HackensackUMC and John Theurer Cancer Center Named National Pancreas Foundation Center

On Sep 16, 2016

Hackensack University Medical Center (HackensackUMC), a member of Hackensack Meridian Health, and John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) have been designated a National Pancreas Foundation Center for the treatment and care of patients with pancreatic cancer (NPF Center) by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF), a nonprofit organization that provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

“Congratulations to the entire Pancreas Center team on receiving this prestigious accolade.  Together with both John Theurer Cancer Center and HackensackUMC, we have developed a center of excellence dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of pancreatic diseases,” said Ihor S. Sawczuk, M.D., president, HackensackUMC.

HackensackUMC was named among 27 other NPF Centers at premier health care facilities across the country that focus on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer, treating the “whole patient” with a focus on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.

“This designation truly solidifies the exceptional care and expertise we provide for these complicated and often life-threatening disorders,” said Rosario J. Ligresti, M.D., FASGE, chief, Division of Gastroenterology and co-director, Pancreas Center at HackensackUMC.

The NPF Center designation recognizes the development of high-quality, multidisciplinary care approaches for the field. Designated centers also are involved in advance research and lead the way for heightened awareness and understanding of pancreatic cancer among community physicians, allied health professionals, patients, families and the general public.

To become an approved NPF Center, there is an extensive auditing process and strict criteria developed by a task force made up of invited subject matter experts and patient advocates. The criteria include having the required expert physician specialties such as oncologists, gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, clinical trials, palliative care, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support and more.

The Pancreas Center at HackensackUMC and JTCC provides diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of pancreatic diseases including pancreatic cancer, pre-malignant lesions of the pancreas, including cystic lesions, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), pancreatic pseudocysts and various other uncommon pancreatic entities.  The highly specialized team offers early detection and treatment of pancreatic tumors; minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic tumors, both malignant and pre-malignant; diagnosis and treatment of common and uncommon causes of pancreatitis; treatment of complications of pancreatitis, including necrosis and pseudocysts; and pain management and palliative therapy.

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