Cancer Center Annual Report, 2006 - Hartford Hospital!

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Boutique
Our fourth year has seen a dramatic increase in the number of fittings for breast prostheses and surgical bras. This seems
to be directly related, in part, to the implementation of reminder notices sent to clients when they become eligible for
replacement products, according to their insurance policies. Clients have expressed gratitude for these notes because they
are helpful, but also because they represent a personal touch, indicating to the client that we really care about them as
individuals. Medicare patients especially appreciate the help in remembering when they are due for new products. Our
marketing efforts of placing literature in physicians offices and patient waiting areas as well as educational ads communicates
to our community that we have a special store for our cancer patients. Our surgeons and Partnership for Breast Care
refer clients to us for post mastectomy camisoles and prostheses for those clients that do not elect to have breast reconstruction.
We appreciate these referrals, and patients appreciate a special place to obtain products that is conveniently
located. We also offer head coverings, including scarves, wigs and hats, as well as special products utilized by patients who
undergo radiation therapy that assist in minimizing effects of their treatment.
One item in particular that has seen a rise in popularity is the leisure bra. The staff in the radiation oncology department
has been recommending this garment for ladies who have had a MammoSite treatment catheter placed because it is not
restrictive like a constructed bra, and it is wide enough to hold the dressing in place without the use of adhesive tape.
Some of our original volunteers had to leave us for various personal reasons this year and we miss their presence. In their places
we have welcomed several new volunteers who each bring their own special strengths and talents to the Boutique. Their interest
and enthusiasm adds that special element that continues to draw clients into the Boutique's unique atmosphere where they
feel welcome and comfortable during a less than comfortable time in their lives. We're making a difference!
Lorraine Casanelli, RN
Boutique Coordinator
Susan Wright, MBA
Cancer Program Coordinator
Cancer Clinical Research Office
The Cancer Clinical Research Office (CCRO) is an active participant in a variety of national cooperative group research
studies and several industry-supported trials. The office affiliation with Dana-Farber Partners/Cancer Care has provided
the CCRO with the opportunity to open additional cancer clinical trials. The CCRO supports multiple protocols sponsored
by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), the National Surgical
Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and the Radiation Oncology Therapy Group (RTOG). In 2006, overall
patient accrual to cancer clinical trials has nearly doubled compared to 2005.
The NSABP “STAR” trial results were released and revealed that raloxifene was as effective as tamoxifen in preventing
breast cancer in high-risk post-menopausal women. A new breast cancer prevention trial is planned for release within the
next year. Dr. Patricia DeFusco is the principal investigator for the NSABP treatment and prevention trials. Edith Clark,
RN, OCN is the lead research nurse for the NSABP trials. Hartford Hospital continues on the forefront by offering an
NSABP trial that compares radiation therapy techniques for early stage breast cancer.
Hartford Hospital is now a parent institution for GOG. The trials have continued to recruit gynecologic oncology patients
under the guidance of the principal investigator, Dr. Stacy Nerenstone and RN Coordinator, Camille Servodidio, RN,
MPH, OCN. Dr. John Currie and Dr. Amy Brown have joined the team as gynecologic oncologists for Hartford Hospital.
GOG # 199 is a prevention trial for women who are at increased genetic risk of ovarian cancer because either they or a
close relative has a genetic mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene) for ovarian cancer or they have a strong family history of
breast and/or ovarian cancer. To date, over fifty women have been enrolled. Women may choose between surgery to
2 HARTFORD HOSPITAL CANCER PROGRAM