Clinical Trials & Research Available Right Here In Sioux City

Clinical Trials & Research Available for Cancer Patients—right here in Sioux City  The physicians at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center have been participating in clinical trial research for over 25 years, offering the latest in clinical trials. “Many people do not realize that we are networked with the largest and best cancer treatment and research centers in the United States, including Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson and many others,” says Tom Hoopingarner, RN, Director of Research at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. “We are currently involved in 140 studies, bringing state-of-the art scientific resources to the Siouxland community.”April is Cancer Clinical Trials Awareness Month, a time to educate the community about the continued research and improvements in cancer care. Clinical trials provide means to prevent cancer, find it earlier, treat it more effectively and make life better for people living with the disease. Cancer clinical trials give patients access to high quality care.Approximately one out of every three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Despite these statistics, cancer treatment is improving survival and quality of life. Every breakthrough in cancer treatment is a result of dedicated physicians, patients, and research staff, and the five-year survival rate has risen steadily since the mid l970’s as a direct result.The objective of most clinical trials is to investigate new treatments that improve patient outcomes. This could mean a better response such as decreased tumor size, a longer time interval before a tumor increases in size, a better quality of life, etc. Ultimately we hope that trials have a positive outcome and that improved treatments and drugs are eventually approved for the general patient population. Trials also may give patients that meet the eligibility criteria an opportunity to participate in research using break-through drugs. The decision to participate in a clinical trial is always up to the patient. Currently, more than 200 Cancer Center patients are involved in research studies, an impressive record of accomplishment that must continue and expand if new treatments are to be developed and tested.Our patients involved in clinical trials are carefully monitored during the trial and during the follow-up period afterwards. They become part of a network of clinical trials carried out around the country. In this network, doctors and researchers pool their ideas and experience to design, monitor, and evaluate clinical studies.Facts and Fiction                                                                                                                                                            Choosing to participate in a study gives patients access to treatment and potential benefits from therapy that might be unavailable outside the clinical trial. It also gives these determined volunteers a chance to contribute to the future of others through research.Many people harbor misconceptions about this component of research, fearing they will receive less than standard quality care, receive a “dummy” placebo treatment, or be treated like a guinea pig. Not true! Placebos are never used in place of a known treatment for cancer. Most studies compare the current “gold standard” of treatment against one that appears to be even more effective, and most patients appreciate the keen health monitoring by physicians conducting the trial.