posted
on 9/22/2021
in
BLOGS from St. Anthony
Expanding the comprehensive care model has been one of the main program development and expansion goals of the cancer center service line. After months of planning and collaboration the St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center is excited to start offering clinical trial drug screening and opportunities for our medical oncology patients. This program was fully launched in July of 2021, and we have partnered with the Iowa Oncology Research Association (IORA) to offer clinical trials to our medical oncology patients. Patients of West Central Iowa do not have to travel to receive the most advanced cancer options.
Research plays a vital role in the advancement of cancer treatments. Patient participation has a direct impact for improving treatment strategies for years to come. The trials offer high-quality cancer care. The patient’s decision to enter into a clinical trial is a joint discussion between the patient and their oncology provider. This shared decision-making process assures the patient is comfortable with the clinical trial opportunity and fully understands the risks and benefits. Participating in a trial at St. Anthony is in conjunction with the standard course of treatment for any cancer diagnosis.
According to Shannon Benson, RN, MSN Executive Director of IORA, “Access to clinical trials is a right. Not everyone has the opportunity to travel to large cities to participate in clinical trials, we need to reach out to them where they exist. This partnership allows us to reach out to patients, where they live, to ensure sample representation of the general population so results apply to those everywhere”.
St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center along with IORA is a team of skilled professionals to assist patients in the cancer journey. This team includes the medical oncologist, nursing staff, pharmacy team, IORA staff and all of the patient support services. These clinical trial opportunities are another exciting layer to the care path.
“We are so pleased to have this opportunity. The IORA team have provided education and guidance to make our cancer center successful as we look to expand treatment options to our patients. We know that our center can impact the communities we serve. Patients and families do not have to look outside of our region to know that they are getting the best care possible.” Lori Pietig, MHA CT, RT, (R) Director of Cancer Services.
The current open trials cover patients with the following diagnosis: colon, colorectal, glioblastoma, and pancreatic cancer, plus chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center continues to explore ways to expand services and develop programs that best serve our patients.
When the best care matters, always look to the cross, always St. Anthony.
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