NewYork-Presbyterian is changing care at the local level. “We are bringing the level of care and expertise from a large academic medical center to the community hospital setting in Westchester,” said Dr. Marc Otten, Director of Columbia Neurosurgery at NYP/Lawrence Hospital and Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The advanced imaging and minimally invasive neurosurgery techniques now used to treat patients not only will reduce patient risk, but also lead to better outcomes. “We will be able to serve a larger, broader population, provide better follow-up for patients, and more people will have access to our research trials” said Dr. Otten.
Tailored Treatment
The group is also focused on individualized brain cancer treatment that is tailored to each patient’s unique and specific tumor. “It used to be that everybody with a broad category of brain tumor would receive similar treatment. Some would respond well, but others would not. Now the tumor undergoes enormous genetic testing and we can really tailor treatment,” said Dr. Otten. After learning the biochemistry of a patient’s tumor, the Columbia neurosurgeons use surgical and nonsurgical approaches to obtain the best results.
The group is also focused on individualized brain cancer treatment that is tailored to each patient’s unique and specific tumor. “It used to be that everybody with a broad category of brain tumor would receive similar treatment. Some would respond well, but others would not. Now the tumor undergoes enormous genetic testing and we can really tailor treatment,” said Dr. Otten. After learning the biochemistry of a patient’s tumor, the Columbia neurosurgeons use surgical and nonsurgical approaches to obtain the best results.
Dr. Otten, who grew up in Westchester, emphasized the importance of doing what is best for the patient. “We are finding that it is better to carry out certain surgeries in the community while other, often more complex, surgeries are better performed at a large academic hospital.” He noted that for pre- and post-operative care, patients can enjoy the benefit of being seen locally where they may feel more comfortable. Currently, he sees patients a few days per week at NYP/Lawrence and at ColumbiaDoctors, the faculty practice of Columbia University Medical Center, in both the Tarrytown and Eastchester locations, with the remaining days at NYP/Columbia in Manhattan.
To make an appointment with Dr. Otten in Westchester, please call (212) 305-9705.