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A very important part of our cancer program is the emphasis on research.The Forum Health Cancer CareCenters have been participating in research since 1975.This has given patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials in their own community.In clinical trials, patients receive either the current, best-known or “gold standard” treatment, or the opportunity for a new one.Clinical trials provide quality treatment and care.
For more that 45 years, national cancer cooperative groups have been working to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients through research funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).Today’s clinical trials are tomorrow’s standard of care facilitated through collaborative partnerships between industry, government and research institutions.
Today about 3-5% of adult cancer patients are enrolled in clinical trials.In contrast, approximately 60% of pediatric cancer patients are trial participants.The cure rate for children has increased from 30% to 75% in the last several decades, due in part to clinical trials.
Our Research Program
·The Cancer CareCenters currently have over 200 patients participating in clinical trials for Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Lymphoma, Leukemia, Myeloma, Pancreatic Cancer and Prostate Cancer.
·We are also actively involved in cancer prevention studies for Breast and Prostate Cancer.
·Cancer clinical trials at the Cancer CareCenters are approved by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
·Patients are enrolled through our affiliations with:
ØSouthwest Oncology Group (SWOG)
ØChildren's Oncology Group (COG)
ØNational Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)
ØRadiation Therapy Oncology Group RTOG
ØAmerican College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN)
·We also participate in drug studies conducted by pharmaceutical companies.These studies gather data on the effectiveness and side effects of treatments already approved by the FDA.
What are Clinical Trials?
·Clinical trials are research studies involving people.They try to answer scientific questions and find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.
·Through clinical trials we can test many types of treatments, such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods of treatment in humans.
Why are Clinical Trials Important?
·Clinical trials contribute to knowledge and progress against cancer.
·If a new treatment proves effective in a study, it may become a new standard treatment that can help many patients. Many of today's most effective standard treatments are based on previous study results.
·Clinical trials may also answer important scientific questions and suggest future research directions.
·Because of progress made through clinical trials, many people treated for cancer are now living longer with an improved quality of life.
What are My Rights as a Participant in Research?
1. Be informed of the nature and purpose of the research.
2. Be given an explanation of the procedures to be followed and any drug or device to be utilized.
3. Be given a description of any discomforts and risks reasonable to be expected.
4. Be given an explanation of any benefits to the patient reasonable to be expected, if applicable.
5. Be given a disclosure of any appropriate alternative procedures, drug, or devices that might be advantageous to the patient, and their relative risks and benefits.
6. Be informed of the avenues of medical treatment, if any, available to the patient if complications should arise.
7. Be given an opportunity to ask any questions concerning the treatment or procedures involved.
8. Be instructed that consent to participate in the medical experiment may be withdrawn at any time and the patient may discontinue participation without prejudice.
9. Be given a copy of the signed and dated written consent form.
10. Be given the opportunity to decide to consent or not to consent to a medical experiment without intervention.
For more information and questions related to your involvement in clinical research trials, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov or call:
ØDebbie Anastasiadis, Clinical Research Coordinator, Trumbull Memorial Hospital at (330)841-9376
ØBeverly Brunker, Clinical Research Coordinator, Northside Medical Center at (330) 884-4176
ØLinda Stickelmeyer, Nurse Coordinator, Center for Breast Health at (330)884-2200 | 
