St. Joseph is an active partner in advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer through clinical trials and research studies of people who have cancer. The goal of these studies is to find better ways to treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer so that people can live better and longer. Clinical trials are the engine of cancer research and can represent a patient’s best chance for effective therapy. However, data suggests that only 5-percent of cancer patients currently participate. The more people who take part in clinical trials, the faster we can find better treatments and ways to prevent cancer.

The clinical trials offered at St. Joseph Medical Center include preventive, treatment, and observational research studies. These trials are based on nationally approved standards of cancer care, designed to research how we can best improve our patients’ cancer outcomes. Patients can participate in national clinical trials and will soon have access to “early phase” NCI trials. The research team can help determine if a treatment option is right for a particular patient. As with all clinical trials, patients who enroll must meet specific criteria. For more information contact our Research Office at 410.337.4569 or visit www.cancer.gov.

LUNG CLINICAL TRIALS

• CALGB 30506 TRIAL
  Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) post-resection (lobectomy) participates are randomized to receive either observation (standard of care) or chemotherapy.
  
   
• MAGRIT TRIAL; NSCLC MAGE-A3 PROTEIN POSITIVE
  Vaccine trial for tumors producing the protein MAGE-A3, this trial will offer vaccination by (MAGE-A3 ASCI) which stimulates the immune system to prevent tumor reoccurrence.
  
   
• ARANESP 782 TRIAL: ADVANCED NSCLC
  Study comparing Darbepo to placebo (standard of care) for patients who are receiving chemotherapy.
  
   
• CALGB 140503 TRIAL
  The purpose of this clinical trial is to look at whether removal of a small section of lung (called a Sublobar resection) is equal to a lobectomy (a larger surgery which takes out an entire section or “lobe” of the lung or about one-quarter to one-half of one lung, depending on which lobe is taken out). Randomization done intraoperatively.
  
   
• ECOG 1505 Trial; Post resected NSCLC
  To evaluate overall survival in patients with resected NSCLC followed with Chemotherapy (standard of care) with or without Bevacizumab (antibody therapy).
  
   
• RTOG 0937 TRIAL
  Prophylactic cranial irradiation to Prophylactic cranial irradiation plus consolidative extra cranial irradiation in Small Cell Lung Cancer.
   

BREAST CLINICAL TRIALS

• CALGB 70604
  For those with metastatic breast or prostate cancer or multiple myeloma. Being conducted to determine the effectiveness of administering Zometa every 12 weeks vs every 4 weeks.
  
   
• NSABP B43 DCIS
  Comparing Trastuzumab given concurrently with radiation therapy and radiation therapy alone for women with HER2-positive ductal carcinoma in situ resected by lumpectomy.
  
   
• NSABP TIC/TAC/Toe/B46I
  For patients with resected node-positive or high-risk node negative Her2neu neg breast cancer. To determine if adding the investigational agent Bevacizumab (Avastin), to treatment with two chemotherapy drugs for early stage HER2 negative breast cancer will prevent breast cancer from returning.

   

• NIPPLE SPARING MASTECTOMY REGISTRY
  Mastectomy; removal of breast tissue while sparing the nipple – areola complex area. With immediate reconstruction, this leads to a breast that’s identical in appearance to the pre-operative breast.
  
  
• PEAK (DEVICE STUDY)
  Single or bilateral mastectomies without reconstruction. Use of PEAK plasma blade during surgery.
   
   

COLON CLINICAL TRIAL

• CHON; AMGEN259
  Study evaluating the efficacy of Pegfilgrastim in reducing febrile neutropenia in patients with localized advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer.

GASTROINTESTINAL CLINICAL TRIALS

• NCI 8233
  A Phase II Trial of Temsirolimus and Bevacizumab in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Carcinoid or Islet Cell Cancer

   

• NCI 8418
  A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine Plus GDC-0449, a Hh Pathway Inhibitor, for Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

   

• NCI 8376
  A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of FOLFOX Plus or Minus GDC-0449 in Patients With Advanced Gastric and Gastroesophageal Juction (GEJ) Carcinoma

MYLOMA CLINCAL TRIAL

• CALGB 70604 70604 For those with metastatic breast or prostate cancer or multiple myeloma. Being conducted to determine the effectiveness of administering Zometa every 12 weeks vs. every 4 weeks
   

PROSTATE CLINICAL TRIAL

• CALGB 70604
  70604For those with metastatic breast or prostate cancer or multiple myeloma. Being conducted to determine the effectiveness of administering Zometa every 12 weeks vs. every 4 weeks.