HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · JUNE 2018
CONVINCE ME :
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL ?
Meriam Eakin is alive because of a clinical trial . She is in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia thanks to a drug first tested by other cancer patients . She participated in a clinical trial to help prolong her own life , but ended up helping future cancer patients too .
For Meriam and other cancer survivors , new breakthrough treatments are saving lives , while often improving quality of life . Medical advances often follow clinical trials – research studies that require patient participants to examine how cancer responds to different medical approaches . This is how oncologists discover better ways to treat , diagnose , and prevent cancer . So why should you join a clinical trial ? Here are seven reasons to consider :
01
Texas cancer patients have access to hundreds of clinical trials that vary in purpose and scope . Research studies can focus on preventing or detecting cancer , or testing new treatments , such as drugs , surgical procedures , vaccines , or radiation therapy . Trials vary from 15 participants to several thousand patients depending upon the trial phase . Research phases determine drug dosage safety and best delivery methods , potential side effects , and treatment effectiveness . Chances are there ’ s a trial that addresses what matters to you .
02
A TRIAL THAT FITS YOU .
AN ALL-VOLUNTEER CANCER-FIGHTING ARMY .
Choosing to participate in research studies is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with your physician , including a thorough discussion of benefits and risks . Eligibility factors include age , gender , cancer type , stage , previous treatments , and overall medical history . Deciding to enter – or exit – a trial is entirely up to the patient , but always with plenty of guidance from the medical team .
03
Clinical trials in Texas are conducted at large academic institutions and in community-based cancer centers in dozens of locations – cities , suburbs , and small towns . Studies show patients who travel shorter distances to receive treatment are more likely to complete a treatment regimen . Participating in nearby research studies reduces stress , disruption , and costs of travel , and allows loved ones to play an active role in your healthcare .
04
The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) is actively involved in every phase of research . Physicians closely monitor patients to see how they respond to new treatments compared to standard treatments . Cancer clinical trial patients receive a form of treatment . It is rare for patients to receive a placebo without any other treatment .
05
YES , IN MY BACKYARD .
KEEPING CLOSE WATCH .
COST MATTERS .
Texas State law requires individual and group health plans , HMOs , state Medicaid health organizations , and state employee health benefit plans to cover the cost of care associated with clinical trials as they would for patients receiving standard treatment . Insurance providers cannot legally cancel or refuse to renew coverage due to a patient ’ s clinical trial participation . Also , costs not covered through insurance are sometimes covered by the clinical trial sponsor .
06
Only 3 percent of eligible adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials . That low participation rate slows research development substantially and means that many eligible cancer patients may be missing out on more effective treatments . To continue major progress in improvements in cancer care , researchers need more patients to participate .
07
CANCER RESEARCH NEEDS YOU .
HELP YOURSELF . HELP OTHERS .
Clinical trials allow patients to be actively involved in their healthcare through new treatments and expert medical care . Patients who participate in trials are on the frontlines of cancer research , helping to discover new prevention and treatment options that could mean the difference between life and death for future patients .
Cancer survivor Meriam knows firsthand that ongoing progress in cancer care depends on patients willing to test new drugs and treatments for themselves – and for future generations .
ALVARO RESTREPO , M . D .
Alvaro Restrepo , M . D ., is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology – McAllen , 1901 South 2nd Street , in McAllen , Texas .
To learn more about exciting advancements in cancer treatment , visit www . TexasOncology . com or call 1-888-864-I CAN ( 4226 ).
14 HEALTHY MAGAZINE