Genitourinary cancer research studies recognized as top studies by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
The Woodlands, Texas (August 7, 2014) — Two genitourinary cancer research clinical trial studies authored by physicians affiliated with US Oncology Research and The US Oncology Network will be featured in the Best of ASCO meetings, August 8-9 in Boston, August 15-16 in Chicago, and August 22-23 in Seattle.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) hosted its 50th Annual Meeting May 30-June 3 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Best of ASCO meetings highlight the most relevant studies from the ASCO Annual Meeting, which is the premier educational and scientific event in the oncology community. This major medical meeting highlights the most advanced treatments in cancer care and attracts more than 25,000 cancer specialists from around the world.
This year’s Annual Meeting featured nearly 80 clinical trial studies from more than 70 investigators affiliated with US Oncology Research, The US Oncology Network and McKesson Specialty Health. The two studies listed below were selected to be featured in the Best of ASCO meetings.
• Abstract # LBA2: Impact on overall survival (OS) with chemohormonal therapy versus hormonal therapy for hormone-sensitive newly metastatic prostate cancer (mPrCa): An ECOG-led phase III randomized trial. (Co-authored by US Oncology Research affiliated physician Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, oncologist with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, a practice in The US Oncology Network.)
Genitourinary (Prostate) Cancer session:
-Best of ASCO Boston: 8:00am-8:50am, Saturday, August 9; Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
-Best of ASCO Chicago: 8:00am-8:50am, Saturday, August 16; Hilton Chicago
-Best of ASCO Seattle: 8:00am-8:50am, Saturday, August 23; The Weston Seattle
"This study changes the way every physician now will approach a patient who is discovered to have prostate cancer spread to the lymph nodes, bones or other organs,” said Dr. Vogelzang. “The study showed that the addition of six doses of docetaxel chemotherapy to the traditional hormone therapy significantly improved survival compared to traditional hormone therapy alone. The chemotherapy was remarkably well tolerated compared to when chemotherapy is given to these men later, when the cancer is more advanced and the men are weaker.”
• Abstract # 5011: Inhibition of PD-L1 by MPDL3280A and clinical activity in pts with metastatic urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). (Co-authored by US Oncology Research affiliated physicians Drs. Nicholas Vogelzang and Fadi Braiteh, oncologists with Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.)
Genitourinary (Nonprostate) Cancer session:
-Best of ASCO Boston: 8:50am-9:40am, Saturday, August 9; Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
-Best of ASCO Chicago: 8:50am-9:40am, Saturday, August 16; Hilton Chicago
-Best of ASCO Seattle: 8:50am-9:40am, Saturday, August 23; The Weston Seattle
“Scientists have tried for decades to redirect the immune system to attack cancer cells, especially in the setting of metastatic solid tumors,” said Dr. Braiteh. “The advances in targeting PD-L1 expression have brought unprecedented results in the treatment of bladder and urothelial cancers, which haven’t had new treatments for nearly thirty years. This study in particular revealed very promising results, hence the FDA awarding MPDL3280A with “breakthrough” designation. Depending on the ongoing Phase II clinical trial, this could possibly change the standard of care when treating metastatic bladder cancer.”
Additionally, Dr. John Cox, an oncologist with Texas Oncology, a practice in The US Oncology Network, is participating as a panelist during two of the Best of ASCO meetings. The panel discussion titled, "Community Oncology Town Hall: Ongoing and Future Issues for Practice," will take place in Chicago on Friday, August 15 from 3:40pm to 4:30pm and in Seattle on Friday, August 22 from 3:40pm to 4:30pm.
"It’s exciting to see the cutting-edge research that is presented by these hard-working investigators each year at the ASCO Annual Meeting,” said Dr. Michael Seiden, chief medical officer, The US Oncology Network and McKesson Specialty Health. “They are advancing the quality and science of cancer care and making a difference for patients.”
Supported by McKesson Specialty Health, US Oncology Research enables community-based oncologists, many affiliated with The US Oncology Network, to lead and participate in cutting-edge clinical research studies. US Oncology Research has a long history of bringing innovative and successful agents to market. Physicians affiliated with US Oncology Research have played a role in 50 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. In 2013, physicians participating in US Oncology Research enrolled the first patient in the U.S. on eight separate trials. Click here to view a complete list of affiliated studies that were featured at ASCO 2014 (PDF, 525 KB).
About US Oncology Research
Supported by McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network, US Oncology Research draws from a network of experienced investigators and dedicated clinical staff who specialize in oncology clinical trials. US Oncology Research serves nearly 70 research sites and approximately 200 locations managing about 225 active trials at any given time. Physicians in the research network have enrolled more than 58,000 patients in approximately 1,300 trials since inception in 1992 and have played a role in 50 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information call (800) 482-6700 or visit www.usoncology.com/oncologists.