Northwest Arkansas Oncologist Spoke on Role of Community Oncology

Fayetteville, AR, April 11, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Eric Schaefer, of Highlands Oncology Group (Highlands), Northwest Arkansas’ premier cancer treatment facility, spoke with CARET, a patient care technology group, on the importance of community oncology in clinical trials.

Community oncology is defined as an oncology practice which is not part of a hospital, academic or teaching institution, according to the Community Oncology Alliance.

“Community oncologists play an irreplaceable role in regards to clinical trials,” Schaefer said. “More than 80 percent of all oncology patients are seen in the community. It is up to the community oncologist to help enroll and accrue to clinical trials.”

CARET is a point-of service patient care technology tool created to align, streamline, and unite the complexities of care to improve patient outcomes, build efficiency and connect all parties with actionable information, according to their website. CARET enables physicians to select appropriate treatment protocols with timely, measurable feedback on treatment decisions.

“Without community oncology, trials would never be completed in a timely fashion and new drugs would take years longer to be FDA approved,” Schaefer said.

Highlands has been participating in clinical trials for more than 15 years and understands the importance of research in better understanding and treating cancer. Highlands typically has 25 to 35 open trials.

Dr. Schaefer joined Highlands in 2009. He is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Schaefer received his degree in medicine from the Medical College of Ohio, and completed his residency, with a three-year fellowship in hematology/oncology, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

As the leading cancer treatment and research facility in Northwest Arkansas, Highlands is dedicated to the advancement of cancer treatment and to providing patients with the best possible care and results.

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Highlands Oncology Group is a state-of-the-art facility, with a world-class team of specialists, that is committed to providing premier cancer treatment and to enhancing the quality of life of patients and their loved ones. Highlands Oncology group provides this in a friendly, comfortable environment conveniently located in Northwest Arkansas. Highlands offers the latest technology of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapies, on-site labs, a pharmacy and an infusion center. They also offer access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary clinics and support groups. Highlands Oncology Group is helping patients win the battle against cancer every day.

For more information visit www.HighlandsOncologyGroup.com. 

Source: The Artist Evolution