Cancer Support Services

The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) offers patients a range of services and care to support not only the physical demands of cancer treatment, but the emotional challenges faced by patients and their families as well. We provide patients with all of the evaluation, diagnostic, and treatment services they need, including dentistry, radiology, pathology, cell component therapy, pharmacy, nutrition services and genetic counseling.

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Patient Representatives & Psychosocial Services

A patient representative or a nurse manager is always available to address specific issues or to assist in problem solving. Patient representatives can be reached at 410-328-8777.

UMGCCC also has a staff psychiatrist, as well as nurses, social workers and other professionals who understand the special needs of cancer patients and their families. We also assist patients in making plans when it is time to leave the hospital. To talk with social worker or other staff please ask your nurse coordinator for a referral.

Cell Component Therapy

Technologists and nurses in the Cell Component Therapy Lab provide specialized blood products that patients may need during cancer treatment. Because chemotherapy can affect the body's immune system by reducing the number of healthy blood cells, patients may need to receive blood products to continue treatment or prevent infection.

One procedure, called apheresis, collects special blood components, called platelets, from volunteer donors. Similar to a regular blood donation, the donor's blood is collected through an arm vein. The platelets are separated and kept for transfusion, while the rest of the donor's blood is immediately returned to the donor. This means donors do not need to limit their activity and can donate frequently (twice a month). Family and friends are encouraged to be platelet donors.

Please call 410-328-7508 for more information about being a platelet donor.

Critical Care

Our team of experts is prepared to handle the most difficult oncologic emergencies and other complications experienced by cancer patients. Patients can be safely transported to the intensive care unit (ICU) from anywhere in Maryland with our exclusive critical care ambulance system, Maryland ExpressCare.

Staffed with specially trained critical care nurses and paramedics, these vehicles operate round the clock and are outfitted with the most modern critical care transport equipment available. Once admitted to the intensive care service, patients benefit from our integrated, interdisciplinary approach to treating cancer.

Dental Program

Many times cancer patients need special dental care and must be evaluated by physicians specializing in oral care and hygiene. You may be referred to this program by your physician or health care professional for diagnosing and/or treating any oral condition prior to, during, or after your medical care. The dental hygienist can also help you with any oral or dental conditions that may result from your treatment.

The Dental Office is located in the North Hospital on 9West, Room 65, and can be reached at 410-328-5940.

Nutrition Services

Eating well can help you feel better and stay stronger during your cancer treatment. Our registered dietitians work individually with patients — both while they are in the hospital and when they return for clinic visits — to help them maintain good nutrition. Staff can help with any questions or problems patients or family members may have about eating during treatment. For more information about UMGCCC's nutrition services, please call 410-328-5462.

Pharmacy

UMGCCC maintains its own pharmacy. Our staff prepares all the medications ordered by each patient's doctor, including any chemotherapy and pain relief medications. When patients are ready to leave the hospital, the pharmacist will prepare outpatient prescriptions and instruct patients about the proper way to take them. The UMGCCC pharmacy is located on the 9th floor, North Hospital, and is open from 9:30 am – 6 pm Monday through Friday, and 8 am – 4:30 pm on weekends.

The UMGCCC Pharmacy can be reached at 410-328-7683.