Ask Dr. Christopher Jones, a radiation oncologist at Sutter Roseville Medical Center, what fuels his commitment to medicine. You’ll quickly find out his curiosity and compassion spark the research advances that help make elite cancer care possible.
He and research colleagues at Sutter maintain a prestigious seat at the table with the National Cancer Institute through high volumes of patient participation in studies from the NRG Oncology Group. The NRG Oncology Group studies are critical for addressing the needs of diverse patient groups and advancing the latest, evidence-based treatment options so more individuals with cancer may benefit.
“These clinical trials offer patients the latest, personalized treatments, including innovative therapies, but also evaluate strategies for scaling back treatment when safe and appropriate,” said Dr. Jones.
Research “For the People”: Clinical Trials Allow Patients to Help Drive Improvements in Care
Radiation oncologists in the Sacramento region were one of the first in the United States to participate in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. The group is an NCI-funded collaborative network conducting radiation therapy research in cancer treatment, explains Dr. Jones. “The RTOG accrued over 60,000 patients over the years, many in Phase III clinical trials that have defined new practice standards on a national scale. However, RTOG has since merged to become part of the present-day NRG Oncology Group. I am so proud our team has contributed to these pivotal studies that truly help change and save lives.”
Dr. Christopher Jones
Dr. Jones and his team follow their patients over a prolonged period, oftentimes well over 10 years. They track not only the sustained safety and effectiveness of the therapies, but also to measure quality of life and treatment effects in sub-groups of patients of different races and ethnicities. Dr. Jones adds, “Many of our patients have expressed great satisfaction knowing they are a catalyst in changing the standard of care for their disease and helping make possible the best treatments for future generations.”
Curiosity and Commitment to Cancer Research
Dr. Jones was drawn to a career in radiation oncology and research because he sees clinical trials as doors to unlock clues and keys to evidence-based cancer care.
“When I started as a radiation oncologist in Sacramento in 1991, I was keenly aware of the research legacy bequeathed by the physicians before me and knew it was important to continue this practice,” said Dr. Jones. “Over the years, I have enrolled hundreds of patients into clinical trials, and I’ve seen the impact these courageous individuals make in elevating a new standard of care. Sutter’s participation in these trials reflects the quality of science-driven research and the breadth of patient data from the diverse communities we learn from.”
By maintaining a strong standing with the NCI and NRG Oncology Group and through partnerships with other cancer collaborative groups, Sutter remains at the forefront of innovative treatments and protocols that bring the best cancer care to more patients likely to benefit.
Do you or someone you love have cancer? Find Sutter Health cancer clinical trials.
