The primary objective of this proposal is to obtain funding that would insure the continued participation of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in a cooperative clinical investigation group, specifically the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. The ultimate goal of the Group's interactions is to improve the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of patients with malignant disease. All clinical trials sponsored by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group are scientifically developed by members of the Group and then closely scrutinized for compliance within prescribed standards. The Group is full supported by the National Cancer Institute. Another objective is the development of new protocols by the faculty of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The Center has substantial experience in the development of new innovative therapies for the treatment of patients with malignant disease. Many of these programs are amenable to cooperative group study and efforts will be made to incorporate these into the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group's future studies. A third objective is the enhancement of communication between Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and other institutions and their investigators, thus insuring state-of-the-art treatment for patients with malignant disease. Finally, members of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center's faculty will actively participate in the Group's scientific and administrative functions by serving as members of various Group committees such as the Modality Subcommittees, the Protocol Site Committee, and the Standing Administrative Committees.
