Bio
Promising and potentially groundbreaking advances in cancer research takes another giant step forward at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.
As part of the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute’s pioneering membership in the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, a new, dedicated clinical trials unit has officially opened at the Institute.
Joining us is Dr. Peter Yu - Physician-in-Chief at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.
Q. Tell us about “Phase one” of the clinical trials unit...why is this so interesting?
A. Phase I studies allow us to bring to Connecticut the newest and earliest cancer drugs being designed in modern laboratories based on our rapidly expanding discoveries in Precision Medicine. Over the last decade the number of new drugs approved by the FDA through clinical trials has greatly increased. We are bringing new and better treatments for patients with cancer faster. We have opened this new Phase 1 Unit so that we can access these breakthrough therapies at the earliest possible moment in their development, allowing patients fresh options for cancer therapy.
Q. The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute became the charter member of the MSK Cancer alliance four years ago...aside from the clinical trials unit, how has this relationship evolved in other ways over the years...
A. The Phase 1 Unit is just one example of how our MSK partnership has invigorated cancer care here in Connecticut. Every week our physicians, nurses, pharmacist and other staff are engaging with their counterparts in NY to further advances in cancer care. We have hosted numerous educational events, started a telemedicine program and begun collaboration on geriatric oncology. With most cancer patients over the age of 65, special attention to the needs of elderly patients with cancer, who often have other non-cancer health problems, addresses a critical unmet need among our patient population.
Q. What can patients expect from the clinical trials unit in “Phase two” and beyond...
A. This 6 patient unit is an important step forward in advancing our clinical trials portfolio through our MSK partnership and we expect that we will need to expand it in the near future as well as bring more clinical trial options to patients at other HHC hospital regions. This event today is a landmark event because it shows that we have reached a critical mass in our resources and capabilities that will allow us to move at an ever faster pace and improve the lives of patients with cancer and their families and loved ones.
Thank you, Dr. Yu, for sharing this important information with our viewers tonight, and continued success in all of the cancer research underway at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.
If you would like to learn more about the clinical trials unit at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute call “Cancer Connect” at 1-855-255-6181.
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Aetna, Anthem, BCBS Medicare, CarePartners of Connecticut, Cigna Healthcare, Colonial Cooperative Care, Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc., Connecticare, Connecticare Commercial, Connecticare Medicare, Corvel, Coventry, Essence Healthcare, Evercare, First Health Group Corp., Focus, Harvard Pilgrim, Health Connecticut, Health Direct, Health New England, Healthy Connecticut, HMC/ Northeast Healthcare, Medspan Commercial, Medspan Medicare, Multiplan, Northeast Health Direct, One Health Plan/ Great-West Healthcare, Oxford Health Plans, Prime Health Services, Private Health Care Systems, Inc., Senior Whole Health, United Healthcare, WellCare of Connecticut, Inc.