Types of Clinical Trials at MaineHealth Cancer Care Network

By Pat Hager, MFA, with Cyndi Marcotte, RN, Research Navigator

The last issue of Thrive (Winter 2024) included an article that provided an overview of clinical trials available at the Maine Health Cancer Care Network (MHCCN). As the article pointed out it is not necessary to travel out of state to participate in a clinical trial and benefit from cutting edge cancer research. Significant cancer research is being conducted here in Maine.

There are currently more than 50 clinical trials open for cancer patients at MHCCN. These trials are available for cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, other solid organ cancers, and hematologic or blood cancers.

There are several types of trials including treatment trials, quality of life trials, prevention trials, screening trials, and biobanking studies.

Treatment trials test new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. Treatment trials may look at medications, vaccines, approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Quality of life trials look at ways to improve the quality of life of cancer patients especially those who have side effects from cancer and its treatment. These trials find new ways to help people cope with pain, nutritional issues, infection, nausea/vomiting, depression, and other cancer-related health issues. Those involved in most prevention trials do not have cancer nor are they at high risk for developing cancer. These trials look at cancer risk and ways to reduce risk. Screening trials look at new ways to find cancers earlier and more easily. Early detection saves lives.

Biobanking is a term that refers to the collection of human biological samples such as blood, urine, saliva, spinal fluid and tissue for research purposes in order to further the understanding of health and disease.

You can ask your doctor and your care team if joining a clinical trial is right for you. Each trial has specific guidelines that have been put in place for your safety. Clinical trials follow all the ethical and legal requirements that apply to all medical practice. Participation is always voluntary, and you have the right to leave the trial at any time.

Part three of this series will describe the experience of participating in a clinical trial.

Do you experience physical or emotional pain related to your cancer or cancer treatment?

 Pain* is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients and one of the symptoms least likely to be adequately treated.

*Pain: An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that may include either physical pain and/or non-painful discomfort such as aching, throbbing, numbness, tingling, burning, etc

 The IMPACTS StudyInternet- delivered Management of Pain Among Cancer Treatment Survivors, is designed to help you manage your pain so you can enjoy your quality of life.

 Cancer patients 18 or older who experience pain from cancer or cancer treatment are invited to discuss possible participation in the IMPACTS study.

 Compensation for your time will be provided. In-person and remote visits are available!

Use the QR Code below to get to a short survey that will show if this study might be a good fit for you. Based on your responses, you may be eligible to take part in the IMPACTS Study. Note: only patients seen at Sanford or South Portland Mainehealth Cancer Care Centers are eligible to participate.

Scan QR code with your phone’s camera to access a short survey.

For more information on this study, please email: Shelby Monahan: shelby.monahan@mainehealth.org

Care Coordination and planning includes communication and partnerships between the survivor and providers for ongoing survivorship care

This quarter, we feature national cancer research outcomes, bladder cancer support, and to strategies to help those working during treatments