THE WOODLANDS, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– US Oncology
Research, supported by McKesson Specialty Health, announced today that it has
surpassed the 50,000 milestone for patients enrolled in its clinical trials
program. One of the largest community-based research networks in the world, US
Oncology Research specializes in Phase I–IV oncology clinical trials and has
participated in over 1,200 investigator-initiated and sponsor-initiated trials
since its inception. The program brings innovative therapies and clinical
trials to practices and patients in communities across the nation to help
advance the science of cancer care while offering the best possible treatments
to patients close to their homes.

Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D., F.A.C.P., chief scientific officer
for both US Oncology Research and Scottsdale Healthcares Clinical Research
Institute in Phoenix, AZ, agrees that 50,000 patients
participating in clinical trials is an impressive number. He also believes the
careful and innovative care that is given to each individual is even more
impressive. According to Von Hoff, “It is an extraordinary accomplishment to
bring these breakthrough therapies to over 50,000 patients and help bring 43
new drugs to patients fighting cancer everywhere – but its not just about the
number. Its the care and hope that each patient receives that counts.”

Patricia Noel, a 67-year old patient at New York Oncology
Hematology in Troy, NY is one of the patients benefiting from a
trial offered through US Oncology Research. Noel, who was diagnosed with
Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) in 2008, has been enrolled for approximately 10
months in a Phase II study of a novel therapy in patients previously treated
for MBC. She knew early in her battle of the disease that she would seek trial
opportunities.

“My mother participated in a clinical trial, and my son is
an AIDS researcher,” Noel explains. “I began participating in a trial not as a
last resort, but because I am in this fight not only for myself and my family,
but to help researchers learn more about this disease and help others who will
battle it in the future.”

Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, medical oncologist with Comprehensive Cancer Centers
of Nevada (CCCN) and chair and medical director of the developmental
therapeutics committee and co-chair of the genitourinary committee for US
Oncology Research points out that patients from all walks of life participate
in and benefit from ground breaking clinical trials offered by US Oncology
Research. “We can now document that over 50,000 patients have been touched
by these life changing trials,” Vogelzang claims. “And that doesnt even count
all the other patients and future patients touched by the knowledge weve
gained.”

“I learned early in my career that patients come first,
everything else second,” says Kevin Coker, vice president of US Oncology
Research, McKesson Specialty Health. “The people who work with US Oncology
Research have that same philosophy, which has led to great advancements in the
way cancer is treated and more hope for patients and their families.”

US
Oncology Research is one of the strongest and most reputable community research
networks in the world. Collectively, its patients, physicians, and research
professionals have contributed greatly to advancing the science of cancer care
and improved patient outcomes.

About US Oncology Research

McKesson
Specialty Health conducts clinical trials through US
Oncology Research, which draws from a network of experienced investigators
and dedicated clinical staff who specialize in Phase I through Phase IV
oncology clinical trials. US
Oncology Research serves more than 90 sites in over 250 locations managing more
than 200 active trials at any given time. Physicians in the research network
have enrolled more than 50,000 patients in over 1,200 trials since inception and
have contributed to the development of 43 cancer therapies approved by the FDA.
For more information call (800) 482-6700, option 4 or visit www.usoncology.com/oncologists.

About McKesson Specialty Health

McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson
Corporation, empowers the community patient care delivery system to advance
the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical,
research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated
technology systems, we improve the financial health of our customers and help
them provide quality care for patients. For more information, visit www.mckessonspecialtyhealth.com.

Posted by Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief, MDT