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104,141 Texans are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer in 2010. To them, new research equals
HOPE. A
ccording to the Texas Cancer Registry, in 2010 an estimated 104,141 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 37,000 people will die from the disease. Recent reports suggest that the number of patients developing cancer has declined, and the number of patients who are cured of their cancer is increasing. This positive change is due to prevention, early detection and new treatments developed in clinical trials.
Many people think that clinical trials (or research studies) occur only in large institutions. Cancer patients in the Austin area have access to the most promising therapies without leaving the city. Research taking place locally is making a difference in the future of cancer care, and ensures that more patients have a chance to participate. Currently, only 3 percent of adults with a cancer diagnosis participate in clinical trials, which slows the development of new therapies. Through participation in clinical trials, patients can help physicians identify and develop new treatment options. In addition, clinical trials provide patients the first opportunity to benefit from the most promising drugs, while always receiving the current standard treatment. Participating patients are volunteers who not only expand their own treatment options, but ultimately provide a tremendous service to other patients and physicians in the search for better treatment. Since 1999, Texas Oncology in Austin has participated in more than 200 research studies. Currently, our patients are part of 35 studies exploring treatments for all types of cancer and blood diseases and cancer prevention by identifying high risk patients. The practice plans to embark on 10-15 additional clinical trials in the coming year. Texas Oncology is a member of Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas’ (CPRIT) Clinical Trials Network (CTNeT), which will establish a research platform where trials from community and academic institutions can be accessed across the state. By their nature, clinical trials have a specific set of parameters, and patients must meet those parameters to qualify.
quality of life. Others find that current treatments are not ideal for their particular cancer and request to be among the first to participate in a research study. Others participate to feel that they are part of the solution for future patients. Participating in a clinical trial is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a physician to discuss the associated benefits and risks. Clinical trials allow patients to be actively involved in their healthcare; to gain early access to new treatments and expert medical care, since investigators are often specialists in the disease area being studied; and to help others by contributing to medical research. Advances in Treatment Options A cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering, daunting experience. It doesn’t have to be a helpless, hopeless moment. With innovations in cancer treatment and promising new research developments, many more patients are cured of their disease. The search for new, more effective treatment options is a primary concern for oncologists who strive to identify new treatments to improve cancer care. For example, our researchers are involved in an exciting and distinctly different way to fight metastatic triple negative cancer, a resistant type of breast cancer. Drugs called poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, or PARP inhibitors, disrupt a cancer cell’s ability to repair itself and reproduce by producing a chemical called PARP. As the PARP chemical is disrupted, cancer cells remain damaged and die, limiting the spread and ultimately killing the cancer. The new treatment greatly reduced tumor size in a significant number of patients. Research breakthroughs like these give patients more victories in their fight against cancer. Beth Hellerstedt, md is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Austin Central. www.texasoncology.com
There are many reasons why patients choose to make a difference by participating in a research study. Some seek a longer or better
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