Participants Sought For Cancer Treatment Study
DETROIT (WWJ) - Karmanos Cancer Institute is teaming up with the Wayne State University School of Medicine as part of a national study focused on cancer treatments based on genetic markers in tumors.
Dr. Anthony Shields says they're looking for the right candidates for the NCI MATCH Trial.
"There are patients who have already failed the first line of therapy and we're going to get a new biopsy of their tumors where we're gonna do genetic testing to see what the best target is for their tumor," he said, "and help pick the drug for the patient based on the genetic changes."
Trial participants must be at least 18 years of age or older with solid tumors that have advanced following at least one type of standard treatment or have tumors where there is currently no standard treatment.
Shields told WWJ's Dr. Deanna Lites just about all types of tumors will be part of the study: "...Including lung, breast, colon, pancreas, as well as lymphoma."
Those with rare types of cancer are also encouraged to participate.
A total of 3,000 patients are expected to be enrolled.
"Karmanos Cancer Institute is known for its extensive clinical trials and research programs," said Shields. "Treating patients with targeted therapies looking at the molecular makeup of certain tumors is something we've been doing but we will now be able to take it to an even greater level with NCI MATCH Trial."
"With so many medical centers participating in this trial, it will provide a greater number of potential candidates with specific gene mutations to test novel therapies that could ultimately lead to finding improved treatment options for cancer patients."
The trial will cover the cost of the new tumor biopsy, which is required in the study to test for the gene mutations. The treatment drugs may also be provided by the study. The participants insurance will be billed for clinical visits, laboratory tests and scans, which are all part of the routine care.
For more information on the MATCH Trial or other clinical trials underway to Karmanos, call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266.
