Posted Tuesday, May 18, 2010 --- 9:25 a.m.

Press Release from Dean Clinic:

Charles Diggs, MD, Dean Clinic Hematology/Oncology, has received word his team has been selected to receive the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2010 Clinical Trails Participation Award.

The ASCO Cancer Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer by advancing cancer research, patient information, physician education, and access to care. The Clinical Trials Participation Award was started in 2003 to increase clinical trial awareness and participation by physicians.

“It is really nice for our physicians and research nurses to be recognized for all the time they have spent working to help cancer patients,” says Dr. Diggs.

For the past 25 years, Dr. Diggs has been the Principal Investigator for all clinical trials taking place at Dean Clinic Hematology/Oncology.

“We typically have up to 20 different studies going on at a time for all types of cancers,” says Dr. Diggs. “This allows some cancer patients access to drugs they may not otherwise have had access to.”

The award is presented annually. The department will receive a $500 award to recognize and reward the research team in whatever way the practice chooses.

“I have not had time to decide how that money will be used, but it will ultimately be used to help cancer patients who are looking for hope through our trials,” according to Dr. Diggs.