STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S CLINCAL TRIALS RECEIVE PERFECT SCORE

 For More Information Contact Public Relations at 508-236-8020

ATTLEBORO, MA – March 27, 2014 - Sturdy Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Care Program provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services including surgical oncology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to palliative care in the community. Expanding the extensive scope of quality cancer services are clinical trials. Since Sturdy was awarded affiliate status in 2003 by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), a national clinical research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), its patients have had local access to trials formerly available only at larger medical centers.

            The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Quality Control Audit Manual states, “As the world’s largest sponsor of clinical trials of investigative antineoplastic agents and cancer clinical trials, the National Cancer Institute must ensure that research data generated under its sponsorship are of high quality, reliable, and verifiable.” Sturdy’s clinical trials program is reviewed every 36 months, and continues to meet the high standards of the National Cancer Institute, receiving a perfect score during the last audit.  A minimum of three protocols and three patient cases are reviewed, along with information in three main categories: Institutional Review Board regulatory files/informed consents; drug accountability; and patient records. 

            Clinical trials increase treatment options and enhance quality care for patients, and their availability at Sturdy is one more reason why patients don’t have to travel outside of the community for superior cancer treatment and services.

            Sturdy’s Cancer Care Program involves the close collaboration of the Hospital, Sturdy Hematology & Oncology Associates, Shields Radiation Oncology Center Mansfield, as well as surgeons, surgical oncologists, pulmonary medicine specialists, urologists, gynecologists, oncology nurses, and others. For more information about available clinical trials and the Cancer Care Program at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, visit www.sturdymemorial.org.

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