Reassessment and Evaluation After Cancer Treatment (REACT) Program for Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Mission
The Reassessment and Evaluation After Cancer Treatment (REACT) Clinic was developed to meet the needs of survivors of childhood cancer. The goal of REACT is to maximize patients’ quality of life by providing outstanding long-term medical and psychological education, screening, and treatment. We have recently learned that many people who were treated for cancer as children or teenagers are at risk of having certain medical and psychological problems as they get older. Many of these problems may be a result of cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. General pediatricians and general medicine doctors are often not familiar with the possible late side effects of childhood cancer treatment.
Expertise
The REACT team at CHAM includes a multidisciplinary team of providers to ensure that patients and their families receive vital support after cancer treatment. The team is led by Dr. Michael Roth, a pediatric oncologist and researcher with expertise in the late side effects of anti-cancer treatment in childhood. Dr. Leslie Cunningham, a psychologist specialized in the care of children with cancer, provides psychological screening and treatment for patients and family members experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or having difficulty adjusting back to day-to-day life. Additional members of the team include nurse practitioner Siobhan Polese, social workers Trish Camia, Rigoberto Tomala, and Denise Velazquez, Child Life Specialists Talia Haviv and Lindsay Davis, and Program Coordinator Annette Pedro.
Risk-Adapted Screening and Treatment
At your yearly visit to the REACT Clinic the medical team will recommend screening tests tailored specifically to the cancer treatments you received as a child. The goal of these screening tests is to detect any medical or psychological problems you may be experiencing at their earliest stages. At every visit you will receive a handout with the recommended screening tests and how frequently you will need these tests. Our staff will schedule all necessary exams.
Patients who have medical or psychological problems resulting from prior cancer therapy may need treatment for these conditions. The REACT team works closely with specialists at the Children’s Hospital and at Montefiore Medical Center to provide optimal care for all conditions. In addition, we work with the IMPACT team to provide patients with integrative medicine such as yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Our staff will schedule all recommended appointments.
Supporting the Childhood Cancer Survivor Community
The REACT team hosts a series of workshops for patients who have completed cancer treatment and their families. The workshops cover a variety of topics including wellness, nutrition, career development, school achievement and mental health. Patients and their families will be contacted by mail or email with information on the time and location of the workshops.