CANCER TREATMENTS OF TOMORROW AT LRGHEALTHCARE TODAY

Sealant Day Sponsored by LRGHealthcare’s Dental Resource Center

LACONIA & FRANKLIN, NH - There are few words as unsettling to hear as the word “cancer,” yet it is a word that many of us will hear from our doctors in our lifetime. But thanks to the advances being made in cancer treatment research every day, that word is now becoming a little less intimidating.

Some of the greatest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment come from clinical trials—research studies that examine the use of the newest technologies, techniques, and medications in fighting cancer. For the past six years, LRGHealthcare’s Hematology/Oncology Department has participated in wide selection of clinical trials for cancer treatment therapies through our partnership with New Hampshire Oncology-Hematology (NHOH). We are pleased to announce that this relationship has recently expanded.

Late this spring, LRGHealthcare was approved as an affiliate clinical trial site for Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Until now, our patients have had very limited access to DFCI trials through our affiliation with NHOH. LRGH will now have a select menu of DFCI sponsored clinical trials through the LRGHealthcare Oncology Department, Clinical Trials Program.

“Clinical trials give patients the opportunity to receive new therapies that may show improved response or have fewer side effects than traditional therapies,” explains LRGHealthcare Director of Hematology/Oncology Sherry Cesati, RN, OCN. “By participating in a clinical trial, a patient will either receive the established standard treatment, or a new treatment that researchers believe may be even better. Many of our patients have been very eager to participate in past trials, and we are pleased we can now offer them even more treatment options.”

“We offered a limited number of clinical trials when this program first began in 2003,” says LRGHealthcare Clinical Trials Coordinator, Dawn Coleman , RN,OCN. The clinical trials program at LRGH has grown beyond all expectations over the last 6 years. We now offer a wide range of nationally sponsored clinical trials to our patients. The addition of DFCI sponsored trials will continue to promote growth within the program and offer new opportunities to our patients locally. The DFCI sponsored trials will be limited initially, however we expect to see expansion of these trials over time. Having access to cutting-edge treatments close to home is vital for our patients.”

“LRGHealthcare’s doctors have been recognized as leaders in the State for encouraging their patients’ participation in clinical trials,” says Cesati. “They have shown their level of commitment to finding the best treatments for their patients and we are proud to work with them to provide the very best care for all of our patients.”

For more information on the clinical trial program or cancer services at LRGHealthcare, please call 527-2905.

LRGHealthcare, a not-for-profit healthcare charitable trust, represents Franklin Regional Hospital, Lakes Region General Hospital, Affiliated Medical Providers, HealthLink, Community Wellness Centers, the Dental Resource Center, the Holistic Health Center, and other community-based services. LRGHealthcare is committed to making health care available, accessible, and affordable to you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Public Relations & Marketing
80 Highland Street
Laconia, NH 03246
Phone (603) 737-1041
Fax (603) 737-1027