The Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is recognizing six oncology practices from around the country for their work in improving access to clinical trials for patients in their communities. In addition, three ASCO State Affiliate societies are being honored for new projects that enhance cancer care in their state and region.
The Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Clinical Trials Participation Award and State Affiliate Grant Program recipients will be formally recognized at ASCO's 48th Annual Meeting in Chicago, taking place June 1-5, 2012. More than $5 million in grants and awards will be presented by the Foundation at this year's meeting.
"The Conquer Cancer Foundation is pleased to recognize these community oncology practices that have been successful in performing oncology clinical trials in their communities. Clinical trials are a critical piece of the cancer care delivery system and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and progress in cancer treatments," said Martin J. Murphy, PhD, DMedSc, Chair of the Conquer Cancer Foundation Board of Directors. "We also hope that the State Affiliate grants will provide much needed support for special projects that contribute to improved oncology care in the states and communities supported by these affiliates."
Clinical Trials Participation Award
The Clinical Trials Participation Award recognizes practices that have established high-quality clinical cancer research programs. Oncology practices are selected based on several factors, including patient accrual rates, accrual of minority and underrepresented populations, and innovative techniques in overcoming barriers to participation in clinical trials. The Conquer Cancer Foundation acknowledges the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups for 10 years of continued support of the Clinical Trials Participation Award and for collaborating with the Foundation and ASCO to support access to clinical trials in communities. This year's recipients include:
- Altru Cancer Center of Altru Health System
Grand Forks, North Dakota - Billings Clinic
Billings, Montana - Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center
Winston Salem, North Carolina - LRGHealthcare-Lakes Region General Hospital
Laconia, New Hampshire - Northwest Medical Specialties
Tacoma, Washington - West Michigan Cancer Center
Kalamazoo, Michigan
State Affiliate Grant Program
The State Affiliate Grant Program provides funding to ASCO State and Regional Affiliates to develop and implement new efforts that will lead to improved medical practice, collaboration and research. ASCO's State/Regional Affiliates are a vital resource for addressing issues of concern to the cancer community in specific regions of the country. The 2012 honorees and projects include:
- The Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO) will help its members understand and implement the 2012 American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer's new survivorship care standards. Its program includes the creation a toolbox to help providers implement care plans across a diverse patient population.
- The Maryland/D.C. Society of Clinical Oncology (MDCSCO) will focus its efforts on growing and enhancing its membership pool in an effort to ensure the Society represents the interests of oncology and all professionals working in the field. MDSCO hopes to expand its reach with small community practices, large practices, research institutions, academic and teaching hospitals and government agencies.
- The Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society will focus its new program on integrating palliative care into oncology practices in the region. Its program aims to introduce specific performance improvement processes, new tools and educational programs designed to improve end-of-life cancer care. The Society will use ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) module to measure improvement of certain end-of-life measures.
The 2012 State Affiliate Grant Program is supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
