Patient Resources | Online Cancer Support | Clinical Trials | Frequently Asked Questions


The following web sites have been selected because they offer extensive information in full-text or specific resources for the online visitor. Use what you learn here to enhance your decision making in partnership with your medical team. [Clicking headlines below takes you to list of corresponding web links]
	1. General Health Resources 2. Cancer 3. Blood and Marrow Transplantation 4. Breast Cancer 5. Children's Cancer 6. Colon Cancer 7. Complementary & Alternative Medicine 8. Leukemia, Lymphomas, Myeloma 9. Lung Cancer 10. Prostate Cancer 11. Cancer Genetics 12. Melanoma And Skin Cancers 13. Ovarian Cancer 14. Legislative And Cancer Health Policy

1. General Health Resources Healthfinder Search A consumer health education database: links to 96 journals, a medical dictionary, research databases and organizations, Spanish language resources, consumer level text. The Internet Drug Index Drug information for professionals. Patient information in easy-to-read summaries available on traditional pharmaceuticals and alternative medicines. Martindale's Health Science Guide: "Virtual" Pharmacy Center Drug-related databases and medical dictionaries and glossaries in six different languages. Many links to pharmacy-related and online journal sites. International services guide. Medical and Scientific News Resources A multi-link page to wire, electronic, television, and alerting news services. New York Online Access to Health [NOAH] Full-text health information in English and Spanish. Health topics and resource link to hospitals, hospice, HMOs, patient rights, support groups in New York. WebDoctor Internet navigator for physicians. Index of peer-reviewed Internet medical resources and direct text on disease information categorized by specialty or disease, including cancers. [Return to top of Page] 2. Cancer Resources American Cancer Society National and regional programs in research, prevention, detection, patient and survivor services. Glossary of cancer terms. Links to organizations for specific cancers, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, journals, and hospital directories at "web resources". American Institute for Cancer Research Emphasis on diet, nutrition, and cancer prevention. Access recipes and diet plans for prevention and for those with cancer. Reports on research, text of newsletter columns, and links to other nutrition sites. American Pain Foundation An information resource and patient advocacy organization serving people with pain. Provides practical information for cancer patients on types of pain, managing pain, choosing the right medicine, side effects, non-drug treatments and more. Also offers answers to common questions and concerns, as well as guidelines for evaluating and communicating your pain to doctors and nurses. Association of Cancer Online Resources Archived information from oncology-related mailing lists and electronic support groups. Created for communication among and between healthcare professionals, research scientists, and cancer patients and caregivers. American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO online brings peer-reviewed cancer information to the public. Attend "Virtual Meeting" of 1999 Conference lectures and exhibits. In "People Living With Cancer" access to full text of patient guides for breast and lung cancers and updated patient information news, access to professional publications.. Cancer Care, Inc. Comprehensive services for professionals, patients, and general public. Texts online, free publications, register for free teleconferences or hear past conferences on your computer. Centerwatch Lists clinical trials including a summary of the research and contact information. Leukemia Society of America Full text on leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma. Updates on legislative issues, patient services (financial, support groups, back-to-school), and local chapter search. National Cancer Institute Links to NCI cancer trials, patient, research, and professional information services. Specific cancer information summaries National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship A site for cancer survivors and their caretakers. All information provided in English and Spanish. Order form for free Cancer Survival Toolbox audio program, information and contacts to survivorship programs including Minority Cancer Survivorship Programs, linkage to cancer resources, and online store offering books and pamphlets on cancer survivorship. Oncolink University of Pennsylvania's comprehensive online resource for patients, professionals, and general public. Text on individual cancers and related issues such as chemotherapy education materials for patients, supportive care, and financial issues for patients. Descriptions of oncology-related mailing lists and newsgroups, cancer trial information, and links to other online reference sources. Oncology Smart Search Janssen Pharmaceutica's online, user-friendly direct search in MEDLINE oncology literature and MEDSCAPE oncology literature in full-text, news, and patient information categories. [Return to top of Page] 3. Blood and Marrow Transplatation Blood and Marrow Transplant Newsletter Donor and recipient resources, newsletter articles in full-text, support services, patient-survivor support system, and "Help with Insurance Difficulties" direct referral service. [Return to top of Page] 4. Breast Cancer Resources Interactive Site on Breast Cancer Awareness Developed by the Dept. of Defense for its Breast Cancer Initiative, an on-line patient decision support system using the text of "Breast Health...Your Decision" and demonstration videos on self-breast exams, mammography, treatments, and reconstruction to view or save to disc. Audio recordings by women, information about resources, support groups, breast forms, and clothing. Teaching aids for health care providers. Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization Peer support programs and information text enhanced by 24-hour hotline. Information, links, and services in Spanish available. Advocacy initiatives in breast health policy and research. [Return to top of Page] 5. Children's Cancer Resources National Childhood Cancer Foundation Site gives facts on cancer in children and latest information on research, current events, advocacy, and stories about patients and their families. Links to support activities for children and teens at "Kids Konnection." Never-Ending Squirrel Tale Serves parents of children with cancer. Practical tips, individual stories, glossary, advisory and news articles, specialized links. Shoulders Cartoon characters lead children through the emotional upheavals of their severe illness or of others in their families. A resource for parental/child interaction. Sponsored by Johns Hopkins Health Information site "Intelihealth." [Return to top of Page] 6. Colon Cancer Resources Colon Cancer Information Center, Medicine OnLine 7. Complementary & Alternative Medicine National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports basic and applied research and training and disseminates information on complementary and alternative medicine to practitioners and the public. [Return to top of Page] 8. Leukemia, Lymphomas, Myeloma Resources Cure for Lymphoma Foundation Information on patient programs and services: family forums, teleconferences, support groups and networking groups, patient aid. International Myeloma Foundation Patient handbook excerpts (also in Spanish), online support groups, and support group meetings contacts (local site: Tarrytown for tri-state area). Leukemia Society of America Full text on leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma. Updates on legislative issues, patient services (financial, support groups, back-to-school), and local chapter search. Lymphoma Research Foundation of America, Inc. Patient education materials on-line, research updates, contacts for support networks, message boards for on-line interaction, list of recommended readings with on-line ordering. Zalmen A. Arlin Cancer Institute Leukemia Service Patient information and updates on research studies and cancer trials locally and nationwide. [Return to top of Page] 9. Lung Cancer Resources Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, and Education Lung Cancer Information Center, Medicine OnLine [Return to top of Page] 10. Prostate Cancer Prostate Cancer Patient Information Center An educational service of Hoechst Marion Roussel Pharmaceutical USA. Offers free video program, prostate cancer survivor profiles form "ABC's of Prostate Cancer." section on the women partners of patients, and links to personal support groups such as in "Affirming the Darkness," "The Circle," and "Women's Suffrage for Prostate Cancer Awareness." Also, news links and screening guidelines. Prostate Cancer Program, University of Michigan Clearly presented sections on treatment options, educational resources, prostate cancer genetics project, staging information, and full-text of journal articles. Prostate Cancer Research and Education Foundation Site developed by physicians to disseminate information and understanding of the cancer, treatment choices, and support to patients. Sections on "making treatment choices", forums among professionals, multigraph service to plot PSA histories, keyword searches, information links to news, research and trials, and financial assistance. [Return to top of Page] 11. Cancer Genetics Ask NOAH About: Cancer Genetics Text on basic genetics and cancer genetics. Subtopics on cancer genes, gene testing and counseling, gene therapy, and population groups at risk. Links to more sources for information. Mid-Atlantic Cancer Genetics Network The MACGN is funded by the National Cancer Institute. This site provided research updates, full-text information for the comsumer on cancer genetics with special focus on breast/ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancers, and an on-line referral service in the Mid-Atlantic region. [Return to top of Page] 12. Melanoma And Skin Cancers American Academy of Dermatology Skin cancer fact sheets on melanomas and skin cancers, instructions for patient self-examination, skin cancer risk profile, pamphlets, and press releases. CDC National Skin Cancer Prevention Education Program Information on ultraviolet rays, skin cancer protection, prevention guidelines; order form for skin cancer publications. 13. Ovarian Cancer Resources National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Wide variety of full-text on ovarian cancer, working with the medical team, personal and family issues, treatments, "mind2body." 14. Legislative and Cancer Health Policy Food and Drug Administration Home page for FDA. Search specific topics to find federal regulation and consumer publications on cancer issues: toxicology reports, new medical devices and drugs, children and tobacco, field operations, "freedom of information" guidelines. New York State Dept. of Health Cancer Information for Consumers Cancer services provided by the NYS Dept. Of Health. Links to regional mammography facilities and mobile units, cancer registry, and the Long Island Breast Cancer Study. State Cancer Legislative Database Program Database of cancer-related legislation organized by state. Resource for research and analysis of cancer-related health policy. Cancer control science and public health are monitored. [Return to top of Page]

