(LONDON, Ontario) – Cancer is the leading cause
of pre-mature death in Canada. The Clinical
Research Unit (CRU) at the London Regional
Cancer Program (LRCP), London Health Sciences
Centre (LHSC) is dedicated to discovering new
treatment options for patients that will extend and
improve the quality of their lives.
Clinical trials help the scientific community
learn more about cancer and answer many
questions about this disease. They contribute
immensely to a better understanding of cancer
and its treatments. Most importantly, the
knowledge gained through conducting clinical
trials leads to developments in patient care,
therapies and better ways to combat the disease.
These advancements will help those living with
cancer, both now and in the future.
“Clinical trials give patients access to the
newest, most advanced types of treatment before
they are widely available. And without clinical
research, we wouldn’t be able to offer patients the
options that are available to them today”, says Dr.
Brian Dingle, Acting Vice-President, Regional
Cancer Services, LRCP, LHSC.
The advancements in cancer treatment to
date were made possible through the participation
of cancer patients in clinical trials. As a result of
the progress made, many patients being treated
now are living longer, with better quality of life.
The goal of the CRU at LRCP is to have a clinical
trial available for every patient.
Dr. Robert Ash, LRCP Radiation Oncologist
says, ““Participating in a clinical trial can allow the
patient to take a more active role in their care,
and give them the satisfaction of knowing they are
making a valuable contribution to cancer research.”
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is one
of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching hospitals
and is dedicated to excellence in patient care,
teaching and research. LHSC has pioneered many
national and international medical breakthroughs.
Located in London, Ontario, LHSC encompasses
three sites, South Street Hospital, University
Hospital and Victoria Hospital; two family medical
centres; and the London Regional Cancer
Program. LHSC is the home of the Children’s
Hospital of Western Ontario and CSTAR
(Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced
Robotics). The research arm of LHSC is Lawson
Health Research Institute, which is partnered with
London’s other teaching hospital, St. Joseph’s
Health Care, London. LHSC is affiliated with The
University of Western Ontario. Physicians and staff
at LHSC number close to 8,000 and together they
provide care for more than 600,000 patients each
year.
For more information contact:
Judie Havers, Communications Consultant
Corporate Communications & Public Relations,
LHSC
519-685-8500, ext. 58738