AHN Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence: Advancing Cancer Care Through Collaboration and Innovation

The AHN Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence, accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), delivers high-quality, multidisciplinary care for patients with colon, rectal, and related cancers — from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Excellence built on collaboration

Collaboration is the cornerstone of AHN’s approach to colon and rectal cancer. What began as an informal tumor board over a decade ago has evolved into a formalized, evidence-based system of care focused on optimal outcomes through individualized care.

Led by AHN System Chair of the Colorectal Cancer Center of Excellence, James McCormick, DO, AHN’s multidisciplinary team of colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists meets regularly to develop individualized treatment plans aligned with NAPRC standards.

Central to this streamlined approach are AHN’s nurse navigators who serve as critical coordinators, focusing on creating a positive patient experience from the moment of diagnosis by:

• Enhancing communication between members of the treatment team and the patient and family
• Scheduling timely consultations
• Coordinating diagnostics and preoperative testing
• Educating patients on treatment protocols
• Ensuring seamless transitions between chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery

As a result, patients typically see a specialist within one week of diagnosis and begin adjuvant chemotherapy within 30 days of surgery — exceeding national benchmarks for timeliness and improving patient outcomes.

Minimally invasive and organ-preserving treatment options

AHN leads the region in minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures providing benefits like:

• Smaller incisions
• Faster recovery
• Reduced complications
• Higher sphincter and organ preservation rates

For early-stage tumors, AHN offers TAMIS (transanal minimally invasive surgery), allowing some rectal cancers to be removed without any external incisions. Some patients may avoid surgery altogether through chemotherapy and radiation treatments alone, followed by active surveillance. Those who may require more extensive treatment benefit from advanced surgical expertise, allowing for preservation of normal function in most cases.

For advanced-stage tumors, AHN offers HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for peritoneal metastases. This method combines surgical tumor debulking with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy to reduce recurrence risk.

AHN is one of few in the region to offer these specialty services and is proud to treat patients near and far using minimally invasive techniques.

Data-backed success

The AHN Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence treats a high volume of patients, allowing for ongoing clinical refinement and outcomes tracking through the National Cancer Database. 

“We’re proud that our sphincter preservation rates, organ preservation rates, and long-term outcomes are exceeding national benchmarks,” said Dr. McCormick. “Volume drives expertise — and expertise improves outcomes.”

How to refer

To refer a patient with abnormal colonoscopy results or suspected colorectal cancer, call the AHN Colon and Rectal Center of Excellence at (412) 578-HOPE (412) 578-4673.