Alliance offers Web 'profiler' to serve patients, physicians

Science Article

Cancer Profiler, a Web-based interactive tool to help cancer patients with treatment decisions, now is part of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Web site.

The interactive tool, at http://www.seattlecca.org/profiler.htm , examines the diagnosis, medical history and personal preferences of the patient to treat him or her as a "virtual participant" in major studies published in leading scientific journals, maximizing chances for a positive outcome.

It also is a useful tool for physicians to use in referring patients to such information.

"The Internet rapidly has become a place where people with cancer go for information, but not all the information available is accurate or relevant to their situation," said Dr. Marc Stewart, Alliance medical director. "We hope Cancer Profiler will ease their decision-making process.

"Patients are taking the lead in identifying the best care for their diseases, often coming to us with printouts from the Internet. Cancer Profiler is a significant improvement because the information it provides is based only on major scientific studies."

Created by NexCura, a Seattle firm, Cancer Profiler generates an objective "profile" tailored to patients' medical situations, while disclosing the available treatment options. It also addresses risk tolerances and potential side effects and offers useful questions for patients to ask physicians. The information can be printed and used to discuss options with physicians and family members.

The Alliance is a collaboration of the Hutchinson Center, the University of Washington and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

NexCura is a clinical data and communication services company that provides proprietary, web-based decision-support technologies for cancer patients. The firm distributes technology through a network of pre-eminent cancer resource centers, including the American Cancer Society, patient advocacy groups, hospitals, and Web portals.

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