Leukemia Service

Providing better patient

outcomes through research

and multidisciplinary care

What Sets Us Apart

• Patients evaluated within 24 hours.

• Integrated Diagnosis from a dedicated team of

board-certified hematopathologists, cytogeneticists,

flow cytometry and molecular biology experts.

• Access to promising new targeted therapies: Abouthalf of patients are enrolled on clinical research studies.

• Superior five-year survival rates for AML and CML

patients compared with average national outcomes

reported in National Cancer Data Base.

Partners In Practicewww.roswellpark.org/partners-in-practice

medical information for physicians by physicians

Our Team Approach: Multidisciplinary care from the startPatients treated by the leukemia service receive a comprehensive care plan—based on their individual diagnosis,

treatment options, and supportive care needs—from a team of leukemia care experts. The team includes

leukemia oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers, discharge-planning

coordinators, psychologists, research coordinators, dietitians, and physical and occupational therapists.

Pathology: Taking diagnosis to a new levelLeukemia cells are biologically diverse, and with many subtypes and variations, they behave differently in different

patients. Our board-certified hematopathologists ensure precise diagnosis and integrate other laboratory testing—

clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic studies of blood, bone marrow, and

extramedullary tissue samples—to further guide treatment based on the patient’s unique genetic profile.

Hematologic malignancies treated by the RPCI Leukemia

Service

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)

Targeted therapiesThese latest drugs that block specific molecular or genetic anomalies often provide a more advanced treatment

approach than chemotherapy, and without the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, which has not changed

significantly in recent years. Other new agents are available through our Clinical Research program. Current

novel therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors for ALL, novel agents for FLT3-mutated AML and myelofibrosis

with or without JAK2 mutations. About half the leukemia patients at RPCI are enrolled on clinical research studies.

State-of-the-Art Care Center Patients receiving induction treatment are cared for in our specialized unit in RPCI’s hospital. The private patient

rooms and the entire unit are High-Efficiency Particulate-Free Air (HEPA)-filtered and a dedicated nursing team

attends to leukemia patients’ specialized needs.

Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) CenterThe Leukemia and BMT teams work together to identify and evaluate patients who might benefit from a blood

or marrow transplant. RPCI’s high-volume BMT Center performs about 150 transplants per year and has been

recognized by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research for achieving better-than-

predicted outcomes for patients receiving allogeneic transplants.

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Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (5-Year Observed Survival)Cases Diagnosed in 1998-2002

73%

78.9%

61.4%

68.4%

61.4%

54%

49.2%

57.9%54.2%

45.7%

RPCI National Cancer Data Base

Year Post-Diagnosis

50%

45%

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (5-Year Observed Survival)Cases Diagnosed in 1998-2002

43.5%

39.4%

27.4%

34.9%

26.9%

22.9%20.8%

23.7%22%

19.3%

RPCI National Cancer Data Base

Year Post-Diagnosis

The statistical data presented here have been benchmarked against data collected by SEER, NCDB, Press Ganey and NCCN.

Our Outcomes for AML and CMLThe care we provide at RPCI follows best practices built on evidence-based medicine. Our superior clinical outcomes reflect our high standards:

RPCI’s Leukemia Team will keep you apprised of your patient’s progress throughout the treatment process.

Comprehensive Support ServicesA leukemia diagnosis can introduce a cascade of challenges, including emotional distress, financial

concerns, and logistical issues. RPCI’s Psychosocial Oncology Department supports the patient

and family from the time of diagnosis, offering:

• Supportive counseling (This is especially important for patients with acute leukemia, who

usually must begin treatment immediately, without time to process news of the diagnosis.)

• Programs to help patients and families understand the disease and the course of treatment

• Assistance in navigating the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), sick leave, and disability

• Help in arranging lodging, transportation, and/or language/interpreter needs

• Connections to financial or legal assistance programs or other community resources

• Assistance with advance care planning, palliative care, and/or Hospice, as needed

In the Research Pipeline RPCI’s Leukemia Team pursues research

focused on swiftly translating laboratory

discoveries into applications that benefit

patients in the clinic. Some of our current

projects are investigating:

• Epigenetic changes in leukemia and

myelodysplastic syndromes, and novel

therapeutics for elderly AML patients

• The role of angiogenesis and hypoxia

in promoting acute leukemia, and the

genetic analyses of leukemias

• Novel therapies for hematologic

malignancies

[ [While the overall goal is to extend the patient’s life,RPCI also works to ensure that patients enjoy thehighest possible quality of life.

Contact UsTo connect with an RPCI physician, request information,

or refer a patient, call our MD line at 716-845-7763 or

email rpmd@roswellpark.org.

Elm & Carlton Streets | Buffalo, New York 14263www.RoswellPark.org/rpmd

716-845-RPMD (716-845-7763)

A National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer CenterA National Comprehensive Cancer Network Member

A Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers®

A Blue Distinction Center for Transplants®

An ANCC Magnet®-Designated Hospital

Hematologic OncologyMeir Wetzler, MD, FACPElizabeth Griffiths, MDEvelena Ontiveros, MD, PhDJames Thompson, MDEunice Wang, MD

HematopathologyBora Baysal, MD, PhDGeorge Deeb, MDFadi Habib, MDMihai Merzianu, MDVishala Neppalli, MD

Flow CytometryPaul Wallace, MD

CytogeneticsAnneMarie Block, PhDSheila Sait, MD

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THAT’S WHY AT’S WHY AROSWELL PARK ARK WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING

WE CAN’T LET CANCER WIN

Meet the Leukemia Team

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Setting the standard of careRPCI physicians play key roles in developing the National Comprehensive

Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for preventing, detecting, and treating specific

cancer types. Three members of RPCI’s Leukemia Team serve on NCCN panels:

Elizabeth Griffiths, MD (Myelodysplastic Syndrome); Eunice Wang, MD(Acute Myeloid Leukemia); and Meir Wetzler, MD (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). For more information: www.nccn.org.