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Texas Oncology-Baylor Sammons Cancer Center Recognized for Highest Commitment to Clinical Research at ASCO

Posted on: Monday, 9 June 2008, 18:00 CDT

HOUSTON, June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Oncology-Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, a member of the US Oncology network, received a Clinical Trial Participation Award at the recent 44th American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. The practice was one of only 10 community oncology practices to receive the award.

This is the fifth consecutive year that practices affiliated with US Oncology have been recognized for their contributions to cancer research. Since the initiation of the award in 2003, 12 US Oncology affiliated practices have won the award from ASCO.

Award winners were selected based on a number of factors including patient accrual to clinical trials over a three-year period. Special consideration was given to practices that increased clinical trials participation among underrepresented populations as well as practices that used innovative techniques to overcome barriers to enrolling patients in clinical trials.

"As a part of the US Oncology Research Network, Texas Oncology, and particularly the Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, is making significant contributions to cancer research," said Patricia Winger, vice president of research for US Oncology. "We are honored to have such distinguished practices within our network that are committed to helping advance the latest therapies through clinical research. Providing increased access to an array of treatment opportunities for patients within the community setting embodies our research mission."

Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is the largest independent oncology practice nationwide. Research site leader Joanne L. Blum, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P. accepted the award on behalf of the practice.

The US Oncology Research network is an established community-based research operation specializing in all phases of cancer clinical trials. The research network currently has 595 physicians actively enrolling patients, 109 research sites, and is currently involved in 63 open research trials. The network has contributed to the development of 24 of 30 of the latest cancer-fighting drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use. Since 1993, more than 32,000 patients have participated in clinical trials managed by US Oncology network practices.

About US Oncology, Inc.

US Oncology, headquartered in Houston, works closely with physicians, manufacturers and payers to identify and deliver innovative services that enhance patient access to advanced cancer care. US Oncology supports one of the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research networks accelerating the availability and use of evidence-based medicine and shared best practices.

US Oncology's expertise in supporting every aspect of the cancer care delivery system -- from drug development to treatment and outcomes measurement, enables the company to help increase the efficiency and safety of cancer care. According to the company's last quarterly earnings report, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,247 physicians operating in 472 locations, including 91 radiation oncology facilities in 39 states. For more information, visit the company's Web site, http://www.usoncology.com/.

US Oncology, Inc.

CONTACT: Lisa Henderson, +1-813-775-6208,Lisa.Henderson@hillandknowlton.com, for US Oncology, Inc.

Web site: http://www.usoncology.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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