NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Richelle Nielsen
(425) 602-3107

BASTYR INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER ESTABLISHED THROUGH GRANT

University partners with researcher from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center on Controlled Outcomes Study

December 8, 2008  –  Bastyr University, a national leader in natural health arts and sciences education and research, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC). The Center was developed through a grant from Cleavage Creek Cellars, producers of world class wines and contributor of 10 percent of gross sales to fight breast cancer. It will open in February 2009 on Bastyr University's beautiful and serene campus in Kenmore, Washington. Cleavage Creek donated $20,000 in 2008 to Bastyr University and has pledged to donate another $20,000 in 2009 – a total commitment of $40,000.

BIORC, will provide state-of-the-science and state-of-the-art naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine treatment and integrated management of cancer in an outpatient setting. The new Center will offer individuals living with cancer comprehensive support and treatment for each stage of their experience, from diagnosis to treatment decisions, and restoration of immune function and health after the completion of standard treatment.

Using information gathered through BIORC, Bastyr University will collaborate with a researcher from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle on a controlled outcomes study. This study will compare the 'disease free survival' and quality of life in research participants who are treated at BIORC to cancer survivors living in Washington State who do not include complementary, alternative or integrated therapies in their treatment plans.

"We are very grateful to Cleavage Creek for making the new Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center possible," says Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, FABNO, Medical Director of BIORC. "It is a wonderful thing to be able to offer the best science-based, comprehensive natural medicine care to those fighting cancer. To receive the necessary funding to conduct scientific research surrounding the effectiveness of our therapies in partnership with a researcher from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is a dream come true."

BIORC will provide consultation with naturopathic physicians who are board certified in naturopathic oncology and doctors of acupuncture and oriental medicine and include mind/body medicine, acupuncture, botanical and nutritional medicine. Center doctors will communicate with each participant’s medical and radiation oncologists to ensure truly integrated care.

"We are hopeful that the work done at the Integrative Oncology Research Center will provide insight into breast cancer as well as offer more treatment options," says Budge Brown, owner of Cleavage Creek.

All individuals with cancer diagnoses who receive treatment and care at BIORC will be asked to participate in the research study to monitor the clinical and quality of life outcomes in people living with cancer. Click here for more information or call (425) 602-3311 to schedule an appointment.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation's first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. The University's teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, offers quality natural health care to the greater Seattle community while providing essential clinical training for students. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.bastyrcenter.org.

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