The Rush Orthopedic Cancer and Transplant Program at Rush University Medical Center is a nationally recognized leader in diagnosing and treating all types of bone and soft tissue cancers. Services include immediate imaging and diagnosis; second opinions on all biopsies; complex limb reconstruction and limb preservation, including bone transplants and pediatric self-lengthening implants; and onsite rehabilitation.

Diagnosis

Physicians at Rush use the most advanced methods of imaging, biopsy and analysis to determine each patient's condition.

There can be a great deal of uncertainty and desire for more information when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Seeking a second opinion provides patients and their families with more information about the cancer and all of the treatment options that are available. For more information about a second opinion, visit Rush's Seeking a Second Opinion page or call us at (888) 352-RUSH (7874).

Treatment

We use all tools available — including complex surgical reconstructive techniques and advanced technology as well as substantial emotional support — to provide the best possible care. As part of comprehensive cancer care at Rush, we have customized treatment programs and provide extensive patient support and seamless integration of all programs and services. We treat the greatest number of patients in the area of all ages, from young children and adults to the elderly.

The program is collaborative and innovative. The entire clinical staff of surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists and other care-givers work together as a multidisciplinary team to care for each patient during their diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

The program is housed in Rush's state-of-the-art Orthopedic Building, which is fully accessible and offers comprehensive outpatient care, such as immediate diagnostic imaging and rehabilitation. The program provides full-service physical and occupational therapy facilities and orthotics and prosthetic services in the building, so patients can receive these services in conjunction with their doctor's appointment with minimal travel between them.

The program treats the following types of cancers:

• Metastatic carcinoma, a cancer that spreads to the bone form others sites, such as the breast, kidney or lung
• Multiple myeloma, a cancer found in bone marrow plasma cells
• Osteosarcoma, a common malignant bone tumor (cancer) that occurs most often in young people during a period of rapid growth
• Chondrosarcoma, a common malignant bone cancer that occurs most often in adults
• Ewing's sarcoma, a rare malignant bone cancer that occurs in children
• Chordoma, a rare malignant bone tumor (cancer) that is typically found at the base of the spine, the tailbone or at the base of the skull
• Soft tissue sarcomas, a malignant tumor (cancer) that starts in the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue (e.g., ligaments and tendons), blood vessels and other types of supporting tissue in the body

Limb-Sparing Surgeries

The Rush Orthopedic Cancer and Transplant Program team is one of only a few in the nation and among the first in Chicago to perform limb-sparing surgical procedures using implants for people affected by bone and soft tissue cancers. The highly experienced physicians and surgeons use bone substitutes, including human bone transplants for adults and self-lengthening implants for children. These lengthening implants are an essential tool in pediatric bone cancer treatment because they can be lengthened as young people grow, with no need for more surgery. Steven Gitelis, MD, leads the orthopedic cancer team and is a medical pioneer and national leader in orthopedics. He performs the most limb-sparing surgeries in the Chicago area, including self-lengthening implants for children.

If a limb cannot be saved, the program performs limb amputation and provide state-of-the-art prosthetics. Our prosthetic services are onsite.

Limb preservation and reconstruction involves many different types of rebuilding techniques. Your orthopedic surgical team at Rush has vast experience in these methods, which include advanced fixation techniques, human bone transplants, bone graft substitutes, bone growing proteins, free tissue transfers, soft tissue grafting and modular oncology joint devices and prosthesis. We are also one of the few medical centers in the area performing the highly specialized microsurgery that is unique and specific to limb preservation.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation specialists at Rush offer a complete program of rehabilitative services to help you recover and restore function that may have been affected by your tumor or treatment. Our program includes both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.

The Rush Orthopedic Cancer and Transplant Program has a state-of-the-art occupational and physical therapy facility in the same Orthopedic Building where you see your doctor. This direct access provides you the opportunity for streamlined care throughout your rehabilitation as you simply go to another floor in the building for therapy. Our physical and occupational therapists work with you to increase your mobility and function and help you prevent further injury.

Cancer Integrative Medicine Program

Through the Cancer Integrative Medicine Program, patients have access to therapies that complement their medical treatments, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, nutritional and herbal counseling, massage and yoga. The Cancer Integrative Medicine Program also provides counseling for patients and family members so that they can learn coping strategies and improve their quality of life.

Patient Navigator

In partnership with the American Cancer Society, Rush offers a patient navigator to assess individual patient needs and provide information about available treatments, community services and programs.