OREANDA-NEWS. November 19, 2014. The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated, community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care, presented Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) with the inaugural LEAD Award during The Network’s Joint Fall Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) and Annual Radiation & Imaging Meeting in Dallas.

The LEAD Award was created by The US Oncology Network to honor life sciences companies for Leadership in Education And Clinical Development. Bristol-Myers Squibb is the first recipient of this award. Through the discovery, development and commercialization of immuno-oncology agents, BMS has set an example of commitment to research and clinical education—leveraging the broad capabilities of The US Oncology Network to bring these innovative medicines to patients.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, science and high-quality cancer care in the development of the immuno-oncology therapeutic class,” said Barry D. Brooks, MD, oncologist and partner with Texas Oncology, and Chairman of The US Oncology Network Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee. “We are proud to recognize Bristol-Myers Squibb for its outstanding contributions to the advancement of cancer care. Thousands of patients will benefit from this exciting class of drugs.”

The US Oncology Network is dedicated to improving the quality and delivery of cancer care. The Network participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research (USOR), a leader in bringing innovative therapeutic options to patients in local communities, where they live and work. USOR has played a role in the development of 50 FDA-approved cancer therapies—nearly one-third of all oncology therapies  used today.

“The vast majority of cancer patients in the U.S. receive their care in a community setting,” said Joseph Leveque, MD, Vice President, U.S. Medical - Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Working with The US Oncology Network to develop and execute applied research and clinical studies, education programs, and policy centered on the imperative of improving cancer survivorship, is critical for delivering new therapies to cancer patients with unmet needs. We are proud to work together with this Network of dedicated physicians to help advance both the science and the art of immuno-oncology.”

US Oncology Research manages approximately 225 clinical trials at any given time for patients with all types of cancer. For more information on The US Oncology Network and US Oncology Research, visit www.usoncology.com.