USON US Oncology (MM)

Texas Oncology Participates in Testing of Major New Breast Cancer Treatment Regimen Study Could Change the Way Doctors Treat Many Breast Cancer Patients GARLAND, Texas, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Oncologists at Texas Oncology, P.A., participated in a major worldwide research project that showed a new treatment protocol could significantly benefit breast cancer patients. Preliminary results of the study showed that women recovering from breast cancer lowered their chance of developing tumor recurrence by 32 percent if they switched to Aromasin (exemestane) after two or three years of tamoxifen treatment. Currently, the standard after-surgery treatment for post- menopausal women with primary breast cancer is a five-year regimen of tamoxifen. Led by Dr. Manish Gupta, Dr. Gerardo Trillo, and Dr. Charles S. White, Texas Oncology was one of 11 affiliates of US Oncology that participated in the clinical trial. "This is an important finding that could change the way that oncologists treat many of their breast cancer patients," said Gupta. "One of the difficult factors in combating breast cancer is the recurrence of tumors after surgery and chemotherapy, either in the same breast, the other breast or in other parts of the body. The combination of tamoxifen and Aromasin is a promising new weapon in keeping patients cancer-free." As part of US Oncology's research network, Texas Oncology works to advance the development of new cancer therapies by offering the latest clinical trials in a close-to-home setting. "Ongoing cancer research continues to uncover new treatments and new protocols that are extending our knowledge, improving the treatment of patients and saving lives," said Gupta. "US Oncology provides the support we need to bring these investigational therapies directly to patients here at Texas Oncology in Garland. Our patients and their families don't have to leave home or travel long distances to have access to the latest therapies." Over the past 11 years, more than 16,000 patients at US Oncology- affiliated practices have taken part in clinical trials involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. And the company has contributed to the development of 18 approved cancer-fighting drugs. Currently, more than 70 clinical trials -- addressing breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers -- are under way at US Oncology-affiliated practices. About Texas Oncology Texas Oncology, P.A. consists of over 210 physicians providing cancer-care services in over 87 medical offices across Texas and New Mexico, including 34 comprehensive cancer centers. About US Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ:USON) US Oncology, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is America's premier cancer- care services company. The company provides comprehensive services to a network of affiliated practices -- comprising more than 875 affiliated physicians in over 470 sites, including 80 integrated cancer centers -- in 32 states, with the mission of expanding access to and improving the quality of cancer care in local communities. DATASOURCE: Texas Oncology, P.A. CONTACT: Julie Moore of Texas Oncology, P.A., +1-972-272-3417, or Web site: http://www.usoncology.com/

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