VHJ Spring 2008
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Choose a cancer center connected to Children's Oncology Group
How would you respond if faced with the difficult news your child had cancer? "For many parents, their first reaction is, 'We have to go to the biggest center there is,'" says
Dr. Sandeep Batra, board-certified pediatric oncologist/ hematologist at MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center. "That's why it's so important for people to understand the significance of our Children's Oncology Group (COG) membership. It means at MeritCare we can offer the same treatments as those offered at top centers nationwide. We all participate in the same research trials; we all follow the same strict treatment plans."
COG, the world's largest, most recognized cooperative research program in the world, involves 200 leading children's hospitals, university hospitals and cancer centers in North America. Its mission is twofold: to provide state-of-the-art care and to advance the understanding and treatment of childhood cancer. For over 25 years, the Roger Maris Cancer Center's pediatric program has belonged to COG – the only center in North Dakota with this prestigious membership.
"Childhood cancer is a great success story compared to adult cancer. Almost 70 percent of kids are cured, with an even higher cure rate – 90 to 100 percent – for certain types of cancer," says Dr. Batra. "The efforts of COG and other cooperative research groups are key to this promising outcome. These groups standardize the approach and treatment, building on what has already proven to be successful."
COG membership does not come easily. "Criteria for COG membership is very stringent," says Dr. Batra. "Centers that qualify must see a certain number of patients, offer high-level radiation oncology, offer advanced surgery and essentially have an entire team of specialists whose focus is the care of kids and young adults with cancer. Roger Maris Cancer Center consistently meets this strict criteria."
To learn more about MeritCare's connection with the Children's Oncology Group, call (701) 234-2735 or (800) 511-6161.
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