MEDICAL RESEARCH

Cape Girardeau has built a solid reputation as a regional medical hub. Hospitals, physicians, specialists, laboratories, treatments and procedures draw patients from several states.

The good standing of Cape Girardeau's medical community has led to local participation in a number of clinical trials. This research and development has given hundreds of patients access to cutting-edge medications, devices and procedures. Many times these are medical developments that won't hit the market for several years.

The Food and Drug Administration requires extensive clinical testing of all newly developed medical products before they are used by the public at large. Patient volunteers participate in the testing. These products or procedures must have already been used on humans in smaller test groups.

A number of area doctors are participating in these trials, which cut across a wide spectrum of medical treatments.

-- Both St. Francis Medical Center and Southeast Missouri Hospital are participating in the National Cancer Institute studies on two drugs that may prevent cancer. Trials for both drugs -- aimed at breast and prostate cancers -- have been in progress for more than three years.

-- Since the mid-1970s, ophthalmologist Charles H. Cozean Jr. has worked on clinical trials for several lens implants. He is currently participating in clinical trials for two implants not yet on the market.

-- Cardiologist C.R. Talbert has participated in a number of clinical trials on pacemakers and other devices. Talbert and Dr. James Chapman also participated in trials that used a laser to remove plaque from coronary arteries.

-- Dr. William K. LaFoe is studying the use of a metal device to relieve blockages in the renal artery. These stints are already approved for use in the liver.

The impressive list goes on and on.

Local participation in these clinical trials benefits patients, medical facilities and doctors. This research not only expands medical options for patients, but it may well save lives.

The fact so many doctors have been chosen to participate in this region also speaks well for the quality of physicians and facilities in Cape Girardeau. It only makes sense that medical companies would choose the best and brightest doctors to conduct their research. Participation also allows local doctors to offer technology once reserved for big cities or teaching hospitals. It also means that area patients can receive the most up-to-date treatment.

Allowing community-based physicians to lead this clinical research -- instead of just limiting it to university-based doctors -- means more patients can be signed up for the studies more quickly.

The two local hospitals are also integrally involved in all clinical research and development trials. To make sure physicians and manufacturers follow all the rules for testing and documentation, the FDA requires hospitals to set up committees to oversee the local research. Both medical professionals and lay people participate in these review committees.

This provides an additional layer of protection for patients, who must volunteer for the trials. Committee members consider such implications as potential health risks, costs, emotional and psychological issues and whether existing products or procedures could do the job just as well. The committee provides a system of check-and-balance for patients and doctors.

For the most part, these clinical trials operate without a lot of public attention. But local participation by both patients and doctors helps to bring important medical technology to fruition.