Clinical Trials

For over 10 years, the doctors and nurses at our Center have been working to improve cancer treatments for our patients. One of the ways we do this is by taking part in clinical trials (research studies) sponsored by:

• National Cancer Institute through national cancer groups (Cancer and Leukemia Group B - CALGB, Cancer Trial Support Unit - CTSU, etc.)
• Pharmaceutical (Drug) companies and
• Center for Cancer Care nurses who provide care.

All of our studies are conducted according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines to make sure that the rights of each research subject are protected. Currently, we are participating in many clinical trials, some of which are listed below:

Breast Cancer

National Cancer Institute sponsored -

All ages:

• Dose-dense: chemotherapy infusions with medicines such as Adriamycin, Cytoxan, Taxol, Taxotere, or Gemzar given every 2 rather than every 3 weeks. There is early evidence that suggests that shortening the time between doses of these commonly used chemotherapies may improve survival in women whose breast cancer may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes.
• A comparison of 2 medications (Adriamycin and Epirubicin) known to be effective when used to treat breast cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.

Pre-menopausal (still having monthly flow):

• A comparison of the suppression of ovarian function (stopping the body from releasing female hormones) alone, with Exemestane or with Tamoxifen after chemotherapy as treatment in women with tumors that tested positive for estrogen and/or progesterone.

At or greater than 65 years of age:

• A comparison of an oral treatment (Xeloda) with standard infusion therapy of either Adriamycin and Cytoxan or Cytoxan, Methotrexate and 5-FU.

POST-MENOPAUSAL -

• Use of Aromatase Inhibitors for 5 years after completion of Tamoxifen followed by Aromatase Inhibitors or Aromatase Inhibitors alone for 5 years to prevent breast cancer
• Determination of need for chemotherapy after surgery based on OncotypeDx testing results

ALL AGES -

• Oral chemotherapy and monthly injections in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
• Bisphosphonates (bone protectors) with post-surgical treatments to protect against spread of breast cancer to bone
• Comparison of 3 different oral chemotherapies for HER2neu positive breast cancer that has recurred following or progressed while on Herceptin therapy

CLL

Comparison of 3 infusion/oral regimens for symptomatic, previously untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 

Gastrointestinal Cancers (Stomach, Digestive, + Colon)

Treatment or observation of early stage colon cancer following surgery dependent of molecular assay (tissue test)

Use of med that blocks blood supply to cancer cells in advanced colon cancer

Genitourinary (GU)

Comparison of 2 oral chemotherapy agents for efficacy and survivorship advantage in advanced renal (kidney) cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Nursing Study -

• A comparison of GelClair use for mouth and/or throat sores during cancer treatment starting either on the first day of treatment or at the first sign of the sores.

Lung Cancer

4 cycles of standard chemotherapy followed by maintenance therapy with oral chemotherapy age

Taxane plus new investigational agent when lung cancer recurs or progresses

Chemotherapy for early stage, fully removed by surgery lung cancer

To learn more about these and other studies, go to http://www.trialcheck.org/cancertrialshelp/cancertrialshelp.aspx and enter your personal information at each of 9 prompts. After entering your information click Show Clinical Trials and a list of clinical trials with distance from your zip code appears. Click on a trial for additional information you want, i.e. where available, what they involve, etc.

Our Research Associate, Karen Burton, RN, BS, CRNI, OCN, CCRP, can be reached at 815/227-2633.