If you Are New Patient
Visiting the doctor for the first time often raises questions about what to bring and what to expect. To help you prepare, we have anticipated and answered some of those questions. There are also a list of tips that should help to make your visit comfortable and efficient.

If You Are A Returning Patient
Many of our patients return for treatment sessions and follow-up visits. Our staff will work with you to the best of their ability to schedule your appointments in a way that will make it possible for you to pursue your normal lifestyle patterns – being with family, going to work and engaging in leisure activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where Will I See the Doctor?
2. How Are Appointments Made?
3. How Quickly Can I Get an Appointment?
4. What Should I Bring to My First Visit?
5. What Else Can I Do to Help Myself?
6. What Will My Insurance Cover?
7. What Can I Expect

1. Where Will I See the Doctor?
WOHG doctors can be seen at any one of their three office locations in Southern Westchester (New Rochelle), Mid Westchester (Hawthorne) or Northern Westchester (Cortlandt Manor) depending on schedules and type of visit. SEE FACILITIES FOR HOURS, DIRECTIONS

2. How Are Appointments Made?
Making an appointment to see a WOHG physician is as simple as picking the phone and calling our office. We make our services available to anyone seeking an appointment with one of our doctors. You can become a WOHG patient or get a second opinion consultation by referring yourself or through referral by another physician. When you call, one of our receptionists will take some basic information and ask you a few questions to determine which doctor, which location and what type of visit you need. Together, you will decide a convenient time and location for your visit and you will receive any special instructions to prepare for the visit.

3. How Quickly Can I Get an Appointment?
The wait time for appointments varies from office to office and doctor to doctor. However, every effort will be made for you to be seen within one to two weeks of your first call. We understand that emergencies and special needs can arise and we will do our very best to accommodate your circumstance. For extremely urgent problems, special scheduling arrangements can be made with a call from your referring physician.

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4. What Should I Bring to My First Visit?
During the first visit, the doctor and staff will be learning about you and your illness. To help us gather as much information as possible you will be asked to contact your referring doctor’s office to have your relevant medical records forwarded to our office in time for your visit. These records include:

Surgical reports, pathology reports and, if possible, slides
Scans (CT, MRI) and X-Rays (we like to see both report and film)
Laboratory test results
Referring and consulting doctor’s office and hospital notes

Other information that will be helpful to you, the doctors and nurses include:

List of medications that you are currently taking (including over-the-counter remedies, vitamins and herbal supplements)
List of question or concerns that you may have about your illness or treatment to discuss with the doctor or nurse

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5. What Else Can I Do to Help Myself?
It is often helpful to bring a family member or friend along with you as another “pair of ears” to listen to the information shared and responses to your questions by our doctors and nurses. Many of our patients also bring along a notebook to jot down notes that will help them recall important points in the conversation or special instructions once they have left the office.

6. What Will My Insurance Cover?
WOHG honors most insurance plans. You can check on your specific plans with our reimbursement specialists when you first call our office. We will work with you to receive full benefit form your insurance(s). To do this, we must have complete and current information about your coverage, especially since plans and benefits can change frequently. That means having your insurance card with you at each visit. Our reimbursement specialist will verify your coverage and assist with pre-authorization of medical procedures if required by your insurance company

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7. What Can I Expect?
First, we want you to know that you will be offered the most advanced treatment and care available for your particular situation by our team of dedicated and caring professionals. We consider you an important part of our treatment team and, as such, encourage your active participation in every aspect of your care. We will partner with you to restore your health and well-being to as close to normal levels as possible. We do not want you to hesitate to ask questions, make suggestions or tell us what you think. We are here for you. You are our top priority.
Our doctors see patients on an appointment basis. Arriving about 15 minutes ahead of schedule will allow for handling any administrative details. When you arrive, please be sure to check in at the desk with our receptionist. At each visit, you will be asked to present your insurance card and handle the co-payment, if that is a requirement of your particular insurance. You will then have vital signs measured and, if necessary, blood testing in our clinical laboratory.
We know how stressful a time this can be and work to keep your waiting times to a minimum. However, delays can occur when there are emergencies and unexpected patient needs arise. We will do our very best to accommodate you in those circumstances.

