Recognized Center of Excellence in Lung Cancer

The Lung Program, in affiliation with UCSF Fresno, is one of the largest programs in the nation focused on the early detection and speedy treatment of lung cancer.

The Lung Program at Community Medical Centers, in affiliation with UCSF Fresno, is one of the largest programs in the nation focused on early diagnosis and expedited treatment of lung cancer. This program is the first of its kind in the Central Valley and one of only a handful like it in the country. Our program focuses on three bedrock principles:

• Enhance early diagnosis of cancer by using Ultra-Low Dose CT screening in high-risk smokers
• Expedite lung cancer diagnosis and cancer staging using advanced technology and gene mutation studies
• Improve survival by rapid treatment access and meticulous patient follow-up for five years

A unique approach

The lung nodule program brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists that includes:

• Pulmonologists

• Interventional pulmonologists

• Thoracic surgeons

• Radiologists

• Radiation oncologists

• Medical oncologists

The interventional pulmonologists are highly trained in advanced procedures and perform electromagnetic navigation, EBUS, EUS, biopsies, as well as EUS guided left adrenal gland biopsies. These advanced procedures provide patients with a one-step diagnostic biopsy and staging in lung cancer. In addition, cancer compilations are managed by tumor coring, airway stenting, airway dilatation and pleural procedures.
 
The multidisciplinary approach provides patients with optimal diagnosis and management of lung cancer at all stages. The multidisciplinary team meets often to diagnose, assess, and design targeted customized treatment plans based on the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer type. Treatment plans may include surgery, CyberKnife, radiation and/or chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy.  

We routinely test lung cancer using a comprehensive tumor gene mutation panel, including several important genes (including EGFR, KRAS, ALK, HER2 and BRAF), in order to select the best possible treatment strategy. The multidisciplinary team and the UCSF Clinical Research Team determine if patients are eligible for clinical trials. Many of these clinical treatment trials include promising new cancer therapy drugs, targeted therapies and new drug combinations with the hope of overcoming drug resistance and improve survival in lung cancer.

 
Importantly, as a patient or family member, you will also have access to a clinical navigator and our entire oncology support services team — specifically designed to help you throughout your journey.

For more information, call (559) 224-LUNG (5864), option 1.

Lung program benefits

• Diagnosis within two weeks; extreme emergent cases in under 24 hours
• Timely treatment of lung cancer — within 30 days
• Nurse navigation from detection through survivorship
• Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and endoscopic ultrasound staging
• Consideration for CyberKnife therapy
• Personalized medicine through genetic mutation testing
• Consideration for participation in clinical trials
• Optimized treatment of late-stage lung cancer
• Follow up for 5 years