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Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) supports an active research program. While most of our research is in the areas of cancer prevention and treatment, we also take part in some studies from other specialties.
The Cancer Research Program at DCMH began in 1990, when we joined the Fox Chase Network. As a designated comprehensive cancer center, Fox Chase Cancer Center is a national leader in cancer research. We expect our current collaboration with Fox Chase through the Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership to strengthen our already strong Cancer Research Program.
Over the years, the growth of the Cancer Research Program has kept the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center (DCRCC) on the cutting edge of cancer care. Clinical research studies involve only people who wish to take part, and who meet the study’s eligibility requirements. The availability of specific studies varies over time.
Studies may involve any type of cancer, including lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and a number of other sites. On average DCMH has 35 – 40 cancer research studies available.
Cancer treatment studies use combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Some studies use a new type of “targeted” therapy, with drugs like Iressa, Tarceva, Alimta, Avastin, and Erbitux. Some studies use new types of radiation therapy, including IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) and prostate seed implants.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors many of the studies offered at DCMH. We belong to three national research groups, which are funded by the NCI. These are:
· The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, for Medical Oncology trials;
· The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, for Radiation Oncology trials; and
· The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, for Surgical Oncology trials.
In addition, studies sponsored by various pharmaceutical companies are conducted at DCMH, along with studies sponsored by Fox Chase Cancer Center, by the Oncology Physicians Network, and by the Minnie Pearl Research Network. The DCMH Institutional Review Board reviews and approves each study before it is offered here.
Over 600 people have taken part in clinical research studies at DCMH since 1990. The consistent increase in oncology research activities at the DCRCC reflects this hospital’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art care to our community today and defining the standards of cancer care for tomorrow.
Delaware County Memorial Hospital
Institutional Review Board
The Delaware County Memorial Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB) approves all research done at or through Delaware County Memorial Hospital. The IRB is a group of people who review research studies to protect the rights of the subjects. This Committee is composed of Physicians, a Pharmacist, a Social Worker, a Nurse, a Minister, a DCMH Board member, and a member of the local community who is not an employee of DCMH. For additional information about the IRB, call (610) 394-4722.
If you want to learn about the responsibilities of Investigators at DCMH, click on the link for DCMH Guidelines for the Clinical Investigator. For the application form needed to submit a study to the DCMH IRB, click on the link for Request for IRB Review and Approval |
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