OSCRI Teams Up with NRG Oncology to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment in Oklahoma

TULSA -- In a significant development for cancer treatment and research in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (OSCRI) has joined forces with NRG Oncology, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. This strategic partnership is set to enhance OSCRI's capabilities by providing direct access to a plethora of government-funded studies and an extensive international research network. The collaboration comes as a boon to OSCRI, which has built a robust foundation in cancer trials over several decades. The leadership anticipates that this affiliation will facilitate the expansion of their existing research programs, particularly in the realm of breast, prostate, and gynecologic cancers. The partnership aligns with OSCRI’s mission to deliver innovative treatment options not only to patients in Oklahoma but also to those further afield. NRG Oncology comprises three prominent research teams: the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, and the Gynecologic Oncology Group. Collectively, these groups have made substantial contributions to cancer treatment and patient care over the last 150 years, pioneering advancements that have transformed the oncology landscape. Dr. Daron Street, president of OSCRI, emphasized the critical role of clinical trials in advancing cancer care. "Almost all of the clinical advances in oncology have come about because of trials," he noted. "There are so many exciting treatments on the horizon thanks to clinical trials. Not only do clinical trials improve survival rates, they also contribute to lower cancer recurrence rates, new treatment approaches for cancers that have no effective therapy, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life." As a main member of NRG Oncology, OSCRI can now incorporate studies funded by the National Cancer Institute into its portfolio. Melissa Barnes, the Institute's Clinical Research Manager, highlighted the advantages this partnership brings to local patients. "We can provide trial opportunities to patients in northeast Oklahoma and beyond, so it adds to our current portfolio," she explained. Barnes expressed optimism that these developments would lead to significant advances in cancer treatment and improved survival rates. One of the most notable aspects of this partnership is the increased accessibility to cutting-edge therapies that were previously available only outside the state. "Patients now have access to some of the newest and most effective drugs that once required interstate travel to receive," Barnes stated. "We're able to offer that to them right here." OSCRI's research department is equipped with master-level nurses who are nationally certified in oncology and research, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care throughout their treatment journey. This expertise allows the institute to support physicians exploring clinical trials while also pursuing opportunities for further growth within their research programs. Ruth Dunn, executive director for clinical operations at OSCRI, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership's potential. "Research is the frontier for oncology, and we're excited to be a part of it," Dunn remarked. With the collaboration between OSCRI and NRG Oncology, the future of cancer treatment in Oklahoma looks promising, with hopes for groundbreaking advancements and improved patient outcomes on the horizon.