Cancer Care Turned Upside Down, by Jeffrey Farma MD, FACS, in the blog of the Association for Academic Surgery.
June 5, 2020
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Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS
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- Clinical Locations
- About
- Education and Training
- Patient Stories
- Research Profile
- Publications
- Ratings
Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
About
Co-Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program
Chief, Division of General Surgery
Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Program Director, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship
TRDG Member, Colorectal and SI Cancer; Melanoma and Skin Cancer; Sarcoma and GIST Cancer
NCCN, Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Panel Member
Specialties
Treatment Focus
Colorectal cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, isolated limb infusion for in-transit melanoma and extremity sarcomas.
Research Program
Key Awards
Surgery
Treatment Philosophy
It is an honor to be part of the staff of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. My initial exposure occurred during a rotation as a Temple University Medical School student at Fox Chase that led me down the path of Surgical Oncology. As a native Philadelphian, I am privileged to work at such an esteemed institution. I was enthralled then by the dedicated care of the staff in dealing with all aspects of treating patients diagnosed with cancer, and I hope to continue this throughout my career at Fox Chase.
I trained in general surgery at Temple University Hospital. During my fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, I learned from experts in the field of surgical oncology about clinical trial design, experimental therapeutics and the importance of bench-to-bedside research to progress the fight against cancer. I encountered patients with very complex problems, and the greatest lesson I learned was there are always treatment options, utilizing all different types of techniques including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
My clinical surgical oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has provided me with an extensive understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cancer. One of the greatest benefits of a cancer center like Fox Chase is the close knit group of expert physicians from all specialties that are constantly interacting and providing the highest level of care using the most innovative strategies to treat all aspects of cancer. I have developed a particularly strong interest in the surgical and multimodal treatment of patients with Melanoma, Sarcoma and Colorectal cancers, using traditional surgery, regional therapies, and minimally invasive techniques. I have the operative expertise to perform many of these complex procedures using laparoscopic, robotic, and TAMIS (transanal minimally invasive surgery) techniques and have had advanced training in using newest techniques. I am an expert in the treatment of colorectal cancer including; sphincter sparing and nerve sparing resections, and treating patients with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.
For melanoma and sarcoma that has regional spread in the extremities I offer a minimally invasive technique call Isolated Limb Infusion, and perform minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissections.
Most importantly, I hold my patients as my number one priority. I will spend as much time as necessary educating, answering questions and providing guidance for each individual patient to help them throughout each stage of treatment. I believe in candid discussions, where both the patients and families goals and expectations are openly communicated. We will work together as a team to formulate a treatment plan. My personal goal is to treat and care for every patient with the same compassion and honesty as if they were a friend or family m ember.
Follow on Twitter: @jeffreyfarma
Education and Training
Educational Background
- Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 2009
- Administrative Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 2007
- Chief Resident, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2006
- Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 2005
- Resident, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2003
- MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2000
Certifications
- American Board of Surgery
Memberships
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Panel
- American College of Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG)
- American Radium Society
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- Association of Academic Surgery- Candidate Member
- College of Physicians of Philadelphia
- Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS)
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
- Metropolitan Philadelphia American College of Surgeons
- Midwest Melanoma Partnership (MMP)
- North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society
- Pennsylvania Medical Society
- Philadelphia Academy of Surgery
- Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
- Society of Surgical Oncology, vice chair of the Complex General Surgical Oncology Program Directors Committee
- Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- Society of University Surgeon
- Surgical Biology Club III
Honors & Awards
- Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2018-20
- 2020 AAS/Colombian Surgical Association International Visiting Professorship Award, 2019
- Society of Surgical Oncology European Society of Surgical Oncology Observership, 2019
- Castle Connelly national list of Top Doctors®, Regional Top Doctor 2014-17
- Humanitarian Award, Melanoma Research Foundation, 2016
- 2015 American College of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship to Germany, 2014
- Alpha Omega Alpha, National Medical Honor Society, Epsilon Chapter- Honorary Member, 2014
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center 2008 Fellow’ Education Research Symposium, Best Clinical Poster Presentation, 2008
- Temple University Surgery Resident Research Symposium Award, 2007
- H. Taylor Caswell Award, Department of Surgery Teaching Award for outstanding Chief Surgical Resident, 2007
- ASCO Foundation Merit Award, 2005
Patient Stories
Stephanie Heart
Melanoma
Stephanie Heart
Melanoma
It was malignant melanoma on my great left toe. I was terrified. Dr. Farma was gentle and kind about it and I was sobbing.
