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US Oncology Research Annual Science Forum focuses on delivering the latest research opportunities to patients in the community setting
15th Annual Science Forum promotes clinical research education, innovation and collaboration
The Woodlands, Texas (December 8, 2016) — US Oncology Research held its 15th Annual Science Forum earlier this fall. The annual meeting for all US Oncology Research affiliated investigators was held in Dallas and highlighted the importance of clinical trials as a treatment option for cancer patients.
“A clinical trial saved my life,” said Rhonda Jenkins, breast cancer survivor, clinical trial participant and patient of Texas Oncology, an affiliate of US Oncology Research.
Jenkins shared her story with the hundreds of clinical attendees, including investigators and research coordinators. “The best advice I can give to patients is to not turn down a clinical trial if one is available. I received a terminal diagnosis eleven years ago. Because of a trial, I have my life back. I no longer consider myself as having a terminal disease. Plus, participating in a trial allowed me to play a part in hopefully helping future patients fight this disease,” added Jenkins.
The Annual Science Forum allows research investigators to discuss and exchange thoughts on the latest scientific approaches and novel treatment strategies. Topics of discussion included: immunotherapy; the oncology care model; early phase trials; proton therapy; genomics; precision medicine; and much more.
“This Forum represents an important form of education for all of us in the cutting-edge, ongoing work in basic and clinical research against cancer,” said Daniel Von Hoff, MD, FACP, chief scientific officer, US Oncology Research. “It helps our team craft strategies for the best way to help our patients.”
One strategy used by US Oncology Research is its Selected Trials for Accelerated Rollout, or STAR, method. This program quickly opens clinical trials for difficult-to-find patients. When a potential STAR trial patient has been identified, the practice is trained and the study is opened within a two-week timeframe at the location where the patient is expected to be seen. Ultimately, STAR provides the latest in clinical research to the practice where the patient has been identified.
“We are truly delivering tomorrow’s treatments today,” said Michael Seiden, MD, chief medical officer, The US Oncology Network and McKesson Specialty Health. “The Annual Science Forum brings together the leadership of US Oncology Research as we both celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to building an even stronger culture of research across our national network of affiliated physicians and research staff.”
During the Forum, investigators convened to hear from world renowned speakers on topics and trends in oncology research. The purpose is to continue to be at the cutting edge of research and provide patients in the community setting access to the latest treatments. Roy Herbst, MD, PhD, chief of Medical Oncology and associate director for Translational Research at Yale Cancer Center, was a keynote speaker at the Forum and spoke about novel therapies for lung cancer, including targeted and immuno-therapies.
“Collaborating with research investigators across the country on the most recent trends in oncology treatment is extremely important,” said Dr. Herbst. “It is our responsibility as researchers and providers to constantly be in search for the latest and most effective treatment options to improve efficacy and decrease toxicity. It was an honor to be among such passionate and dedicated clinicians and researchers.”
“This year’s Annual Science Forum really put a charge into our passion for clinical research,” said David Cosgrove, MD, oncologist with Compass Oncology and associate chair of the US Oncology Research Gastrointestinal (GI) Committee. “We heard from impressive speakers involved in cutting-edge science, highlighted recent successes in our field and got great perspective regarding patient communication. The Forum highlighted some of the challenges we will face in clinical research in a community oncology setting in the years ahead, and also provided a robust framework for future success building upon the US Oncology Research model that leads the way in these endeavors. I am excited to be part of this group moving forward.”
About US Oncology Research
Supported by McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network, US Oncology Research draws from a network of experienced investigators and dedicated clinical staff who specialize in oncology clinical trials. US Oncology Research serves approximately 60 research sites and nearly 160 locations managing about 300 active trials at any given time. Physicians in the research network have enrolled more than 64,000 patients in more than 1,500 trials since inception in 1992 and have played a role in more than 60 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information about US Oncology Research visit https://www.usoncology.com/oncologists/us-oncology-research. To find clinical trials available through US Oncology Research visit http://trialfinder.usoncology.com.
Media Contact
Claire Crye
The US Oncology Network
281-825-9927
claire.crye@usoncology.com
