includes a team of physicians, nurses and basic research scientists who have extensive experience in the provision of novel therapeutic strategies.

Through this program, patients and referring physicians have access to the newest anti-cancer treatments supported by both the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical companies. Patients with a variety of malignancies are typically eligible to receive these treatments. The team meets weekly to discuss current and pending protcols and to review all patients on study trials.

Director

Janice M. Mehnert, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Prostate Cancer Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state's only specialized prostate health resource at a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This coveted designation means that New Jersey's men benefit from the insight and experience of our nation's most talented and sought-after physicians and scientists. And, it uniquely positions The Prostate Cancer Program to make historic advancements in the prevention, research and treatment of prostate cancer.

A multidisciplinary team of researchers, medical, radiation and urologic oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurses and social workers are united in one goal-eradicating prostate cancer. To reach that goal, we have created a prostate cancer research and treatment program of extraordinary quality. It is a place where research discoveries are applied to prevention and treatment, and where compassionate care is given to patients, their families and friends.

Director

Isaac Y. Kim, MD, PhD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Ladies Professional Golf Association In the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer (LIFE) Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to teaching young women how to maintain breast health and reduce the factors that increase their risk of breast cancer. The LIFE Center is a place where young women can come to better understand their personal risk to develop cancer and what they can do about it. The LIFE Center is positioned to identify and meet the needs of young women of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Researchers and medical professionals at The LIFE Center are dedicated to improving young women’s understanding of their risk for developing breast cancer and their knowledge of appropriate prevention and screening strategies.

The LIFE Center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including medical oncologists, surgeons, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists and other health care professionals. This comprehensive team is able to address the unique needs of young women and their families. Also available at the LIFE Center is the Hereditary Oncology Prevention and Education (HOPE) Program, which provides genetic counseling, risk assessment and genetic testing (as indicated) for individuals who are concerned about their risk of developing cancer. Individuals with a personal or family history of cancer may benefit from the services provided through the HOPE Program at the LIFE Center.

For more information about the LIFE Center, or to schedule an appointment, please call 732-235-7110 or refer to our website: www.cinj.org

Special Services

• Genetic Testing
  When family history is suggestive of an inherited cancer risk, genetic testing may be available to further define your own risk of cancer, as well as the risk to your relatives. If available and recommended, genetic testing will be offered at the conclusion of your initial appointment with the HOPE program.
• Follow-up Plan
  Based on the team’s risk assessment, a personalized plan for careful monitoring and/or prevention will be designed and provided to you and your doctors. You may also choose to continue to be seen at our center.
• Psychosocial Support
  Social workers and genetic counselors will be available to help you and your family address the unique issues involved with assessment and management of cancer risk.
• Research
  You will have access to appropriate clinical studies to evaluate new methods for the early detection of cancer, cancer prevention, cancer treatment and genetic testing. Eligibility, benefits and limitations of these trials will be discussed, when appropriate.
• Additional Resources
  The LIFE Center and HOPE program have several ongoing initiatives to promote genetic counseling services throughout the community, as well as to provide ongoing support and education to patients of the program.

Director

Deborah L. Toppmeyer, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-7110

The Thoracic Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is a multidisciplinary program for cancer of the lung, pleura and mediastinum. The healthcare team is composed of thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, medical oncologists, nurses and social workers who work together to treat patients with cancers originating in the chest and lung (small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer), mesotheliomas, thymomas and upper esophageal cancers.

Patients are evaluated in multimodality clinics for their clinical needs: surgical, radiation therapy and chemotherapy options, and pulmonary intervention needs. Multimodality treatments are planned together, and innovative approaches for optimal local control and symptom treatments are designed.

Pilot trials are developed for innovative approaches testing the newest treatment approaches, including personalized medicine and immuno-therapeutics. These approaches are complimented by Institutional-, Inter-institutional-, Cooperative Group-, and International Industry-sponsored studies. In the case of initial treatment failure, new agents are constantly re-evaluated.

We participated in the ACRIN National Lung Cancer Screening Trial, and we now offer a Lung Cancer Screening Program, conducted in collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and The University Radiology Group, with patient navigators to facilitate access and follow-up.

We also offer expertise on stopping smoking for those who need it most, by providing state-of-the-art, evidence-based tobacco treatment interventions (www.cinj.org).

Special Services

• Low-dose CT lung cancer screening
• Smoking cessation
• Counseling
• Minimally invasive surgical approaches
• Personalized Medicine Assessments
• Clinical trials

Directors

Joseph Aisner, MD

John E. Langenfeld, MD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465

The Urologic Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey provides highly specialized care for patients with tumors of the genitourinary tract. Our physicians have specialized clinical and research interest in tumors of the prostate, testis, kidney and bladder. The program offers a wide breadth of clinical trials for patients with tumors of the genitourinary tract. The program is devoted to all aspects of prostate cancer research and provides a hub for basic and clinical research in prostate cancer, as well as a forum for prostate cancer outreach activities.

Areas of Expertise

Prostate Cancer:

• Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy
• DaVinci robotic prostatectomy
• Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate
• Gene therapy
• Prevention clinical trials

Bladder Cancer:

• Radical cystectomy with continent urinary diversion
• Gene and vaccine therapy

Kidney Cancer:

• Laparoscopic nephrectomy
• Immunotherapy
• Clinical trials for advanced disease
• Studies of hereditary renal cell carcinoma

Testicular Cancer (Laparoscopic):

• Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
• Clinical trials chemotherapy

Chief

Isaac Y. Kim, MD, PhD

195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-235-2465