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Cancer Clinical Trials Take Place in La Vegas

Many medical break through in treatments and procedures arise from intense research studies called clinical trials, many of which take place here in the Las Vegas valley.

These studies explore a host of novel cancer-fighting strategies including new medications or new combinations of medications or new combinations of medications.  Each of these studies includes specific eligibility criteria, such as the type or stage of cancer being evaluated.  If patients are deemed eligible for a particular trial, and agree to participate, their oncologist treats them according to a detailed document know as the clinical trial “protocol.”  The protocol defines not only the treatment regimen, but also how to adjust the dose of the medication if side effects occur, how often the patient has follow-up visits and which laboratory parameters are monitored.  This level of detail is necessary to ensure patient safety and the validity of the trial’s results.

According to Matthew Galsky, MD, medical oncologist and site director for US Oncology research at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN), the trials are crucial to winning the fight against cancer.

“Clinical trials are key to advancing cancer care in the U.S. and world,” Dr. Galsky said.  “The patients and families who participate are heroes in the medical community.  Their dedication has led to many advances in medicine tht benefit literally millions of people.  In the past 10 years, more than 170 Las Vegans have participated in clinical trials.”

People participating in clinical trials work with a research team comprising physicians, nurse, social workers, dieticians and other health care professionals

According to Dr. Galsky, some of the benefits of clinical trials include being treated with programs designed by leaders in the cancer research field, access to new treatments before they become available to the public and the chance to make a significant difference in the battle against cancer.

There are also some risks.  Since the treatments are new, they may contain unknown side effects or results.  The trial may determine that the new or therapy is not more effective than the current regimen, and the treatment’s benefits may not work for all participants. 

Through its association with the US Oncology network, and with the University of California Los Angeles network, CCCN is currently involved in more than 50 clinical trials in oncology dealing with various cancers.  One such trial is testing a drug for prostate cancer that has already been proven successful in treating kidney cancer.  Another is evaluating the integration of a drug that blocks the blood flow to breast cancers earlier in the course of treatment.

Drug trials like these involve three phases:

Phase I trials are designed to define a safe dosage of a new medication or new combination of medication or new combination of medications.  These trials also identify the side effects of the new medications or combinations.  Phase I trials usually involve a small number of people.

Phase II trials determine the effectiveness of a medication or combination of medications in a particular type of cancer.   These trials also further evaluate the safety of the medication.

Phase III trials compare new drugs to standard treatments.  Those in the trial are divided into two groups.  Once group receives the new medicine while the other receives the standard of care.  Many people are enrolled in a Phase III trial.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, Dr. Galsky recommends that you ask your oncologist if any available trials are available and what criteria are required for enrollment.  For example, participants may need to have one type or stage of cancer, be a certain age or gender or have received previous treatments before being considered as an eligible candidate.

Dr. Galsky also recommends asking the following questions if a clinical trial is available:

      · What is the trial’s purpose?
· How long with the study last?
· What side effects can I expect?
· Are there any costs that I must pay?
· What happens if I want to end my participation in the study?

“Deciding to participate in a clinical trial is noble, but does require careful thought.”  Dr. Galsy said.  “While your participation may bring doctors and scientists closer to finding a more effective treatment or cure, there are not guarantees that it will bring an immediate benefit to you.  Every trial, however, brings us that much closer to finding the best way to beat cancer.”

Dr. Galsky also noted that clinical trials are not just for patients who have exhausted their standard options.  Many clinical trials (except phase I) exclude patients who have had prior therapies.  Patients should consider a clinical trial for their first treatment and ask their physicians if a trial is an option.

For more information about clinical trials, visit the Web sites for Comprehensive Caner Centers of Nevada – www.cc-nevada.com; the American Cancer Society – www.cancer.org; or the National Cancer Institute – www.cancer.gov.