Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2013 - (Page 11)

chemotherapy and radiation regimen on Draksler’s type of lymphoma. It is hoped that the study will reveal a more concrete treatment strategy and improve outcomes for patients with this disease. Clinical trials are research studies designed to ﬁnd new and better ways to prevent, detect and diagnose cancer and other diseases and treat patients. Trials help scientists learn more about cancer—how it grows, spreads, acts and responds to different therapies—and provide patients with access to promising new therapies, which may be more effective than standard treatments, before they are widely available. Currently, the Greenebaum Cancer Center has 250 active clinical trials. A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY draw on the expertise of medical oncologists, pathologists and radiation oncologists who specialize in the treatment of lymphomas. This expertise allows us to see more cases of primary CNS lymphoma than most places,” says Navesh Sharma, DO, PhD, an assistant professor of radiation oncology and a radiation oncologist at the Greenebaum Cancer Center. Soon after learning her diagnosis, Draksler and her husband met her clinical team from the Greenebaum Cancer Center. While discussing treatment options, Young Kwok, MD, an associate professor of radiation oncology and a specialist in brain lymphoma, asked whether Draksler would consider participating in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a speciﬁc Draksler was an ideal candidate for a clinical trial known as RTOG–1114 for several reasons: ■ The trial was designed to treat the rare form of cancer that she had. ■ Outside of her cancer diagnosis, she was very healthy. ■ Perhaps most important, she was able to understand the pros and cons of enrolling in a clinical trial. This is important because sometimes brain tumors can affect the cognitive ability of patients, making them incapable of making sound decisions. Draksler was evaluated and was found to be a match for the trial. The cancer research team thoroughly discussed the criteria with her, and encouraged her to take the weekend to read information, discuss it with her family and write down any questions. Although she felt conﬁdent that she would receive the highest level of care Call 410-337-1338 or visit stjosephtowson.com and click the “Cancer Institute” button. Draksler’s cancer team included physicians Young Kwok, MD, left, and Aaron Rapoport, MD. THE NCI DIFFERENCE The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, placing it in the top tier of cancer centers in the country. The NCI program helps advance scientiﬁc research into the causes and treatment of cancer. It recognizes centers that are actively engaged in conducting research into ways to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer. This designation allows UMGCC to participate in NCI-sponsored clinical trials, signaling to patients and the public that they can ﬁnd the best minds and the most advanced therapies in the ﬁght against cancer. Most important, NCI designation at the University of Maryland means Marylanders don’t have to travel out of state for world-class programs in multidisciplinary cancer research. They are available close to home. stjosephtowson.com | Fall 2013 11 http://www.stjosephtowson.com http://www.stjosephtowson.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2013

Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2013
Contents
A Healthy Start
Family Ties
Happy Feet
A Winning Trial
At a Glance
Foundation Halls
News and Events

Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2013