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Clinical Trial Highlights Local patients have been involved in research conducted by national study groups including Southwest Oncology Group, NCI’s Clinical Trials Support Unit, Gynecologic Oncology Group, National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. During the past year, 39 or 4% of our patients decided to enroll in a research study for their treatment. They receive all of their treatment and follow-up care locally in Whatcom County. 274 people signed up as volunteers in the historic American Cancer Society’s “Cancer Prevention Study-3” (CPS-3) during the 2008 Relay for Life in Bellingham! The goal is to enroll 500,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations. The 2009 Relay event in Lynden will be the next opportunity for local residents to enroll. Along with this impressive commitment to cancer research in Whatcom County, is our clinical trial participants’ contribution to translational medicine. Translational Medicine – bench to bedside – are not mere buzz words for the National Cancer Institute Cooperative Groups that write and administer the clinical trials we offer our patients. Their goal is for every clinical study to have a companion translational science research plan that builds a bridge between the research lab and the clinic. Clinical trial participants are given an option to donate additional blood and tissue blocks from their previous surgery. The specimens are shipped to the research groups’ tumor banks where the specimens are collected, processed and maintained to enable future translational research. More than 95% of our participants enroll in these “companion” studies. Scientists are learning more about specific cellular proteins and genes. This knowledge will help to identify what individuals will respond to specific treatments as well as discover new treatments that can better target cancer cells. Anyone wanting more information on cancer clinical trials in Whatcom County is invited to contact Cheryl Patz, RN, Clinical Trials Coordinator, cpatz@peacehealth.org or 360.715.4133.
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Cancer Services |
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Cancer Committee |
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Cancer Program |