Clinical trials offer tomorrow's cures today

Clinical trials aren’t suited for every cancer patient, but Siouxland residents Mildred Holdgrafer and Audrey Elgersma were offered these treatments by their doctors and were glad they participated.“I just went with the theory that everything will be OK,” said Holdgrafer, of Salix, who was diagnosed with low-grade lymphona in March.She began chemotherapy in June, and said the best part is that she didn’t lose her hair and she hasn’t gotten sick from the care she received, something her friends have experienced. “I have a friend who has lung cancer and lost her hair and wears a bandana.”Holdgrafer is a patient at the Nylen Cancer Center, and her doctor recommended the clinical trial. Thus far, she said, she’s not regretting her decision. The only complaint is that her treatment makes for a long day, as she’s at the Cancer Center two days a month, with six hours of treatment the first day. Her final chemo treatment was Nov. 2-3.Holdgrafer said she would recommend that if patients are offered a chance to participate in a clinical trial, “I would say go for it.”Audrey Elgersma of Sanborn also found help through a clinical trial. "I have stage 4 colon cancer. I was diagnosed with a routine colonscopy and they found a tumor and numerous spots in my liver."Elgersma sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic, who directed her to the June E. Nylen clinical trials."They thought I could do some clinical study (in Sioux City). I've been on routine treatment," she said. And while her treatment has ended, "At this point, my last PET scan is negative."Her clinical trial entailed taking a daily pill and recording taking it. "It was either a study drug or a placebo. I wasn't sure if I was getting the real thing or not," Elgersma said. "I also did schedule CT scans and extra blood work once in a while."Overall, she said, it was a positive experience, one she would recommend to others. "If they are able to be involved in it, it's a good thing."