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Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center
www.hsc.wvu.edu/mbrcc/
The Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center is the state's premier center for research, patient care and education for cancer. Our goal is to understand, prevent and treat cancer and to lead the fight against cancer in West Virginia and Appalachia through research, education and care. To reach this goal, four crucial fund-raising priorities have been identified:
Improved Patient Care Through Research
Five types of cancer - lung, head and neck, ovarian, cervial and breast - are more prevalent in West Virginia than in the rest of the country. Breast cancer mortality not only exceeds the national average, but in 15 West Virginia counties nearly doubles the national rate. A strong basid research program, coupled with an active cancer information service and outstanding clinicians gives MBRCC the ability to identify at-risk populations, screen for early signs of cancer, educate patients and families and provide state-of-the-art treatment.
WVU's research programs are breaking new ground:
- A novel device developed by our scientists can detect biomarkers in sputum which may provide the earliest possible warnings for lung or head and neck cancer.
- We are identifying molecular signatures in ovarian cancer that predict if women will respond to chemotherapy. A similar molecular signature project in breast and lung cancer will help patients and doctors choose among alternative treatment strategies for late-stage disease.
- Our researchers are designing vaccine acceptability plans to help parents evaluate the new cervical cancer vaccine for their children.
Soon, our new clinical research unit will help patients enroll in the latest clinical trials - and stay in West Virgina while participating in novel therapeutic treatments on an out-patient basis.
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Outreach Programs to Help Patients Understand Cancer and get Assistance
Three major risk factors for cancer in West
Virginia and Appalachia are smoking, the human
papilloma virus and lack of screening or
appreciation of risk factors. We can’t start the
healing process until the patient recognizes the
risk of developing cancer or the symptoms of cancer. Patients don't always know where to go for help.
Our Cancer Information Service provides information to our citizens to help them understand cancer and get assistance.
West Virginia women who are at risk for breast and cervical cancer often live far from medical centers, or do not have a regular healthcare provider. MBRCC brings screening programs to them in their own communities.
Our Smoking Cessation program offers communities novel strategies to help people quit smoking that are designed to fit that community based on their characteristics.
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Educating Tomorrow's Scientists and Clinicians
The MBRCC has established a PhD program that
trains future scientists in cancer research. This
program also offers PhD training to medical
students who wish to combine clinical medicine
with laboratory science. Significant research
opportunities are also offered to undergraduate
students who engage in summer research
projects and participate in honors research
projects.
One key feature of all of our educational
programs is the clear link that our students see
between laboratory work and patient care. Our
lab scientists and our cancer physicians work
side-by-side to bring the most effective care to
MBRCC patients - and our students are prepared to carry on this collaborative work when they graduate.
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Acquiring State-of-the-Art Technology
The ability to lead the fight against cancer
requires having access to the latest and best
technologies. New equipment allows our
scientists to peer deeper into cancer cells, and to
watch tumors grow and respond to treatment.
With advanced tools, we can detect genetic
changes in tumors that can guide a physician to
prescribing treatment strategies designed
specifically for an individual. Technology is an
important component of a strong basic and
clinical science research program.
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