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The AMITA Health Cancer Institute is committed to supporting a comprehensive Oncology Research Program. Data shows that hospitals participating in clinical cancer research have better outcomes overall,1 as patients benefit from close monitoring and access to leading-edge approaches in cancer care.2
Ongoing clinical trials at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute cover a broad range of study topics, modalities and cancer types, from testing new technologies for early detection and prevention, to the evaluation of new treatments, to assessing new approaches that improve patient and family quality of life. Clinical trials are currently examining the benefits of various surgical, medical and radiation oncology treatment approaches across cancer types.
The AMITA Health Cancer Institute Oncology Research Program is proud to join other hospitals and academic medical centers nationally and worldwide in conducting collaborative cancer trials that have the potential to change the standards of care for cancer patients. The AMITA Health Cancer Institute is an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)-ACRIN affiliate through Northwestern University Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and a main member of the National Cancer Institute-funded NRG Oncology, which includes the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) and Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). Clinical researchers at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute also participate in trials as part of the Southwestern Cooperative Group (SWOG).
Cohesive Malignant Ductal Cells – AMITA Health Cancer Institute prospective study on Same Day Results from Ultrasound Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Suspicious Breast Masses, led by Robert Maganini, MD, FACS, shows that providing same-day results expedited the treatment plan for a significant number, further contributing to patient satisfaction. Prior studies have demonstrated that expedited care can contribute to reduced costs of care. Contact Dr. Maganini for more information (Robert.Maganini@AMITAhealth.org).
Malignant Ductal Cells – AMITA Health Cancer Institute prospective study on Same Day Results from Ultrasound Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Suspicious Breast Masses, led by Robert Maganini, MD, FACS, shows that providing same-day results expedited the treatment plan for a significant number, further contributing to patient satisfaction. Prior studies have demonstrated that expedited care can contribute to reduced costs of care. Contact Dr. Maganini for more information (Robert.Maganini@AMITAhealth.org).
Doppler Mode – AMITA Health Cancer Institute prospective study on Ultrasound Localization of Intercostal Perforating Vessels (IPV) in Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (NSM), led by Robert Maganini, MD, FACS, provides preliminary evidence that US localization of the IPV can reduce NAC and skin necrosis complications in NSM. Contact Dr. Maganini for more information (Robert.Maganini@AMITAhealth.org)
In addition to collaborative trials, our cancer clinicians are actively involved in pharmaceutical company-sponsored trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of promising anti-neoplastic agents. The research portfolio at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute also includes investigator-initiated trials led by physicians in our network who are working to make a difference for those facing a cancer diagnosis. A dedicated staff of research nurses, coordinators and data managers supports all clinical trials across AMITA Health. This group oversees all clinical trials and attend the tumor board, where proposed trials are reviewed to ensure relevancy to the care of the patients cared for at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute.
Newly diagnosed patients referred to the AMITA Health Cancer Institute who may meet inclusion criteria for a given clinical trial are approached to discuss their interest in enrolling. The patient’s eligibility is then carefully reviewed during a multidisciplinary conference and communicated back to the referring providers and the clinical care team. Once a patient consents to participate in a clinical trial, the clinical research team joins the patient’s existing clinical care team, working side-by-side to closely monitor the patient’s treatment and progress. Integration of the clinical research team into patient care is a seamless process and helps ensure that patients enrolled in a clinical trial at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute receive the best possible evidence-based cancer care.
“A patient referred to the AMITA Health Cancer Institute has similar access to clinical trials and state-of-the-art cancer care as they would at any academic medical center — but they can do so while staying close to home.”
– Stuart Marcus, MD, Chief Clinical Officer
Robert Maganini, MD, a breast surgeon at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute, is currently leading an investigator-initiated clinical trial of telepathology an advanced technology that allows same-day analysis of ultrasound-guided core biopsies for suspicious breast masses. Telepathology allows Dr. Maganini to perform a biopsy, create the slide and consult with the pathologist in real time. The patient can receive results on the same day as the biopsy rather than the typical two to five days later. Any follow-up appointments can be made immediately. Dr. Maganini’s team is assessing the effect of this technology on reducing patient anxiety and facilitating scheduling of subsequent care with surgeons, oncologists and genetic counselors. A total of 60 patients are currently enrolled in the trial, and the results were presented at the American Society of Breast Surgery Annual Meeting in April 2017.
The AMITA Health Cancer Institute has a broad and diverse clinical research portfolio with ongoing trials across multiple cancer types. These include studies of immunotherapeutics in cooperation with pharmaceutical manufacturers, and a large number of lung cancer studies conducted with national collaborative groups.
For more information on clinical trials at the AMITA Health Cancer Institute contact the Executive Director of Research, Laurie Smith, at 847-385-7157 or Laurie.Smith2@AMITAhealth.org.
Robert Maganini, MD
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Stuart Marcus, MD, Chief Clinical Officer
Majumdar SR, Roe MT, Peterson ED, Chen AY, Gibler WB, Armstrong PW. Better outcomes for patients treated at hospitals that participate in clinical trials. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(6):657-662.
Krzyzanowska MK, Kaplan R, Sullivan R. How may clinical research improve healthcare outcomes? Ann Oncol. 2011;22(suppl 7):vii10-vii15.
