Mercy is broadening its cancer treatment capabilities by offering proton beam therapy clinical trials to patients. Through its membership with the Proton Collaborative Group (PCG), Mercy provides access to clinical trials for cancers affecting the breast, pancreas, prostate, and lung.
This partnership also allows Mercy to contribute to a proton therapy registry, which is crucial for evaluating cancer treatments and tailoring them to individual patient needs. Proton therapy's precision allows doctors to target cancerous tissue while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, potentially reducing side effects.
"PCG provides our patients greater opportunity and access to clinical trials using proton beam therapy, which for many of them makes this treatment possible, while at the same time helping improve future cancer treatment," said Dr. Amit Roy, principal investigator for the proton beam registry and PCG trials at Mercy St. Louis. "In addition, the care teams will have access to important data to help shape future treatment."
Collaboration for Enhanced Cancer Care
PCG, established in 2009, comprises over 30 treatment centers across the United States. The organization's primary goal is to improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients through collaborative research and the development of new treatment protocols.
Jillian Plochocki, PCG executive director, stated, "We are delighted to have Mercy as a member of PCG and to share their expertise and perspective on the field of proton therapy. Mercy’s contribution to the largest proton therapy registry in the world and to critical proton therapy clinical trials will help pave the way to better treatment, improved clinical outcomes and enhanced quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer."
Integrating with Existing Research
Mercy Research's participation in PCG complements its existing portfolio of National Cancer Institute-sponsored trials for proton beam therapy. This expanded research capacity allows Mercy to offer a wider range of treatment options to its patients.
Dr. Laurie Marshall-Nightengale, Mercy director of oncology research, noted, "New trials with PCG will compliment Mercy Research’s existing portfolio of National Cancer Institute-sponsored trials for proton beam therapy."
Mercy's Proton Therapy Center, which opened in July 2022 within Mercy Hospital St. Louis, is equipped with advanced technology to deliver precise radiation treatment to cancerous tumors.
