For patients undergoing chemotherapy, the distinction between cancer care and everyday medical management can become blurred. Emily K. Curran, MD, an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has observed this phenomenon in her work with leukemia patients.
These patients often consider their oncologist as their primary care doctor, even if that’s not the traditional role of an oncologist. Curran has learned to adapt to this overlap, managing conditions like diabetes and blood pressure in the context of cancer treatment.
Curran’s experience has shown that the usual guidelines for managing chronic conditions may not apply during cancer treatment. For instance, blood pressure medications are chosen based on their compatibility with chemotherapy, rather than their ideal efficacy. Insulin is often the preferred choice for diabetes management due to its ease of control in patients undergoing treatment.
Once patients reach remission, Curran advises them to re-establish care with their primary care doctor. However, she has also been involved in developing a dedicated oncology primary care clinic, which addresses the unique needs of patients with a cancer history.
This clinic is part of a growing national movement focused on survivorship care, particularly for older adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Curran notes that survivorship care for ALL patients differs from that of other cancers, requiring a deep understanding of the lingering toxicities of chemotherapy.
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The dedicated oncology-primary care clinic is staffed by physicians who specialize in this in-between space, providing both general medical care and expertise in the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors. Curran believes that such partnerships may be the future of long-term cancer care.
According to Curran, the field of survivorship care has undergone significant changes in recent years. Previously, survivorship for older adults with ALL was not a major focus, but it is now gaining traction nationally. The development of dedicated oncology primary care clinics is a key aspect of this evolution, as it acknowledges the complex needs of cancer survivors and seeks to provide them with specialized care.
As the survivorship movement continues to grow, it is likely that more clinics like the one developed by Curran will emerge, providing essential support to patients after cancer treatment.
Curran’s work highlights the importance of collaboration between oncologists and primary care physicians in providing optimal care for cancer patients and survivors. By working together, these healthcare professionals can help patients receive the best possible care at every stage of their journey, including when they need general medical care.
They can ensure that patients receive the necessary care and support.
