ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute has been awarded the Platinum Award by the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) for its high rate of patient enrollment in cancer research clinical trials. The award, presented at the NCORP annual meeting in Bethesda, Maryland, recognizes the center's "exceptional achievement" in patient participation.
Last year, almost 30% of all patients at the Graham Cancer Center were enrolled in approximately 110 clinical trials. This figure is more than seven times the national average of 4%, with over 300 enrollments specifically through NCORP.
High Enrollment Reflects Commitment to Research
Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., the Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, emphasized the significance of this recognition. "Each year the clinical trials program at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute receives top honors and high praise for the number of patients who enroll in cancer research trials. This year is no different," said Dr. Schwaab.
He further added, "This recognition is testimony to our entire staff of clinicians, administrators and support personnel who are dedicated to providing our patients with the very best care. They understand the many benefits patients receive from participating in research clinical trials."
Benefits of Clinical Trial Participation
Participating in cancer research trials offers several advantages to patients, including access to cutting-edge treatments that may not be otherwise available. According to the National Cancer Institute, these trials can provide patients with potentially more effective treatments, closer monitoring by research teams, and the opportunity to contribute to advancements in cancer research that could benefit future patients.
NCORP Recognizes Leading Clinicians
In addition to the Platinum Award, NCORP also recognized several clinicians from the Graham Cancer Center for their outstanding efforts in recruiting patients to cancer clinical trials. Gold Award recipients included Gaurav Shukla, M.D., Ph.D., Ramya Varadarajan, M.D., Adam Raben, M.D., Timothy Kegelman, M.D., Ph.D., Dhaval Shah, MBBS, and Amy McGhee-Jez, M.D. Silver Award recipients included Jamil Khatri, M.D., Gregory Masters, M.D., Philip Margiotta, M.D., and Evan Lapinsky, M.D.
Non-Physician Gold Awards were presented to Emily Broadbent, PA, and Robyn Crisp, PA, while Non-Physician Silver Awards were given to Jennifer Campoli, NP, and Megan Lee, PA.
The Graham Cancer Center is one of the original National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program sites in the United States and participates in NCORP, a national network bringing treatment, cancer control, and cancer care delivery trials to communities.
