Highlands Oncology Group Tests New Technology Which Matches Patients With Trials

Rogers, AR, October 7, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Highlands Oncology Group (HOG), Northwest Arkansas’ leading cancer treatment provider, is implementing a new technology system enabling HOG researchers with the ability to electronically screen patients and records in order to determine whether there are clinical trials in which specific patients qualify. The technology platform used to achieve this is IBM Watson.

IBM Watson is a technology platform that uses natural language processing and machine learning to reveal insights from large amounts of unstructured data, according to the International Business Machines (IBM) website.

Watson for Clinical Trial Matching enhances clinicians’ ability to find the potential list of clinical trials for which patients may be eligible, increases the likelihood that patients are offered the option of a clinical trial for treatment and helps increase clinical trial fulfillment through effective patient recruitment, according to the IBM website.

In 2016, there will be an estimated 1,685, 210 new cancer cases and 595, 690 cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. As such, clinical trial participation is imperative to the advancement of cancer treatment.

As the leading cancer treatment and research facility in Northwest Arkansas, Highlands Oncology Group is dedicated to the advancement of cancer treatment and to providing patients with the best possible care and results.

About Highlands Oncology Group

Highlands Oncology Group is a state-of-the-art facility, with a world-class team of specialists, that is committed to providing premier cancer treatment and to enhancing the quality of life of patients and their loved ones. Highlands Oncology group provides this in a friendly, comfortable environment conveniently located in Northwest Arkansas. Highlands offers the latest technology of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapies, on-site labs, a pharmacy and an infusion center. They also offer access to clinical trials, multidisciplinary clinics and support groups. Highlands Oncology Group is helping patients win the battle against cancer, every day!

For more information, visit: www.HighlandsOncologyGroup.com.

Source: Highlands Oncology Group