Joseph Daly
Brain & Spinal Tumors
Joseph Daly
Brain & Spinal Tumors
I’m an active guy. I like to fish, play golf, travel, dance, and go off-roading. When something goes wrong, rather than sitting around feeling bad, I do anything in my power to remedy the situation. In 2013, this philosophy was severely tested when I was diagnosed with a rare cancer.
Thomas Myers
Melanoma; Prostate Cancer
Thomas Myers
Melanoma; Prostate Cancer
The level of teamwork and communication amongst the doctors was reassuring. Even though I felt overwhelmed by multiple surgeries, treatments, and diagnoses, I took immense comfort in the prompt actions taken my team of physicians.
Ann Marie Evans
Skin Cancer
Ann Marie Evans
Skin Cancer
Cancer Doesn’t Always Come with a Warning
In 2013, I noticed a lump on my right buttock that seemed like a cyst. I knew that cysts were typically nothing to worry about, but continued to keep an eye on it. It grew, shrank, and continued to fluctuate over time, but was completely painless. It wasn’t until about a year later, when it started turning strange colors, that I decided to get it checked.
Alyssia O’Malley
Sarcoma
Alyssia O’Malley
Sarcoma
Alyssia O’Malley was a 44-year-old mother of two when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 retroperitoneal sarcoma in 2014. Her primary care physician referred her to Fox Chase Cancer Center for treatment where she underwent chemotherapy and later surgery. Today her cancer is in remission, and she is back to work full time. " I was very blessed to be at Fox Chase," Alyssia said. "I had been so scared, but I never worried in their care. They made me feel safe, and I knew they would do everything they could."
Pages
Research Profile
Research Program
Research Interests
- Melanoma: Molecular profiling, outcomes research, clinical trials, immunotherapy
- Colorectal: Molecular and imaging profiling for rectal cancer, outcomes research, clinical trials, quality of life
- Sarcoma
Publications
Selected Publications
Miura JT, Kroon HM, Beasley GM, Mullen D, Farrow NE, Mosca PJ, Lowe MC, Farley CR, Kim Y, Naqvi SMH, Potdar A, Daou H, Sun J, Farma JM, Henderson MA, Speakman D, Serpell J, Delman KA, Mark Smithers B, Coventry BJ, Tyler DS, Thompson JF, Zager JS. Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes After Isolated Limb Infusion for Locoregionally Metastatic Melanoma: An International Multicenter Analysis. Annals of surgical oncology, 2019. PubMed
Moten AS, Movva S, von Mehren M, Wu H, Esnaola NF, Reddy SS, Farma JM. Granular cell tumor experience at a comprehensive cancer center. J Surg Res, 226:1-7, 2018. PubMed
Goel N, Manstein SM, Ward WH, DeMora L, Smaldone MC, Farma JM, Uzzo RG, Esnaola NF. Does the Surgical Apgar Score predict serious complications after elective major cancer surgery? Journal of Surgical Research, 231:242-7, 2018.
Jakub JW, Terando AM, Sarnaik A, Ariyan CE, Faries MB, Zani S Jr, Neuman HB, Wasif N, Farma JM, Averbrook BJ, Bilimoria KY, Jake Allred JB, Suman VJ, Grotz TE, Zendejas B, Wayne JD, Tyler DS. Training High-Volume Melanoma Surgeons to Perform a Novel Minimally Invasive Inguinal Lymphadenectomy: Report of a Prospective Multi-Institutional Trial. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. November 2015.
Schatz TP, Nassif MO, Farma JM. Extensive portal venous gas: Unlikely etiology and outcome. Int J Surg Case Rep. December 2014.
Yeo H, Niland J, Milne D, ter Veer A, Bekail-Saab T, Farma JM, Lai L, Skibber JM, Small W Jr, Wilkinson N, Schrag D, Weiser MR, Incidence of minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery at national comprehensive cancer network centers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. December 2014.
Singla S, Papavasiliou P, Powers B, Gaughan J, von Mehren M, Watson JC, Farma JM. Challenges in Treatment of Angiosarcoma: A Single Institution Experience. The American Journal of Surgery. April 2014.
