Every day for the past year, the future of cancer treatment has begun to evolve thanks to research being done through Martin Memorial.

In January 2008, Martin Memorial announced it would collaborate with Moffitt Cancer Center and M2Gen on exciting new research for the Total Cancer Care program, which may change the way physicians treat the disease.  Since then, a team of physicians, nurses, and clinical staff at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center have played a key role in helping advance this potentially life-saving research.

"This will shape the future of cancer care for all - not just for our patients," says Wendy Ryzner, clinical research site supervisor.  "This is the future of how people will be treated"

Personalizing Treatment

The Martin Memorial team works with patients and physicians to contact patients scheduled to have a biopsy or tumor removed that is suspicious for cancer or is known to be cancerous.  Patients willing to participate in the study agree to allow a portion of the tissue removed to be sent for research.

Tissue collected from the tumor is sent to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to study its molecular structure.  Eventually, the genetic makeup will be correlated with the patient's responses to specific treatments, with the ultimate goal to develop new drug therapies that are personalized for each individual, based on the genetic makeup of his or her cancer.

"As research nurses, we usually get to plant the seeds of hope but don't always get to see it bear fruit," says Christina Cullinane, Total Cancer Care clinical research coordinator.  "With this program we'll see the benefits.  Without research, we can't move forward in treating this disease."

Embracing Participation

Martin Memorial has become one of the top sites participating i the Total Cancer Care research program.  As of October 2008, more than 300 patients had agreed to participate in the study or have provided their consent for enrollment in the study - already surpassing its goals for the year.  Patients and physicians have embraced the research program, helping make Martin Memorial a model for what the study can expect to achieve.

"Martin Memorial's physicians and associates and the entire community do not see any boundaries for participating in these trials," says Debbie Lewandowski, director of oncology.  "We have to go further in cancer care."

Article from "For Your Health" Martin Memorial's Wellness Magazine, Spring Preview 2009

Learn More About the Program

For more information on Total Cancer Care, call (772) 221-2060 or visit www.mmhs.com.
Martin Memorial offers a number of ways to participate in the latest cancer research.  To learn more, call (772) 288-5858 or visit http://www.mmhs.com/content/trials.htm.