The Johns Hopkins Multidisciplinary Rectal Cancer Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center will be held every Thursday in the Weinberg Building. Patients will receive a one-day, comprehensive evaluation by top rectal cancer medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons.

To make an appointment for the Multidisciplinary Rectal Cancer Clinic, please call 443-997-1957.

Patients Likely to Benefit from the Clinic:

• Patients who have been newly diagnosed with local rectal cancer; or rectal cancer that has metastasized to areas of the body such as the lungs and liver
• Patients with recurrent rectal cancer
• Patients 50 years old or younger, with an interest in fertility-preserving measures before the start of treatment

Before Visiting the Clinic:

• Patients must have a colonoscopy and a biopsy-proven diagnosis of rectal cancer.
• Patients must have a recent CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis.
• A rectal cancer protocol MRI is recommended prior to the clinic visit. We have designated MRI appointments for you the day before the clinic visit, if needed. If you are unable to have an MRI, we can arrange for a transrectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which can be performed at our facility..

How the Clinic Works:

The one-day clinic allows patients to be seen by our complete team of rectal cancer experts in one location. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., patients visiting the clinic have their medical histories reviewed and receive examinations from our medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons. 

In the afternoon, the full team meets to discuss each patient and provide a plan for further treatment. For most patients with rectal cancer, a course of radiation and/or chemotherapy is recommended before surgery. Summaries of the treatment plan will be provided to each patient’s primary care doctor and/or referring physician.

Survivorship and Support: 

If you are a patient of child-bearing years, we can refer you to fertility specialists for preservation options prior to treatment.

Tam Warczynski, a nurse practitioner and coordinator for the Multidisciplinary Rectal Cancer Clinic, leads a rectal cancer survivorship support group that meets quarterly at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Along with information provided by rectal cancer experts from Johns Hopkins, the group offers informal mentorships between patients newly diagnosed with rectal cancer and survivors. For more information on upcoming group meetings, email Tam at [email protected].