For Immediate Release
Oncology Hematology Consultants, PSC dba PURCHASE CANCER GROUP:
Contact for Purchase Cancer Group:
Mark D. Fay, (270) 554-0011

Contact for Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center:
Cynthia Floyd Manley, (615) 936-5711

PURCHASE CANCER GROUP JOINS VANDERBILT-INGRAM CANCER CENTER TO OFFER CANCER TRIALS IN PADUCAH, KENTUCKY

PADUCAH, KY – March 19, 2007 – PURCHASE CANCER GROUP;

Dr. Charles Winkler, Dr. David Ginn, Dr. William Conkright and Dr. Elpidia Balbastro have joined the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s Affiliate Network to provide more convenient access to some of the most promising investigational cancer treatments to area patients.

The Network includes 15 hospitals and oncology practices throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and Virginia that have joined together to conduct cancer treatment studies, called clinical trials.

“We read about new cancer advances in cancer treatment almost every day, but none of these advances would be possible without going through rigorous clinical trials,” indicates Dr. William Conkright. “We are pleased to join with the region’s leading comprehensive cancer center to offer the opportunity to participate in this research close to home.”

Alan Sandler, MD, associate professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt School of Medicine and medical director of the Network, noted that clinical trial participation by patients throughout the region will speed the evaluation of promising new treatments.

“Clinical trials represent a critical step in bringing exciting discoveries from the research laboratory into the clinic where they can truly benefit patients,” Sandler said. “We are happy to work with PURCHASE CANCER GROUP in conducting innovative trials to improve cancer care for all our patients.”

All new treatments for disease must be tested in patients in closely monitored, highly structured clinical trials. In cancer trials, patients receive either the standard treatment, if one exists, or the investigational treatment, which may be as good as or better than the standard.

Potential risks and benefits of participation are carefully outlined to patients in a process called “informed consent” and participation is entirely voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time.

For more information about clinical trials offered by the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center through the Network, call 1-800-811-8480 or visit www.vicc.org/viccan.

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Affiliated with Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee and one of only 39 to earn this highest distinction nationwide. Vanderbilt-Ingram includes a robust multi-disciplinary basic, translational, clinical, and population-based cancer research enterprise as well as state-of-the-art cancer care and clinical trials for adults and children with cancers, and a commitment to the community through cancer education, outreach and information. For more information, visit www.vicc.org.

Purchase Cancer Group, located at 100 Kiana Court – Paducah, KY provides the highest quality oncology and hematology medical care made possible for our patients through advances in modern medical technology. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the most compassionate, friendly care utilizing the most efficient methods of treatment available. Purchase Cancer Group is committed to meeting the needs of our patients and contributing to their comfort with our understanding and excellent service.

Contact Mark D. Fay, Practice Administrator or Kristy Harris, RN, Clinical Trials Nurse Coordinator, for additional information at (270) 554-0011 or at (800) 866-4465.