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Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Contact Information

Elm & Carlton Streets Buffalo, NY 14263
(877) 275-7724

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute, located in Buffalo, New York, is affiliated with Buffalo State College and the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Science. It is the nation’s first cancer research and treatment facility, founded in 1898. The institute covers over one million square feet of space in 15 buildings, including a 170,000 square foot genetics and pharmacology center built in 2006. In 2008, Roswell Park was designated a Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers by the BlueCross BlueShield Association. It is a member of the National Comprehensive Care Network, and in 1971 was designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Roswell Park is accredited or certified by numerous national organizations, including the Society of Surgical Oncology and the National Marrow Donor Program.

The Roswell Park Cancer Institute has six programs in which all of its science and research fall into: biophysical therapies, cancer prevention, genetics, prostate, targeted therapeutics, and tumor immunology. The Department of Medicine is comprised of three sub-departments, which in turn are broken down into specific oncological sections. The Hematologic Malignancy Division focuses on blood and bone marrow cancers such as leukemia; the Solid Tumor Division covers tumors found throughout the body, including tumors present in mesothelioma cases; and the Internal Medicine Division is made of up of infectious disease control, internal medicine, and various specialist departments.

Roswell Park’s research has paved the way for many state-of-the-art treatments unique to the region. Photodynamic therapy utilizes a photosensitizing drug to destroy tumor cells, and is effective in treating many cancer forms. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation helps treat cancers of the blood and bone marrow through donor stem cells. Gamma knife radiosurgery uses precise radiation beams to target neurological lesions, and in some cases can replace traditional neurosurgery. Roswell Park also uses the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System to surgically remove certain malignant tumors. Mohs Micrographic Surgery, a technique used to treat skin cancer, lets physicians remove cancerous cells while leaving healthy skin alone. IL-2 Therapy is another treatment option for certain types of skin cancer, as well as cancers of the kidney. Over 1,000 patients have undergone blood and bone marrow transplants at the center since 1991, a milestone celebrated in 2006 by staff and patients alike. Clinical trials and research studies are also available for patient participation.

Patient supportive services are part of Roswell Park Cancer Center’s vision and mission. Services include pastoral care, palliative care, cancer resources, nutrition counseling, social work, physical therapy, and psychology. Social workers can help arrange transportation, find financial assistance, and assist in the creation of living wills. Psychologists aid patients and their families in counseling and education about cancer. Dietitians are on staff to help with meal plans, diet tips, and food recommendations for patients having trouble meeting food pyramid guidelines. The pastoral care office is comprised of chaplains focused on holistic care aspects for patients, regardless of religious affiliation. The Community Cancer Resource Center is staffed by cancer information specialists who are available to aid patients and their families in locating data via various library resources about their diagnosis and treatments. The physical therapy staff at Roswell Park works with affected individuals in areas of pain management, lymphedema treatment, post-mastectomy rehabilitation, post-radial neck dissection, neurology, pulmonary therapy, vestibular rehab, and orthopedic issues. For those who are having trouble coping with treatments or who have recently experienced a change in treatment focus, palliative care specialists are accessible. For children and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, Child Life Specialists are on hand to offer aid.

All of these services, treatment options, and specialists are designed to give the patient hope in treatment, and help along the way.