New Models of Care
Comprehensive Programs Address Brain and CNS Metastases
NewYork-Presbyterian has developed brain metastases programs that provide patients with the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities and access to resources to help address the consequences of metastases and side effects of therapy.
The Central Nervous System Metastases Clinic (CNSMets), established by NewYork- Presbyterian/Columbia’s Division of Neuro-Oncology, coordinates the treatment of patients with brain, leptomeningeal, skull base, and spine metastases. CNSMets grew out of the need to organize the complex array of specialist expertise – neurosurgery, neurology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, neuroradiology, and complementary and alternative medicine among others – to address the many and varied challenges that can accompany a diagnosis of brain metastases.
The Brain Metastases Clinic at the Weill Cornell Brain and Spine Center provides comprehensive care to patients diagnosed with metastatic brain tumors and leptomeningeal disease. The program includes neurosurgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology, as well as psycho-oncology and palliative care. In addition, the clinic incorporates an integrated health program that offers acupuncture, yoga, and integrative therapies. Research efforts include investigations in reducing neurotoxicity from radiation therapy and minimizing complications from neurocognitive decline.
The CMS Oncology Care Model
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has selected the hematology and oncology programs of NewYork-Presbyterian to participate in a care delivery model that supports and encourages higher quality, more coordinated cancer care. Our physicians join nearly 200 physician group practices and 17 health insurance companies participating in the Medicare arm of the Oncology Care Model, which includes more than 3,200 oncologists and will cover approximately 155,000 Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. The person-centered approach promotes coordination among patient services and encourages practices to lower costs through episode- and performance-based payments that reward high quality care. The Oncology Care Model is one of the first CMS physician-led specialty care models.
NCI’s Community Oncology Research Program
Through the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia is further able to provide local residents access to the latest cancer prevention programs and clinical trials. NCORP is part of a $93 million initiative launched by the NIH to ensure that all population groups are represented in cancer research and will facilitate services to meet minority needs. Cancer is the leading cause of reduced lifespan for members of the Washington Heights Community served by NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, one of only 12 NCORP programs in the country. The neighborhood is 71 percent Hispanic and 14 percent black, with nearly one-third living below the poverty level.
The MRI-guided linear accelerator for precision radiation treatment is delivered to the new David H. Koch Center.
NewYork-Presbyterian Brings Breakthrough
Radiation Therapy to New York
The new David H. Koch Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center – an innovative ambulatory care facility equipped with the most sophisticated clinical technologies – includes an outpatient radiation oncology suite offering the first MRI-guided linear accelerator available in the northeast. This leading edge technology propels radiation therapy into a new generation, allowing physicians to image and treat cancer patients simultaneously (real time), enhancing the capacity to see the extent of the tumor, providing accurate information needed to verify and adjust treatment plans in real time, and controlling for intra-fraction motion with unprecedented precision. Because of these characteristics of precision, the treatment can be delivered in a few larger dose fractions, reducing drastically the number of visits.