Inova Schar Cancer Institute Recruiting Patients for ASCO's Groundbreaking TAPUR Clinical Trial

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Inova Schar Cancer Institute announced today it is recruiting patients for the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) first-ever clinical trial, the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) Study. The trial will evaluate molecularly targeted cancer drugs and collect data on clinical outcomes to learn about additional uses of these drugs outside of those already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients enrolled in the study will have access to these cancer drugs at no cost. Patients interested in participating in the study are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements on the TAPUR website and speak to their physicians.

"We are pleased to partner with ASCO in this clinical trial and to offer another option to Inova patients for whom standard treatment is no longer working," said Tim Cannon, MD, Clinical Director for the Molecular Tumor Board and Personalized Medicine Initiative. "We are hopeful that through this trial, we'll learn more about these medications and the additional types of cancer they may be able to treat."

Because TAPUR includes broader eligibility criteria and allows the treating physician greater discretion, it will include a broader patient population than many clinical trials. Eligible participants include those who have an advanced solid tumor, multiple myeloma, or B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma who are no longer benefitting from standard anti-cancer treatments or for whom no acceptable standard treatment is available.

"This trial will help evaluate whether certain targeted therapies offer benefits when no established options remain and provide access to these therapies for patients who participate," said ASCO President Daniel F. Hayes, MD, FASCO. "With TAPUR, these patients have the potential to benefit from targeted therapies that have already demonstrated effectiveness in other cancer types. Like other clinical trial participants, they can also help tomorrow's patients."

An Institutional Review Board has approved the study, and ASCO has established a Steering Group and an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board to oversee the trial. A Molecular Tumor Board also is available to help identify treatment options for patients based on the genomic profile of their tumor. Patients and patient advocates are included in each of these groups and play a central role in providing direction and guidance regarding all aspects of the study. ASCO will publish the study's findings in peer-reviewed journals to inform clinical practice and future research.

Patients can find study information such as general eligibility criteria, participating locations, and contact information for the study team at www.TAPUR.org. For more information on participation at Inova, call 703-970-6447.

About Inova

Inova is a global leader in personalized health, which leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. At Inova, we serve more than 2 million people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond. We are shaping the future of health through our integrated network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, outpatient services and destination institutes.  Our commitment to health and wellness is further reflected in our sustainable practices. Inova is home to world-class researchers, expert medical specialists and renowned scientists, who are driving innovation to improve patient care, prevent disease and promote wellness. For more information, visit inova.org, or find Inova on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About ASCO

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to making a world of difference in cancer care. As the world's leading organization of its kind, ASCO represents more than 40,000 oncology professionals who care for people living with cancer. Through research, education, and promotion of the highest-quality patient care, ASCO works to conquer cancer and create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. ASCO is supported by its affiliate organization, the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Learn more at www.ASCO.org, explore patient education resources at www.Cancer.Net, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Kelly Schlageter
[email protected]  
571-472-0200

SOURCE Inova Health System

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