Johnson ME, Zhu F, Li T, Wu H, Galloway TJ, Farma JM,. Perlis C Turaka A,. Absolute Lymphocyte Count: a Potential Prognostic Factor for Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. March 2014.
Yeo H, Niland J, Milne D, Veer AT, Bekaii-Saab T, Farma JM, Lai L, Skibber J, Small W, Wilkenson N, Schrag D, Weiser M. Incidence of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Surgery at National Comprehensive Cancer Network Centers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Accepted for publication. January 2014.
Keller D, Thomay AA, Gaughan J, Wu H, Farma JM. Outcomes in Patients with Mucosal Melanomas. Journal of Surgical Oncology. October 2013.
Chen KT, Papavasiliou P, Edwards K, Zhu F, Perlis C, Wu H, Turaka A, Berger A, Farma JM. A better prognosis for merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin. American Journal of Surgery. July 2013.
Arrangoiz R, Papavasiliou P, Siripuapu V, Li T, Watson JC, Hoffman JP, Farma JM, Partial stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy as an alternative for palliation in patients with malignant gastric or duodenal outlet obstruction. American Journal of Surgery. May 2013.
Nitzkorski, James, Willis, A, Farma JM, Zhu F, Nick D, Sigurdson, E. Association of race and socioeconomic status and outcomes with patients with rectal cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. January 2013.
Chen KT, Olszanski A, Farma JM. Donor transmission of melanoma following renal transplant. Case Reports in Transplantation. November 2012.
Farma JM, Zager JS, Barnica-elvir V, Puleo CA, Marzban SS, Rollison DE, Messina JL, Sondak VK. A collision of diseases: chronic lymphocytic leukemia discovered during lymph node biopsy for melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol. November 2012.
Additional Publications
Dr. Jeffery Farma on PubMed
Clinical Locations
Primary Location
Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Co-Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program
Chief, Division of General Surgery
Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Program Director, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship
TRDG Member, Colorectal and SI Cancer; Melanoma and Skin Cancer; Sarcoma and GIST Cancer
NCCN, Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Panel Member
Specialties
Treatment Focus
Colorectal cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, isolated limb infusion for in-transit melanoma and extremity sarcomas.
Research Program
Key Awards
Surgery
Treatment Philosophy
It is an honor to be part of the staff of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. My initial exposure occurred during a rotation as a Temple University Medical School student at Fox Chase that led me down the path of Surgical Oncology. As a native Philadelphian, I am privileged to work at such an esteemed institution. I was enthralled then by the dedicated care of the staff in dealing with all aspects of treating patients diagnosed with cancer, and I hope to continue this throughout my career at Fox Chase.
I trained in general surgery at Temple University Hospital. During my fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, I learned from experts in the field of surgical oncology about clinical trial design, experimental therapeutics and the importance of bench-to-bedside research to progress the fight against cancer. I encountered patients with very complex problems, and the greatest lesson I learned was there are always treatment options, utilizing all different types of techniques including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
My clinical surgical oncology fellowship at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has provided me with an extensive understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with cancer. One of the greatest benefits of a cancer center like Fox Chase is the close knit group of expert physicians from all specialties that are constantly interacting and providing the highest level of care using the most innovative strategies to treat all aspects of cancer. I have developed a particularly strong interest in the surgical and multimodal treatment of patients with Melanoma, Sarcoma and Colorectal cancers, using traditional surgery, regional therapies, and minimally invasive techniques. I have the operative expertise to perform many of these complex procedures using laparoscopic, robotic, and TAMIS (transanal minimally invasive surgery) techniques and have had advanced training in using newest techniques. I am an expert in the treatment of colorectal cancer including; sphincter sparing and nerve sparing resections, and treating patients with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.
For melanoma and sarcoma that has regional spread in the extremities I offer a minimally invasive technique call Isolated Limb Infusion, and perform minimally invasive inguinal lymph node dissections.
Most importantly, I hold my patients as my number one priority. I will spend as much time as necessary educating, answering questions and providing guidance for each individual patient to help them throughout each stage of treatment. I believe in candid discussions, where both the patients and families goals and expectations are openly communicated. We will work together as a team to formulate a treatment plan. My personal goal is to treat and care for every patient with the same compassion and honesty as if they were a friend or family m ember.
