Robert L Witt1, Robert W Frelick. 1. Christiana Care Health Systems, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806, USA. RobertLWitt@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this analysis was to demonstrate that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) will result in accruals to national research protocols for patients with malignancies in a community-based teaching hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of oncology patients eligible for clinical trials referred to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center (HFGCC). RESULTS: The average number of patients who actually enroll in clinical trials nationally is 2.5%. The number of patients who enrolled in clinical trials at the HFGCC CCOP in 2003 was 24%. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of a CCOP in a community-based teaching hospital will enhance adoption of state-of-the-art care and increase accruals to national research protocols.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this analysis was to demonstrate that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) will result in accruals to national research protocols for patients with malignancies in a community-based teaching hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of oncology patients eligible for clinical trials referred to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center (HFGCC). RESULTS: The average number of patients who actually enroll in clinical trials nationally is 2.5%. The number of patients who enrolled in clinical trials at the HFGCC CCOP in 2003 was 24%. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of a CCOP in a community-based teaching hospital will enhance adoption of state-of-the-art care and increase accruals to national research protocols.