Outcomes Research

Using the information gathered from research leads to improvements in cancer treatment.  Outcomes of therapy are affected not only by the intervention delivered to the patient, but also by a variety of factors related to personal and interpersonal characteristics of both the patient and health care provider and the environment in which the care is provided.  The assessment of outcomes from available treatment and practice locations helps health care providers and patients decide which of a variety of treatment methods, practitioners and centers will be utilized for cancer care.  Combining standardized information, electronic health records, networked treatment planning systems with established practice guidelines, active clinical leadership and systematic peer review of practice data, patient self-assessment and outcomes, Vantage Oncology demonstrates a strong commitment to always be on the leading edge of cancer care by continuously improving outcomes and patient care.

Prostate Cancer Outcome Study (PCOS)

Among the ongoing Outcomes research initiatives is the Prostate Cancer Outcome Study, a study assessing health related quality of life for men treated with different forms of radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer.  Examination of systematically collected quality of life, disease, treatment and treatment side effect information from our prostate cancer patients receiving definitive radiation will allow comparison of toxicity profiles of different radiation treatment techniques both within our centers as well as across other institutions.  This information will enable us to better inform our patients of the expected outcomes during the sometimes difficult decision-making process.

Clinical Trials

In addition to Outcomes research, many Vantage Oncology affiliated physicians have initiated their own studies and participate in clinical trials through several national cooperative groups.  This assures our patients access to cutting edge treatment that may be investigational and that would not otherwise be available in the community.