“Waiting to get the results of any cancer diagnosis is already an incredibly stressful experience and these patients often face additional logistical challenges that can delay the process,” says Dr. David Youssef, Respirologist, Physician Lead for the LDAP. “During the diagnostic phase, patients are frequently referred for multiple tests and consultations, across various healthcare facilities. Our clinic addresses these challenges by offering a coordinated, streamlined and expedited diagnostic process. We are dedicated to supporting patients every step of the way, ensuring all investigations adhere to Cancer Care Ontario guidelines and are completed as quickly as possible. Our ultimate goal is early cancer detection, which enables prompt and effective treatment to enhance patient outcomes.”
The clinic draws on a medical team of experts, who use advanced diagnostic tools and technology to detect lung cancer early. In fact, Dr. Youssef notes that only a handful of hospitals in the province offer some of the advanced endoscopy procedures available at the LDAP at OTMH. (Please see attached Backgrounder.)
In addition to expert medical care, the clinic also provides a patient navigator to help patients manage their healthcare journey, schedule appointments, and support their educational, emotional, physical needs, thereby minimizing anxiety throughout the process.
Patients are seen at the clinic within two weeks of receipt of the referral and all related testing is done within 28 days of their consultation. If lung cancer is detected, the LDAP team will collaborate with thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists to provide a complete personalized care plan for patients and their families.
“The advantage of having this LDAP clinic at OTMH is that family physicians, Emergency Department physicians and other specialists from our Milton District Hospital, Georgetown Hospital, and other areas of the Halton Region can refer their patients to the program without any delay,” concludes Dr. Youssef. “This vital, high-tech diagnostic and treatment service has the potential to save lives and we are delighted to be able to offer it locally, closer to home for our patients in Halton.”
The LDAP was developed through collaborations of various key areas and departments at Halton Healthcare including Diagnostic Imaging, Endoscopy, the Pulmonary Function Clinic and Ambulatory Care.
For more information, visit haltonhealthcare.com or contact the LDAP Clinic at 905-845-2571, ext. 4407 or dapclinics@haltonhealthcare.com.
Backgrounder
The LDAP Clinic offers a comprehensive, one-stop solution for evaluating patients with symptoms or concerns related to lung cancer or cases where imaging shows abnormal spots on the lungs. It also assesses patients with enlarged lymph nodes or nodules, particularly those with a history of cancer or incidental findings on imaging tests such as CT Scans or X-rays.
The clinic draws on a team of experts, including interventional respirologists, radiologists, and oncologists, who use advanced diagnostic tools and technology to detect lung cancer early. All investigations adhere to the Cancer Care Ontario Guidelines and are conducted in a timely and well-coordinated manner.
Diagnostic procedures include CT Scans, MRI Brain Scans, PET Scans as well as CT-guided biopsies and advanced endoscopy procedures including Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) and Radial Probe EBUS (RP-EBUS). In fact, only a handful of hospitals in the province offer some of the advanced endoscopy procedures available at the LDAP at OTMH such as the Radial Probe EBUS (RP-EBUS).
CT-Guided Biopsies are minimally invasive procedures where computed tomography (CT) imaging is used to help guide a needle to a specific area of the lung to collect a tissue sample for examination under the microscope. This technique is often used to obtain samples that are difficult to access, allowing for precise targeting and reducing the risk of complications.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound imaging along with a specialized bronchoscope to visualize the airways and structures within the chest, such as lymph nodes and other tissues or masses. This technique allows for real-time imaging and guidance of a needle for biopsies, making it useful in diagnosing lung cancer, infections, and other diseases.
Radial Probe EBUS (RP-EBUS) is a specific type of EBUS that uses a radial ultrasound probe to create detailed image of the airways and surrounding tissues. Unlike the linear EBUS, which allows for direct needle aspiration, the radial probe provides a 360-degree view and is typically used for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions by visualizing their location before a biopsy is taken.
PET Scan also known as positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that produces images of your organs and tissues at work. The test uses a safe, injectable radioactive chemical called a radiotracer and a device called a PET Scanner. The scanner detects diseased cells that absorb large amounts of the radiotracer, which indicates a potential health problem. Healthcare providers frequently use PET Scans to help diagnose cancer and assess cancer treatment.