Thrive: Survivorship Digital Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 1

Clinical Trials at MaineHealth Cancer Care Network

By Pat Hager, MFA, with Cyndi Marcotte, RN, Research Navigator If you think it is necessary to travel out of state to participate in a clinical trial and benefit from cutting edge cancer research, you may be interested to know that significant cancer research is being conducted here in Maine.

The MaineHealth Institute of Research has an array of clinical trials available within the MaineHealth Cancer Care Network (MHCCN). A clinical trial is a research study that involves people. Through clinical trials, doctors determine whether new treatments are safe and effective, and if they work better than current standard of care treatments. Clinical trials are critical to progress in treatments for cancer.

There are currently over 50 active oncology clinical trials available at MHCCN. The National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) is a national network that brings cancer clinical trials and care delivery studies to people in their own communities. In 2019, MHCCN was awarded a 6-year NCORP grant which was the largest ever extended by the National Cancer Institute for clinical trials.

The NCORP network designs and conducts clinical trials in the following areas: • Cancer prevention • Screening • Supportive care and symptom management • Surveillance • Health-related quality of life • Cancer care delivery • Treatment trials MHCCN also offers clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.

Today’s treatments are yesterday’s trials. Participating in a clinical trial opens the possibility to receive new and effective treatments that are not yet available to the general public. People are now living longer lives from successful clinical trials.

It is important to understand your options. Ask your doctor and your care team if joining a clinical trial is the right option for you. By looking at all treatment options, including clinical trials, you are actively participating in decisions that impact your care. Each trial has very specific guidelines that have been put in place for participants’ safety, therefore you may not qualify for certain clinical trials. Your oncologist and the cancer research team will explain what these guidelines are and if you qualify for a specific clinical trial.

Participating in a clinical trial is always voluntary. The MHCCN Clinical Trials Office wants you to make the choice that aligns with your values. You do not need to participate in a clinical trial, and you have the right to leave the trial at any time. Do not hesitate to ask questions; you are encouraged to ask questions throughout your treatment. Clinical trials follow all the ethical and legal requirements that apply to all medical practice. The next issue will include detailed information on the specific types of clinical trials are happening in Maine.