US Oncology Research earns RTOG's Full Member status

US Oncology Research, one of the nation's largest networks of community-based researchers, and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group® (RTOG®), the leader in radiation oncology-focused clinical trials in the United States, announced today that US Oncology Research has earned Full Member status, an accomplishment few institutions achieve. As a Full Member of RTOG, US Oncology Research has proven to be a leader in radiation clinical trials. US Oncology Research is one of fewer than 50 organizations to reach this elite status.

Since becoming an Affiliate Member of RTOG in 2008, US Oncology Research quickly became one of the top accruing members, with its network of oncology practices eventually enrolling more patients in RTOG trials than any other member. In 2010, RTOG announced that US Oncology Research ranked number one in patient accruals, surpassing all affiliate and full RTOG members. All together, network physicians have enrolled 163 patients into RTOG clinical trials held at community-based oncology practices, allowing patients to receive cutting-edge radiation clinical trials in their hometowns close to their friends and family.

"US Oncology Research has been an outstanding Affiliate Member, and we're excited to award the network Full Member status. We at RTOG are very pleased that US Oncology Research achieved full member status as quickly as they did," said Walter J Curran, Jr., M.D., chairman, RTOG Group Chairman and Executive Director of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. "Their commitment to providing the infrastructure to accrue large numbers of patients into clinical trial research from community-based practices will not only benefit their patients, it will also help us answer our research questions faster, and that will benefit all cancer patients."

Radiation oncology-focused clinical trials are cutting-edge, offer cancer patients integrated and unique therapies that can provide a better chance for survival. Because of US Oncology Research and RTOG, these trials are now found more frequently in a community setting. Clinical trials in cancer care, whether focused on chemotherapy, radiation or other methods of treatment, seek to improve upon standard treatment, so each patient has the best opportunity for a positive outcome.

"We are making great strides in a concentration that is quite unique," said Vivek Kavadi, M.D., medical director of Radiation Oncology for US Oncology and radiation oncologist with Texas Oncology-Sugar Land, a practice participating in US Oncology Research. "Having radiation oncology clinical trials available in local communities is crucial for our patients. They are able to participate in integrated, radiation-focused clinical trials that are truly state-of-the-art."

There are 19 RTOG approved sites affiliated with US Oncology Research. These community-based practices are located across the country and had 91 accruals in 2010. With an average of eight accruals per month, US Oncology Research is living up to its mission of advancing cancer care in America.

In order to remain an RTOG Full Member, US Oncology Research must be evaluated yearly by the RTOG Membership Evaluation Committee according to the RTOG Membership Evaluation Policy and the Group Bylaws.

SOURCE US Oncology Research; Radiation Therapy Oncology Group