Clinical Trials and Treatment
Advances in medicine and science are the result of new ideas and approaches developed through research. Cancer clinical trials are carefully designed studies conducted to determine optimal treatment methods and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Physicians at the MetroWest Cancer Care Center have the opportunity to enter their patients in national oncology clinical trials of various research groups such as Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast & Bowel Project (NSABP) and several other nationally recognized research groups. MetroWest Cancer Center was one of the initial sites selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to participate in both the Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU) and National Cancer Institute Central Investigational Review Board project (NCICIRB). This participation offers our patients the opportunity to participate in leading edge clinical research. Our affiliation with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center broadens the number and types of trials available to our patients. A brochure is provided to patients explaining clinical trials and how to obtain additional information.
The Cancer Registry is comprised of one cancer registrar who collects, maintains, and manages health data pertaining to cancer patients’ diagnoses or treatment at MetroWest Cancer Care Center. The registry’s reference data is January 1, 1992 and has a total of 19,960 patients in its computerized database. We currently follow 5,711 patients and have maintained a 92.49 percent success rate for follow-up.
The Cancer Registrar coordinates Cancer Committee meetings and weekly Cancer Conferences. An essential component of the Cancer Program is providing lifetime follow-up of cancer patients, allowing for early detection or evidence of recurrent cancer or identification of a new primary malignancy.
The database includes demographic, clinical and follow-up information on each patient diagnosed or treated. This data is helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment, supporting performance improvement efforts and planning follow-up care for patients.
The Radiation Oncologists and area urologists have combined their expertise in the treatment of prostate cancer to offer patients a special form of radiation therapy. The Prostate Implant Program is a multidisciplinary program that includes urology, radiation oncology, radiation safety, and radiology. Prostate Seed Implants are effective for the treatment of early-stage prostate cancer. This treatment places radioactive sources in the prostate of an anesthetized patient to allow for more internal and accurate prostate cancer therapy. This technique uses real-time intraoperative dosimetry using fluoroscopic and ultrasound imaging. Over 200 procedures have been performed as of March 1998.
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