US Oncology features a large network for their pharmaceutical services. This increases efficiency and results in lower costing medications. The cancer center services consist of a full spectrum of care that is centered on patients and run by doctors. The US Oncology cancer center “integrates essential aspects of medical and radiation oncology, imaging and diagnostic services, pharmacy services, research and transplant, and patient support services.” USO works with doctors, oncologists, nurses and pharmacists as well. The cancer research services at USO have acquired more than 16,000 cancer patients over the past 10 years for their clinical trials. USO has also played an important role in FDA approval of 16 anticancer drugs.
But not only is US Oncology large, it also features the best cancer technology and research one can find. They are constantly expanding, researching, and innovating, and they coordinate trials of cancer drug research for many companies under their biotechnology and pharmaceutical divisions. They are listed in Fortune as one of America 's most admired companies for 2004.
US Oncology network has 78 integrated cancer centers, so you do not have to go too far from home to seek help. They also adjust treatment for different levels of need, and offer various forms of outpatient cancer care. They offer PET (Positron Emission Tomography) technology at most locations (PET scans are used to diagnose and treat cancer). This technology helps doctors see cancer's presence and determine whether it is spreading.
Some of the latest treatments for cancer involve stem cells, and of course, USO has the most up to date knowledge and treatments in this area as well. Stem cell transplants have been used to treat diseases such as leukemia, lymphomas, some solid tumors, aplastic anemia, immune deficiencies, sickle cell disease, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. One type of stem cell transplant involves taking stem cells from the bone marrow by needle (this is known as apheresis), and the other kind requires harvesting stem cells from umbilical cord blood. The option to this latter form of stem cell acquisition is that these immature stem cells reproduce into mature blood cells in a quicker, more efficient way than the stem cells you can get from the bone marrow of another child or an adult.
USO, of course, offers both options for stem cell transplanting and will use whichever is preferable and available under the circumstances. They test the stem cells and type them, count them, then freeze them until it is time for the transplant. Stem cells from cord blood are new and make more blood cells from each stem cell.
If you are interested in using US Oncology's resources, or simply wish to find out more about them, you can visit their website at www.usoncology.com. This website will allow you to tour a cancer center online. Also recently available is US Oncology News, a bimonthly magazine that will keep you updated on the latest cancer research and information. If you have cancer, are in remission, or know someone who has had cancer, this website and the associated services can provide you with invaluable knowledge.
Laura Hogg