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Solid Tumors

Breast Cancers
Phase II Trial Of ISIS 2503 An Antisense Inhibitor Of H-Ras, In Combination With Weekly Paclitaxel In The Treatment Of Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Phase III Study Of Atamestane Plus Toremifene Versus Letrozole In Advanced Breast Cancer

Multiple Cancers
A Phase I, Open Label, Dose-Escalation, Multi-Center Study Of TPI 287 In Patients With Advanced Malignancies. (Protocol TPI 287-01)

Brain Cancers/Gliomas
Phase II Study Evaluation Of Thalidomide, Temozolomide And Tamoxifen For Malignant

A Phase III Multicenter Study of Intratumoral/Interstitial Therapy with Transmid Compared to Best Standard of Care in Patients with Progressive an/or Recurrent, Non-resectable Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Gastrointestinal Cancers
A Phase II Study Of Oral Xeloda In Combination With IV Irinotecan (Day One And Eight Every 3 Week Regimen) In Patients With Locally Advanced Or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer - (Protocol Ml 10283)

A Randomized, Open-Label Trial Comparing Two Avastin (Bevacizumab) Based Treatment Regimens For First Line Treatment Of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. (Protocol AVF3430n)

A Phase III Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter Study Of Irinotecan & Cetuximab Vs Irinotecan As Second-Line Treatment In Patients With Metastatic, EGFR-Positive Colorectal Carcinoma.
(Protocol Ca 225006)

A Pilot Trial Of Combination Chemotherapy With Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, & Docetaxel In Patients With Adenocarcinoma Of The Stomach & Distal Esophagus

A Phase 3 Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Study Of Xl119 Vs 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) Plus Leucovorin (Lv) In Subjects With Advanced Biliary Tumors Not Amenable To Conventional Surgery. (Protocol Xl119-001)

An Open Label, Multicenter, Randomized, Phase III Study of S-1 in Combination with Cisplatin Compared with 5-FU in Combination with cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer Previously Untreated with Chemotherapy for Advanced Disease (Protocol: TPU-S1301)

Phase II Clinical Trial of Genexol – PM in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (Protocol SO4-10485)

Genitourinary Cancers
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Phase IIITrial of Immunotherapy With Autologous Antigen Presenting Cells Loaded With Pa2024 (Provenge, Apc8015) In Asymptomatic Subjects With Gleason Sum</=7, Metastatic, Androgen Independent Prostatic Adenocarcinoma

A Randomized Phase II Trial Of Leukine vs Neupogen In Patients Receiving Cisplatin & Gemcitabine For Regionally Advanced Or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer. (Protocol UAB0412)

Lung Cancers
An Open-Label,Non-Randomized, Multicenter, Three Stage, Phase 2 Study Of S-1 As 2nd Line Therapy For Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Stage IIIB/Stage IV) (Protocol TPU-S1203)

A Randomized Multicenter Phase Ii Study Of Taxane/Carboplatin/Cetuximab Vs Taxane/Carboplatin As First-Line Treatment For Patients With Advanced/Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Protocol CA225099)


Clinical trials are studies of new drugs and medical procedures in groups of people. Doctors use these studies to determine whether or not a treatment is useful and safe. Clinical trials are typically conducted in phases (I-IV). This systematic research is essential to discovering new therapies for cancer and other illnesses. Participation in clinical trials offers patients the opportunity to access new treatments earlier than they are available to the general public. WOHG doctors are committed making a range of therapy options – including clinical trials – available to their patients. To do that, they act as clinical investigators on a number of national clinical trials testing new drugs and regimens. If you are interested in obtaining more information about our trials or being considered for a clinical trial, talk with your doctor, call our office at (888) 370-4282 or email us at info@westchesteroncology.com [Click one of the topics below:]
Solid Tumors Hematological Malignancies Lymphomas Stem Cell Transplantation Symptom Management