Dr. Richard Drachtman of East Brunswick Tapped for National Cancer Institute Board

Newswise — New Brunswick, N.J., March 12, 2014 – Richard Drachtman, MD, interim chief of pediatric hematology/oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has been appointed as Vice Chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Pediatric Central Institutional Review Board (PedCIRB). Dr. Drachtman, who also is a professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, was selected based on his experience as an NCI PedCIRB member – having served on the panel since 2009. He also was selected based on his knowledge of current clinical oncology practice and experience working with NCI Cooperative Groups.

The PedCIRB reviews NCI-sponsored pediatric clinical trials conducted by the world’s largest pediatric cancer research entity known as the Children’s Oncology Group. The PedCIRB was created in 2004 as a means to further increase patient protection by assembling a group of pediatric cancer experts to review clinical trials before they are offered to patients. The expert panel includes pediatric oncologists, nurses, childhood cancer survivors and consumer advocates.

In addition to being the author of numerous articles, editorials and reviews, Drachtman -- who is widely recognized for his clinical expertise and research in childhood cancer and sickle cell disease – also has edited and authored books and book chapters relating to the field.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New JerseyRutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. Physician-scientists at the Cancer Institute engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 732-235-8614 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center, Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center, and Cooper University Hospital. Affiliate Hospitals: JFK Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), Shore Medical Center, Somerset Medical Center, The University Hospital and University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.

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