Four questions about clinical trials

Clinical trials offer today’s cancer patients access to tomorrow’s cures.Through a research-driven approach to health care, patients receive customized care that goes beyond standard treatment options. Thomas Hoopingarner, research director and an RN at Medical Oncology Hematology, talks about what trials are and what purpose they serve.Question: What percentage of cancer patients participate in clinical trials? How about locally?Answer: Nationally, about 2 percent to 3 percent participate. In Sioux City, new patients enroll at about 8 percent, but the number of our participants that are followed on clinical trials compared to our living patient population is much higher because we have some participants that are followed for many years and some participants in clinical trials may not be patients at Medical Oncology Hematology or the Cancer Center.Q: Why are clinical trials important, and what do you do with the information you receive?A: The objective of most trials is to investigate new treatments that improve patient outcomes which could be 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 approved for the general patient population. Trials also may give patients that meet eligibility criteria an opportunity to participate in research using break-through drugs. Even trials that may have a negative outcome, or do not show improved outcomes, help to guide what is needed for future research.Q: What testing is done before a treatments is used in a clinical trial?A: Patients must meet eligibility requirements that are specifically tailored for the clinical trial. Most commonly the same tests that are ordered for a patient not considering a trial are all that is needed. Sometimes a biospecimen is submitted to a central lab to determine if the patient has the right proteins for the treatment being offered.Q: Who should I talk with if I am unsure about participating in a clinical trial?A: Your family, your friends, your regular family physician, clergy, anyone you trust, and others that have participated in clinical trials. The Nylen Cancer Center has Brenda Winkler, Patient Navigator and Medical Oncology Hematology has Patty Skorey-Solberg, RN, CCRP, in the role of Patient Advocate Liaison who could put you in touch with other patients.