PeerCase Brings Social Networking to the Cancer Care Community

SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The efficient dissemination of rapidly-advancing oncology knowledge into clinical practice is a critical driver for enhancing cancer patient care.  Newly launched PeerCase, a mobile and internet-based private oncology network, seeks to aid in addressing this need by combining the best elements of social networking with the collective experience and expertise of the worldwide oncology community. This exciting new technology will be available for demonstrations at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago June 3-7, 2011 at booth number 22014.

"There is a staggering amount of cancer research taking place, which is promising for those currently fighting the disease or those who may face it in the future," said Dr. Paul Bunn, Director of the University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and PeerCase community member.  "The challenge is in ensuring all cancer care specialists have access to the most up-to-date information so they can optimally treat their patients."

Efficient access to informational resources is a hurdle faced by many oncologists who care for a numerous and diverse set of cancer patients.  The rapid development of advances in understanding and treating cancer has heightened the need for more effective and immediate ways of quickly translating this new knowledge into patient care – a need PeerCase intends to fill.

"There is tremendous value in having access to the expertise of a variety of clinicians when seeking to identify the optimal course of treatment for a challenging case," said Dr. Hassan Ghazal of the Kentucky Cancer Clinic based in Hazard, Ky. "I have found collaborating with other oncologists on PeerCase to be beneficial in efficiently obtaining, as well as providing, deep insights and advice specifically relevant to each individual case."

Research indicates U.S. physicians are increasingly using online and mobile communications to facilitate clinical collaboration, streamline productivity, and enhance patient care. PeerCase builds upon this trend with its revolutionary mobile design, which allows for timely and relevant engagement among the oncology community in an easy-to-use manner.

PeerCase is comprised of clinical cases that are submitted and responded to by participants.  With experts across tumor types and growing repository of challenging cases, the network allows oncologists access to a wealth of information in the palm of their hands. Users can also create personal profiles that allow them to follow cases and experts that are of greatest interest or relevance to them.

Two notable academic cancer institutions have recently partnered with PeerCase to expand resources on the network. The Georgetown University's Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center are both active on PeerCase contributing insights and knowledge to cases submitted related to gastrointestinal cancers. Both institutions have pledged physician resources to respond to cancer cases submitted on PeerCase in the hopes of collaboratively improving patient outcomes.

Cancer care professionals can establish a free account by visiting www.peercase.com.

About PeerCase

PeerCase is a venture capital backed start-up based in San Francisco, Calif.  Its revolutionary mobile and internet-based private network enables extremely efficient interaction between oncologists in a very intuitive manner.  Combining the best elements of social networking in a secured environment, PeerCase facilitates enhanced patient care by unleashing the power of the collective knowledge, experience and expertise in the oncology community. PeerCase is available in multiple platforms and provides free access to oncology-specific expertise and experience through established resources that have proven vital to the exchange of clinical information.  

SOURCE PeerCase