Follow on Twitter: @jeffreyfarma
Education
Educational Background
- Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 2009
- Administrative Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 2007
- Chief Resident, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2006
- Fellow, Surgical Oncology, Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 2005
- Resident, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2003
- MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2000
Certifications
- American Board of Surgery
Memberships
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Panel
- American College of Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG)
- American Radium Society
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- Association of Academic Surgery- Candidate Member
- College of Physicians of Philadelphia
- Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS)
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
- Metropolitan Philadelphia American College of Surgeons
- Midwest Melanoma Partnership (MMP)
- North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society
- Pennsylvania Medical Society
- Philadelphia Academy of Surgery
- Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
- Society of Surgical Oncology, vice chair of the Complex General Surgical Oncology Program Directors Committee
- Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract
- Society of University Surgeon
- Surgical Biology Club III
Honors & Awards
- Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2018-20
- 2020 AAS/Colombian Surgical Association International Visiting Professorship Award, 2019
- Society of Surgical Oncology European Society of Surgical Oncology Observership, 2019
- Castle Connelly national list of Top Doctors®, Regional Top Doctor 2014-17
- Humanitarian Award, Melanoma Research Foundation, 2016
- 2015 American College of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship to Germany, 2014
- Alpha Omega Alpha, National Medical Honor Society, Epsilon Chapter- Honorary Member, 2014
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center 2008 Fellow’ Education Research Symposium, Best Clinical Poster Presentation, 2008
- Temple University Surgery Resident Research Symposium Award, 2007
- H. Taylor Caswell Award, Department of Surgery Teaching Award for outstanding Chief Surgical Resident, 2007
- ASCO Foundation Merit Award, 2005
Research Profile
Research Interests
- Melanoma: Molecular profiling, outcomes research, clinical trials, immunotherapy
- Colorectal: Molecular and imaging profiling for rectal cancer, outcomes research, clinical trials, quality of life
- Sarcoma
Publications
Selected Publications
Miura JT, Kroon HM, Beasley GM, Mullen D, Farrow NE, Mosca PJ, Lowe MC, Farley CR, Kim Y, Naqvi SMH, Potdar A, Daou H, Sun J, Farma JM, Henderson MA, Speakman D, Serpell J, Delman KA, Mark Smithers B, Coventry BJ, Tyler DS, Thompson JF, Zager JS. Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes After Isolated Limb Infusion for Locoregionally Metastatic Melanoma: An International Multicenter Analysis. Annals of surgical oncology, 2019. PubMed
Moten AS, Movva S, von Mehren M, Wu H, Esnaola NF, Reddy SS, Farma JM. Granular cell tumor experience at a comprehensive cancer center. J Surg Res, 226:1-7, 2018. PubMed
Goel N, Manstein SM, Ward WH, DeMora L, Smaldone MC, Farma JM, Uzzo RG, Esnaola NF. Does the Surgical Apgar Score predict serious complications after elective major cancer surgery? Journal of Surgical Research, 231:242-7, 2018.
Jakub JW, Terando AM, Sarnaik A, Ariyan CE, Faries MB, Zani S Jr, Neuman HB, Wasif N, Farma JM, Averbrook BJ, Bilimoria KY, Jake Allred JB, Suman VJ, Grotz TE, Zendejas B, Wayne JD, Tyler DS. Training High-Volume Melanoma Surgeons to Perform a Novel Minimally Invasive Inguinal Lymphadenectomy: Report of a Prospective Multi-Institutional Trial. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. November 2015.
Schatz TP, Nassif MO, Farma JM. Extensive portal venous gas: Unlikely etiology and outcome. Int J Surg Case Rep. December 2014.
Yeo H, Niland J, Milne D, ter Veer A, Bekail-Saab T, Farma JM, Lai L, Skibber JM, Small W Jr, Wilkinson N, Schrag D, Weiser MR, Incidence of minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery at national comprehensive cancer network centers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. December 2014.
Singla S, Papavasiliou P, Powers B, Gaughan J, von Mehren M, Watson JC, Farma JM. Challenges in Treatment of Angiosarcoma: A Single Institution Experience. The American Journal of Surgery. April 2014.
