In June, Texas Oncology physicians joined more than 30,000 members of the oncology community gathered at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting to share research findings. As the largest conference for the cancer community, the ASCO meeting recognizes the progress made in cancer research, celebrating contributions of physicians and patient participants alike.

Twenty-two Texas Oncology physicians contributed research to the ASCO conference. Their research, selected as part of a competitive peer-review process, took place locally with Texas-based patients.

Often, research unveiled at conferences like ASCO makes a significant impact on future cancer treatments. In fact, each of the 43 FDA-approved drugs associated with Texas Oncology research began in clinical trials; many were introduced at cancer-related events like ASCO.

The latest drug to result from Texas Oncology research was approved in April 2011 to treat advanced prostate cancer. Texas Oncology’s Dr. Thomas Hutson (Dallas) played a key role in developing the new drug, abiraterone acetate (also known as Zytiga). It was recently featured in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“When we reviewed the clinical trial results, we knew that this would give prostate cancer patients an important option for treatment,” said Thomas Hutson, M.D., medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center. “We’re excited to be at the forefront of such innovative research for this and other treatments that could improve care for our patients.”

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