Run for Research with Goshen Center for Cancer Care

Sept. 15, 2009

GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen Center for Cancer Care is committed to moving cancer research forward and on Sept. 19 the community is invited to join in that effort during the annual Run for Research event.

"We work to beat cancer one step at a time. One successful step can lead to another and another - moving cancer research forward," said Dr. Doug Schwartzentruber, Medical Director of Goshen Center for Cancer Care. "There are few people whose lives haven't been touched by cancer. Everyone who participates in this annual run is not only promoting awareness but helping fund research that could someday put an end to this disease."

Goshen Center for Cancer Care has seen firsthand the impact clinical trials have made in improving cancer care. Earlier this year, results of an 8-year clinical trial led by Dr. Schwartzentruber became one of the first studies to prove vaccines might have a medical benefit in the treatment of cancer.

Focusing on patients with metastacic melanoma - or melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body - the study evaluated a newly-developed vaccine, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

Specifically, the trial tested the benefit of combining the vaccine with Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a biological therapy that boosts the immune system. Goshen Center for Cancer Care is one of only about 60 sites that offer IL-2 therapy to patients. Working with IL-2, the vaccine primes a patient's immune system to find and attack the cancer by locating a specific protein found on the surface of the melanoma cells.

Preliminary findings found the new cancer vaccine doubled the response rates and extended progression free survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. The next likely step - before the vaccine could be introduced as treatment for melanoma - said Schwartzentruber, will be to conduct a larger clinical trial to demonstrate the vaccine improves overall survival.

"Goshen Center for Cancer Care continues to be very committed to research, recognizing that it is what will move us forward in the treatment of all cancers," said Schwartzentruber. "Cancer research is what is going to find cures, make a difference, and give us even greater knowledge to help not only those fighting cancer now, but who will be diagnosed with cancer in the future."

The Sept. 19 Run for Research includes a 5K Run, a 10K Run, and a one-mile Fun Walk/ Dog walk the whole family can enjoy. The race kicks off at 8 a.m. in the Goshen Center for Cancer Care parking lot, 200 High Park Ave., Goshen Ind.

Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female runner in each category. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Advanced registration at is available at Goshen Center for Cancer Care or online at www.active.com. All money raised at the Run for Research event will go to Goshen Center for Cancer Care's Research Program.

About Goshen Center for Cancer Care:
The Goshen Center for Cancer Care is a leader in innovative cancer treatment. Among the first to adopt a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment, the center offers holistic programs for strengthening minds as well as bodies and places a premium on family involvement and spiritual needs. Through this integrative team approach, the center provides medical, radiation, nuclear and surgical oncology as well as naturopathic medicine.

The Goshen Center for Cancer Care is involved in, and sponsors, a number of clinical trials. Additionally, prevention, screening, diagnostic and treatment trials are conducted at The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, as well as quality of life trials and genetic trials. Clinical trials offered include treatments for breast cancer, colon cancer, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, myeloma, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. To find out more about the Goshen Center for Cancer Care or Goshen Health System, visit www.goshencancer.org.

About Goshen Health System: Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.