Northern New Mexico Cancer Patients Now Have Access to Cancer Clinical Trials
April 20, 2004
Clinical trials are the heart of cancer research. Cancer trials test new drugs, combinations of new treatments, new approaches to surgery or radiation or other methods for treating cancer. Even though participation in a clinical trial may be the best option for treatment, fewer than 10 percent of adults with cancer in New Mexico enter clinical trials. For patients in Northern New Mexico, access to clinical trials will be less of a barrier. The Cancer Institute of New Mexico, located in Santa Fe, is the first and only oncology group in Northern New Mexico to join the prestigious New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance.
Scientists learn more every day about effective treatments for different types of cancer. As advances are made in treating the disease, new therapies are developed. “By participating in cooperative clinical trials through the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, the Cancer Institute of New Mexico can offer patients the newest approaches to cancer care while providing them with the best current standard treatment,” said Timothy Lopez, M.D., director of research for New Mexico Cancer Care Associates and a medical oncologist at the Cancer Institute of New Mexico.
The New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance is a nonprofit organization that brings together major health care institutions and oncology practitioners to enhance the quality of cancer care statewide and broaden access to the breakthrough drugs and therapies offered through clinical trials.
New Mexico cancer patients benefit because they can be among the first to receive new cancer prevention and treatment agents.
The Cancer Institute of New Mexico is the state’s newest cancer care facility. It is a joint venture between the physicians of New Mexico Cancer Care and Radiation Oncology Associates. The community-based physicians are able to integrate medical oncology, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, clinical research and patient support services in a single, patient-care facility.
Contact:
Teresa L. Stewart
New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance
505-272-7813
Lynn Komer
New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance
505-660-7682
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