THOMASVILLE, GA (WTXL) -- Archbold Memorial Hospital is teaming up with Emory University for a state-of-the-art research opportunity and treatment for oncology patients.
The partnership will give cancer patients more options.
Archbold is the first hospital outside Emory Healthcare selected to join the Winship Cancer Network.
"We're very excited that we can extend the reach of our already stellar services," said Rebecca Troyer, oncology adminstrator at Archbold. "We already offer chemotherapy, gamma knife radiation in the building, and we already have a wonderful program, but this just enhances that program."
Before the partnership, the hospital was able to provide around 20 clinical trials; now, the hospital can take advantage of over 250.
This provides patients with access to drugs and radiation treatment that are in the process of being FDA approved.
"Gaining access to these drugs as they're coming through the pipeline can greatly influence someone's treatment," said oncologist Josh Simmons, M.D.
"This is a way to bring that care to them, so they don't have to go through the hardship of traveling an extreme distance to get state-of-the-art cancer care," said clinical trials director Teresa Coleman, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Archbold and Emory are in the process of finalizing their treatment protocols. The hospital will announce when the trials will be available to patients at a later date.
By joining the Winship Cancer Network, physicians and nurses at Archbold are eligible for specialized training with Emory.
