Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center to Participate in Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare National Clinical Trials
The Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center has entered into an agreement with Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare (the adult oncology collaboration among Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital) to make their clinical trials available to patients here in Connecticut.
In 1996, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the two founding members of the Partners HealthCare System — Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital — combined their cancer research and patient care strengths to accelerate the transfer of basic science discoveries into clinical practice.
According to Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center Medical Director, Mark Kimmel, M.D., "This agreement will greatly expand the range of clinical trial research options for our patients, without them having to travel outside of the area."
According to Dr. Kimmel, the Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare agreement will make about 20 of the latest clinical trials available to Middlesex Hospital to choose from, including those related to breast, colon and lung cancer.
"Although the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center has been offering clinical trials for some time," said Dr. Kimmel, "these trials will address the needs of our community by offering some of the latest trials available through the research currently being done by Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare."
Clinical trials are research studies in which people agree to try new therapies (under careful supervision) in order to help doctors identify treatments with the most effect and fewest side effects. These studies help improve the overall standard of care. The clinical trials sometimes make new, promising treatments or medications available for patients.
The Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center opened in October of 2002, and houses both medical and radiation oncologists' offices. The Radiation Oncology Department is equipped with the latest treatment technology, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), the most advanced and accurate radiation treatment available. Patients and their families can also take advantage of the services of a gynecological oncologist, oncology social worker, dietitian, research nurse, advanced practice psychology nurse, a breast care coordinator, as well as numerous support groups, educational sessions, special events, and a comprehensive patient and family medical resource library.
For more information about clinical trials at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, call 860-358-2050.
Contact Information
Public Relations Director
Amanda Falcone
860-358-6980
amanda.falcone@midhosp.org