The Natalie Warren Bryant Cancer Center at Saint Francis Health participates in the Oklahoma Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) to further cancer research and improve patient outcomes. As the only CCOP grantee in Oklahoma, the Warren Cancer Research Foundation provides area patients access to nationwide cancer research, prevention and treatment clinical trials. Patients are able to take advantage of these state-of-the-art clinical trials while enjoying the comforts and routine of everyday home life.

 

In 1975, Saint Francis Hospital became the first community hospital in the United States to serve as a full institutional member of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). Membership in ECOG brought National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored cancer research clinical trials to our community and allowed patients to remain in Tulsa, OK, for treatment. Although this provided a much needed option for our cancer patients, the institution faced many challenges in conducting clinical cancer research locally while competing with major academic medical centers for financial support.

 

In 1983, the NCI realized that 85 percent of cancer patients were treated in the community setting and established the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) research designation. For the first time, federal funding for cancer research was available to community hospitals and leveled the research playing field.

 

Our participation in the CCOP laid the groundwork for our multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with cancer. Clinical cancer research establishes the highest standards for cancer care. Participating in clinical cancer research enhances the knowledge of our oncology team and offers additional treatment options to patients. Studies have demonstrated that physicians who participate in clinical research are several years ahead in terms of treatment approaches and deliver more advanced patient care.

 

The Warren Cancer Research Foundation has connections and access to cancer research clinical trials through many established groups, including the ECOG, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest, the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group and the Children’s Oncology Group. Additionally, the Warren Cancer Research Foundation often conducts open adult and pediatric clinical studies.

 

Our cancer research team has been involved in the approval of new pathological and radiological diagnostic methods, as well as FDA approval of more than 20 new oncology drugs. The dedication and hard work of our staff and the ongoing partnership between physicians and patients have contributed greatly to our cancer research success.

 

View cancer related active clinical trials available at Saint Francis and look up frequently asked questions. You may also read our policy on promoting objectivity in research at Saint Francis.

 

To find out more, please call us at 918-491-5878.