Johnson ME, Zhu F, Li T, Wu H, Galloway TJ, Farma JM,. Perlis C Turaka A,. Absolute Lymphocyte Count: a Potential Prognostic Factor for Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. March 2014.
Yeo H, Niland J, Milne D, Veer AT, Bekaii-Saab T, Farma JM, Lai L, Skibber J, Small W, Wilkenson N, Schrag D, Weiser M. Incidence of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Surgery at National Comprehensive Cancer Network Centers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Accepted for publication. January 2014.
Keller D, Thomay AA, Gaughan J, Wu H, Farma JM. Outcomes in Patients with Mucosal Melanomas. Journal of Surgical Oncology. October 2013.
Chen KT, Papavasiliou P, Edwards K, Zhu F, Perlis C, Wu H, Turaka A, Berger A, Farma JM. A better prognosis for merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin. American Journal of Surgery. July 2013.
Arrangoiz R, Papavasiliou P, Siripuapu V, Li T, Watson JC, Hoffman JP, Farma JM, Partial stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy as an alternative for palliation in patients with malignant gastric or duodenal outlet obstruction. American Journal of Surgery. May 2013.
Nitzkorski, James, Willis, A, Farma JM, Zhu F, Nick D, Sigurdson, E. Association of race and socioeconomic status and outcomes with patients with rectal cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. January 2013.
Chen KT, Olszanski A, Farma JM. Donor transmission of melanoma following renal transplant. Case Reports in Transplantation. November 2012.
Farma JM, Zager JS, Barnica-elvir V, Puleo CA, Marzban SS, Rollison DE, Messina JL, Sondak VK. A collision of diseases: chronic lymphocytic leukemia discovered during lymph node biopsy for melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol. November 2012.
Additional Publications
Dr. Jeffery Farma on PubMed
Related Articles
27 PATIENT COMMENTS
-
5.0
November 21, 2019
My visit was excellent [...]
-
5.0
November 20, 2019
Fabulous doctor & staff.
-
5.0
September 12, 2019
Dr. Farma is wonderful.
-
5.0
September 09, 2019
always excellent
-
5.0
September 05, 2019
Dr. FARMA is the best!! And his staff.
-
5.0
August 17, 2019
Referred by PCP for special care.. Am very impressed with coordination and ease of process from seeing specialist to setting up needed surgery. Everyone went out of their way to get things done in a timely manner yet taking time to answer any questions and providing information about and scheduling surgery.
-
5.0
July 31, 2019
Dr. Farma is an accomplished, friendly and caring physician.
-
5.0
July 28, 2019
i have had a great experience with Dr. Farma's office and Fox Chase in general. Dr. Farma took his time to explain everything to me and even called me on a Friday night to explain something that came about with a biopsy. I have a lot of respect for him and would recommend him and Fox Chase to everyone.
-
4.5
July 24, 2019
[...] he is an exceptional doctor.
-
5.0
July 07, 2019
Dr. Farma is extremely hospitable and listens.
-
5.0
June 30, 2019
FCCC is a very good hospital. Staff is very professional. Dr. Farma is very professional.
-
5.0
June 30, 2019
visit excellent
-
5.0
May 26, 2019
Dr Farma is always prepared before he comes into the room. He is the best doctor that I see at Fox Chase [...]
-
5.0
May 19, 2019
I been to fox chase for several appts regarding my cancer. I have been given excellent care, courtesy and respect from check in to leaving. Thank you so much!
-
5.0
April 30, 2019
The service I got was Above and Beyond thank you.
-
5.0
April 21, 2019
I was added into Dr. Farma's schedule very fast. His staff was awesome, his nurse even came out to check in to take me back to the office (registration) waiting room. Dr. Farma took his time to explain everything.
-
5.0
April 18, 2019
Dr. Farma was very attentive. He made me feel like I was his only patient! VIP!!
-
5.0
April 01, 2019
Dr. Farma & Dr. [...] are 2 of the best drs. I've ever been treated by. Made me comfortable in a very nervous condition. They really are the best. Please thank them for me.
-
5.0
March 30, 2019
Dr. Farma and his staff are excellent. I'm blessed to have been his patient.
-
5.0
March 17, 2019
All my experiences with the provider and his staff have been exceptional , not only for this visit but others also.
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