On February 25, physicians, nurses and other staff members from Shore Health System’s clinical trials program hosted an appreciation dinner at the Rustic Inn in Easton to honor individuals who have participated in cancer clinical trials since the beginning of the program in 2001.
Oncologist Mary DeShields, MD, who is senior investigator and director of the Shore Health System Clinical Trials Program, welcomed the 40 guests, including patients who participate in cancer clinical trials and their family members. Brian Leutner, director of oncology services for Shore Health System, introduced staff from Shore Regional Cancer Center, including Robin Ford, MSN, RN, from the Requard Radiation Oncology Center; Amye Foxwell, Shore Regional Cancer Center secretary; clinical research nurse Sharon Richter, RN; and clinical trials program staff member Lisa Hill, MT. Leutner also acknowledged Shore Regional Breast Center’s medical director Jerry Batley, MD, and nurse navigator Mary Jane Flynn, BSN, RN, OCN, along with Eastern Shore Oncology staff Margot Spies, RN, Shannon Seek, RN, OCN, and Kamisha Turner, PA, for their support of the clinical trials program.
Susan Forlifer, MD, a surgeon on the Shore Health System medical staff, discussed the key role of clinical trials in advancing the fight against cancer and Sharon Richter presented information about the breast, prostate, kidney and esophageal cancer clinical trials in which the guests participate.
In order to qualify for a clinical trial, patients must be evaluated by their physician to ensure they meet the criteria for the study. While patients receive the most advanced cancer care available, they are also helping to develop treatments that will save lives in the future. Richter explains, “Only three percent of cancer patients participate in clinical trials nationwide. From these trials, 97 percent of all new treatments and medications are introduced.”
The Shore Health System clinical trials program is partially supported by a grant from the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information about cancer clinical trials available through Shore Health System, contact Sharon Richter, 410-820-6800, ext 108 or email srichter@shorehealth.org. Also visit www.shorehealth.org/services/clinicaltrials.