Multidisciplinary Collaboration Helps Cancer Patients

The Comprehensive Pain Clinic and Masonic Cancer Clinic in the University of Minnesota Health Clinics and Surgery Center have entered a new partnership utilizing the expertise of Ratan Banik, MD, PhD to help improve the care and experience of cancer patients.

Dr. Banik is an anesthesiologist, who completed a fellowship at the world-renowned University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, specializing in interventional pain management. Incorporating Dr. Banik’s expertise in treating cancer pain with oncology advances the mission of the Masonic Cancer Clinic by continuing to strive for personalized, efficient, and empathetic treatment for cancer patients.

“Cancer pain should be treated quickly, because under-treating this pain can lead to changes in the nervous system, stress to patients and family and depression. This collaboration will help our patients better manage their pain,” said Dr. Banik.

Most advanced cancer patients are experiencing some kind of severe pain. Common cancer pain problems they encounter include bone pain from metastasis, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, brachial plexopathy, abdominal pain, chest wall pain, neuralgia, myofascial pain, headaches and low back pain.

The therapies and procedures are performed by Dr. Banik in the Clinics and Surgery Center. Dr. Banik states that multipronged therapies often reduce or eliminate the need for oral pain medications. These medications often cause nausea, vomiting, mental fogginess, decreased energy and quality of life.

“To effectively manage cancer pain, it is essential to have a collaborative approach with physicians who are knowledgeable about cancer pathogenesis, assessment and treatment options,” said Dr. Banik.

“Comprehensive pain management includes optimizing opioid therapy, adjuvant analgesics, physical and cognitive behavioral therapies, complementary therapies such as acupuncture, and fluoroscopy-guided minimally invasive procedures.”

If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact Masonic Cancer Clinic at 612-676-4200.