Officials from Montefiore Einstein announced Monday, Sept. 8, that the lung cancer team at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) has been recognized by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) for delivering outstanding care. They said the announcement was made during the IASLC annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain, adding that MECCC is the only center in North America honored with the award this year.

 

Officials at Montefiore Einstein, a private hospital and school of medicine, said the Cancer Care Team Award (CCTA) selects a single institution in international geographic regions, including North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the rest of the world, that provides exceptional care for patients with lung cancer and thoracic malignancies. They said patients, family members, and caregivers nominate the teams.

 

“Our patient-first philosophy, shared by all the members of our team, ensures that every person feels supported throughout their cancer journey,” said Brendon Stiles, M.D., professor and chief, thoracic surgery and surgical oncology, cardiothoracic & vascular surgery at Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

 

Stiles, who is also associate director of surgical services at MECCC, added, “By providing compassionate care that is attuned to the goals and lifestyle of every person who walks through our doors, we’re making a real difference in people’s lives.”

 

Montefiore Einstein officials said MECCC was nominated by lung cancer survivor Jeanna Dickerson, who was diagnosed in 2023 with stage III, non-small cell lung carcinoma in her right lung when she was 67. They said Dickerson received neoadjuvant immunotherapy before surgery, which dramatically shrank the size of the tumor and allowed her surgeons to remove a smaller portion of her lung, preserving the rest of it. They said this led to a faster recovery and overall better quality of life.

 

“This team gave me the confidence, security and peace that added to my healing,” said Dickerson. “Dr. Stiles knew I was expecting my first grandchild – now, I’m not only recovered from my cancer diagnosis, but this fall we’re celebrating my grandchild’s first birthday.”

 

While the entire MECCC thoracic oncology team and support staff were recognized, Montefiore Einstein officials said the named team members included Dr. Stiles; MECCC medical oncologist and professor of oncology and hematology, Einstein, and associate director of clinical science for MECCC, Dr. Balazs Halmos; radiation oncologist and professor of radiation oncology, Einstein, Dr. Nitin Ohri; MECCC nurse navigator Elizabeth Ravera and nurse practitioner Sonia Sebastian; MECCC nurse Betty Silchenstedt; and MECCC interventional pulmonologist and assistant professor of medicine, Einstein, Dr. Daniel DaCosta.

 

Montefiore Einstein officials said that in her nomination, Dickerson also shared the support she received from a nutritionist, social worker and MECCC’s Bronx Oncology Living Daily (B.O.L.D.) Program, which they said helps address the emotional and spiritual needs of MECCC patients and families impacted by cancer.

 

Halmos said, “I have such pride in helping to run our multidisciplinary team for more than a decade. This award is a testament to both how we work together to care for our patients and most importantly, the many ways we support people, like Ms. Dickerson, in ensuring they can return to living their lives to the fullest.”

 

The IASLC is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Its membership includes more than 10,000 lung cancer specialists worldwide.

 

MECCC has cancer centers located throughout the borough, including at 1575 Blondell Avenue in Westchester Square. Call (718) 862 8840 for more information.