The basis of progress against cancer lies wholly in conducting clinical research. West Clinic has always supported this concept. Over one thousand patients have participated in clinical trials at The West Clinic over the past five years. Our consistent enrollment of 25-30% minority participants reflects the demographics of our broader patient population, demonstrating that study volunteers are representative of the people who will receive a new drug when it is approved and a real bonus in evaluating new therapies.

 

The West Clinic's dedication to clinical trials is manifested by continual explorations into new methods to increase accruals and provide quality data for research studies. Our efforts were recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the world's premiere oncology organization. In June 2010, West Clinic was one of a handful of practices honored with the ASCO Clinical Trial Participation Award. This recognition was particularly gratifying as it was based on a competitive nomination and evaluation process.

 

Recently, we became the highest accruing site in the nation in a phase III trial evaluating a PARP inhibitor in breast cancer. While results are not yet available, the PARP inhibitors have generated a great deal of excitement in the cancer world as a rationally designed class of agents with potentially broad applicability. Following this trial, we have 2 more PARP inhibitor studies soon to be underway.

 

West Clinic is expanding its phase I research capabilities allowing us even more access to new cancer treatments at an earlier phase of development. In order to meet the rigorous demands of phase I research, we have increased our research space and resources with phase I dedicated physicians and research coordinators. Our goal is to be the Mid-South destination for any cancer patient who is looking for novel therapies.

 

There remains a serious underutilization in oncology clinical research today; a fact recognized by a recent Institute of Medicine report which concluded that an overhaul of the NCI clinical trial mechanism was urgently needed. We believe part of the solution lies in community oncology practices organized in a way to increase our contributions to sponsor-run studies. At West Clinic, we remain dedicated to expanding our research program, allowing an ever greater fraction of our patients the opportunity to participate. Only in this way do we guarantee better health to future generations of cancer patients.

 

 

Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP 

 

Celebrating 30 years on the front line of cancer care.

901-683-0055 www.westclinic.com