The medical oncologists at ChristianaCare employ the latest care.
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A medical oncologist administers chemotherapy or immunotherapy to kill cancer cells. The medical oncologists at ChristianaCare employ the latest advances in cancer-fighting drugs, including the Interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy for melanoma and kidney cancer, which is available at only a handful of cancer treatment centers around the country.
Chemotherapy, commonly referred to as chemo, uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can also stop cancer cells from spreading and slow the growth of cancer cells. Sometimes chemotherapy is used by itself to fight cancer, and other times it is used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy.
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, is a relatively new addition to the family of cancer treatments. Immunotherapy works with your immune system. It can help your body to fight cancer cells, or it can help to control the side effects from other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Examples of immunotherapy at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute include IL-2 therapy, which involves the injection of a man-made version of a protein that your body uses to fight off infection, and bone-marrow and stem-cell transplants.
CAR T-cell therapy is another type of immunotherapy that uses your own immune cells to fight cancer. Doctors collect your T cells (a type of white blood cell), then reprogram them in a lab to recognize and attack cancer cells. These modified cells are multiplied and returned to your body to target the cancer. This treatment is used when other standard therapies haven’t worked and offers a promising new option for certain patients.
At the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, we’re welcoming seven outstanding providers to our team. Each brings deep experience, compassion, and dedication to helping you on your cancer journey.
Whether you’re in the middle of treatment or beginning a new chapter, there’s no need to change your care setting or routine. We’re always here for you.
Faisal Adhami, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. He earned his medical degree and Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati and completed his residency and fellowship in Cincinnati and Dallas. Dr. Adhami has worked as a hematology/oncology physician at various medical centers. He is a member of several professional organizations and enjoys reading and watching movies.
Joel L. Appel, D.O., F.A.C.P., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, specializing in colorectal and prostate cancers. He earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his training in Michigan. Dr. Appel has held various roles, including oncologist and professor. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Michael M. Mikhail, M.D., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. He earned his medical degree from the University of Baghdad and completed further training in England and the U.S. Dr. Mikhail has held roles such as chief of medical oncology and hospice director.
Stephen Eric Rubenstein, M.D., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. He earned his medical degree from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s from Georgetown University. Dr. Rubenstein completed his residency and fellowship in New York. He has served as a hematology/oncology attending physician and medical director of oncology research. He speaks medical Spanish, French, and Hebrew, and enjoys bass guitar, running, cycling, hiking, American history, writing, and advocacy.
Sridhar Srinivasan, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. He earned his medical degree from Stanley Medical College in India and completed his residency and fellowships in New York, London, and Detroit. Dr. Srinivasan has served as an attending oncologist at various healthcare systems. He is a member of several professional organizations.
Pramod Vadlamani, M.D., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center. He earned his medical degree from Siddhartha Medical College in India and completed his residency and fellowship in Missouri. Dr. Vadlamani has held roles as an emergency room physician, oncologist, and hospitalist. He is excited to advance his career at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center.
Susan Whelen Schaffer Whiteman, D.O., is a board-certified Medical Oncologist, Hematologist at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, specializing in breast and neurological cancers. She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her training in Delaware, Virginia, and Arizona. Dr. Whiteman has held roles as an attending physician and medical director. She enjoys running, hiking, music, and astrophysics.