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Colon Cancer Research Grant Given to Beutler
 Sentinel lymph node mapping is a procedure that helps detect how far cancerous cells have spread in the body. For colon cancer patients, having this procedure available can mean all the difference in their treatment plan according to one Norfolk surgeon. Dr. Thomas Beutler has been recognized nationally as a leader in using sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with colon cancer. Recently the Department of Nebraska VFW Auxiliary presented Beutler with a second grant in the amount of $4,054.06 for his work in colon cancer research.
The sentinel lymph node mapping involves injecting blue dye around the tumor. The dye is tracked to one or two sentinel nodes, which are then surgically removed. The standard number of lymph nodes is then removed “NEN block” with the tumor, according to Dr. Beutler. One in five people will be upstaged by this technique, which can then influence the treatment plan and possible need for chemotherapy in addition to surgery. This method is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer and skin cancer.
Dr. Beutler’s interest in sentinel lymph node mapping began during his residency training with Dr. Sukamal Saha, a pioneer in the field, and has continued over the past six years in Norfolk. “Wanting to be a general surgeon, I knew early on that surgery played a big role in cancer care,” said Dr. Beutler. “It is a large part of my practice today.” Dr. Beutler said that work being done at Faith Regional Health Services is the same as at two other nationally known institutions, the John Wayne Cancer Center in California and Michigan State University, with respect to colon cancer research.
“I think it is important that we have research going on in rural areas like Norfolk, especially since we see a lot of cancer in our region,” added Dr. Beutler. “This research benefits our patients, and brings notoriety to the Carson Cancer Center and to our program.”
Over the past 17 years, the National VFW Auxiliary has raised more than $3 million each year to benefit medical research, internships and Auxiliary members with cancer, according to Doris Nelson, Nebraska VFW Auxiliary Cancer Chair. “Ten percent of the dollars raised by each state is retained on a local level,” said Nelson. “The Nebraska WFW Auxiliary chose to award this year’s money to help fund Dr. Beutler’s ongoing cancer research.” In March of this year, the National VFW Auxiliary awarded him $15,000.
In the photo above, Dr. Beutler is shown accepting a check for the grant from Doris Nelson and Iva Lee Carlson with the VFW Auxiliary Department of Nebraska.
Last Updated: 7/24/2006
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