Cancer on trial

In the summer of 1996, Jean Fisher knew little about cancer.

But in June of that year, after she found a lump in her breast that was later found to be a malignant tumor, the Ste. Genevieve woman began a mission to educate herself on the subject.

What she found was a treatment option that few adult cancer patients ever try: a clinical trial.

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, only 3 percent to 5 percent of adult cancer patients participate in this type of research, which local health professionals say can mean getting the best treatment possible.

"When I was first approached about the clinical trial, I thought I was going to be a guinea pig. But it's nothing like that. The doctors are very good about answering any questions I have. It's also nice that I don't have to go somewhere else for my treatments," said Fisher, who enrolled in a study through Heartland Cancer Research.

The research center, based in St. Louis, provides cancer treatment at community-based medical facilities in St. Louis County and other parts of Southeast Missouri, including Ste. Genevieve. "I had a very aggressive type of cancer and it was growing very rapidly. But I went through the treatment and everything went fine. The cancer was gone," she said.

For five years, Fisher was cancer-free. In the fall of 2001, the disease returned, this time spreading to her liver, lungs and spine.

"There was a another clinical trial going on, and again I was lucky enough to participate in it," she said. Fisher said she would recommend a clinical trial to other patients, but also suggest finding out as much information as possible about other options.

"Do your homework. Gather all the information you can before you undergo any cancer treatment. There are many cancer organizations you can go to. There are support groups. Find someone you can talk to who has had a similar experience. You are not alone," she said.

Other local trials

Both Saint Francis Medical Center and Southeast Missouri Hospital have been performing cancer treatment clinical trials since the 1980s, said Nancy Mattingly, a Cape Girardeau oncology nurse of 28 years.

Mattingly said the trials here involve all kinds of cancers, from breast and lung to melanoma and treatments ranging from chemotherapy to radiation.

"These programs are designed to see what the best standard of care for cancer patients is," Mattingly said. Having local doctors involved means patients don't have to travel to the national cancer research sites, like M.D. Anderson or the Mayo Clinic.

"That's very important for lots of reasons. Their family and support system is here. It can be very expensive to travel," Mattingly said. "It's important for people to realize we have these services available at both facilities. It means a great deal to patients."

Fisher today

Fisher is still undergoing treatment for her second bout of cancer through Heartland Cancer Research.

"Things are going pretty well. At this point I haven't had any major setbacks. When I have my tests, it's either remaining the same or improving a little bit."

"Right now there is no end date for the treatment. It depends how my tests go. Fortunately, I am able to tolerate it very well since I've been doing it so much. Cancer is a real scary thing, but it's something I've accepted. You can't worry about those things you can't control. You just adapt and make the best of it," she said.

Heartland Cancer Research

At Heartland Cancer Research, oncologist Dr. Alan Lyss said the center has provided treatment to rural Missourians for the past 16 years, sending a medical oncologist to several communities in Southeast Missouri on a weekly basis.

"Many people in smaller communities appreciate the opportunity to get newer treatments as opposed to having to travel to bigger cities," Lyss said.

"The clinical trials we conduct involve new treatments for cancer not previously available or a combination of older treatments. The patients know they're safe and that the doses are safe."

More than 200 patients go through clinical trials through Heartland Cancer Research each year.

"In my 24-year oncology career there was only one trial in which the new treatment was inferior to the standard treatment. The clinical trials are better or as good as the standard treatments," he said. "It's very important that patients choose to undergo clinical trials. We need to continue to learn everything we can about cancer and finding a cure for all types of cancer."

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246