Newsweek Health Resource Center

cancer \'kan(t)-ser\ n: a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis.

Are you fighting cancer? Or is a relative or loved one of yours battling this dreadful disease? If so, you are not alone. Every day, more than 3,500 Americans are diagnosed with cancer. It afflicts millions of us in thousands of ways.

One cannot understand how devastating the words "You Have Cancer" are until they are spoken to you or somebody close to you. First reactions often take the form of denial; depression frequently follows. But the real issue after one is diagnosed with cancer is how do you fight; what is your battle plan. How do you choose the right treatment?

In these pages, we try to help you discover what is in your arsenal; what is available to you as you battle cancer. In particular, we believe that Cancer Clinical Trials offer a frontline treatment option that you should consider while conducting your research and planning your attack with your doctor. Consider the accompanying example of Karen Velasquez's experience. Karen is a cancer survivor who has endured a grueling experience and come through brilliantly. She is a remarkable woman. We hope you learn as much from her as we did.

Dr. Robert L. Comis
President and Chairman
Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups

The A B C s of Clinical Trials

A: Most clinical trials compare the new treatment to the best existing treatment for a particular type of cancer. Many Phase III trials involve adding a new drug to an already proven combination of drugs to see if the combination is more effective.

B: You don't have to live near a major city or medical center to participate in a clinical trial. Tens of thousands of doctors participate in large-scale clinical trials in academic centers, hospitals and community oncology practices across the country.

C: 97 percent of survey respondents who participated in clinical trials reported that they were treated with dignity and respect and received excellent or good quality care.

D: New drugs are tested against the best existing treatment, so even if you do not receive the new drug being tested, you will still be treating your cancer.

E: 86 percent of survey respondents who enrolled in cancer clinical trials reported that their costs were covered by their insurance plans.

Visit www.CancerTrialsHelp.org/info to view a presentation featuring Karen and other patients and physicians talking about their experiences. You can also find a list of cancer clinical trials that might be right for you.

For those diagnosed with cancer, the race to survive is all too real. The stakes couldn't be higher. Karen Velasquez is one of those survivors. In 1996, Karen was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma. She and her doctor discussed her prognosis: the treatment options were very limited. She was told she had only six months to live.

She turned to her family and friends for emotional support, and took charge of her treatment decision. Becoming informed was the first step.

"Initially, it is devastating emotionally. My best support came from my family and the encouragement they gave me. Battling cancer is not a solo sport. It is a team effort."

Karen began to read everything she could. Initially, what she found didn't inspire much hope. But as she learned more, she developed a plan. Karen began research on the leading medical centers that treat stage IV melanoma. She studied information about the hospitals and she uncovered the lead researchers.

Karen has been more aggressive toward her treatment options than many, but more and more patients are coming to understand the importance of playing an active role in their treatment decisions. Through her research, Karen discovered a clinical trial studying a breakthrough therapy to treat stage IV melanoma. When discussions with her oncologist, as well as medical testing, revealed that she was eligible for the trial, she made the decision to participate.

Six years later, she thinks it's the best decision she ever made.

"I not only felt safe during the trial but I also felt confident that I had found the best possible treatment plan available to me. The quality of care was wonderful, the clinical nursing staff was extremely experienced and understood how to manage all of the facets of this drug. They had an abundance of support, from physicians to social workers and counselors, who were some of the most compassionate medical professionals I've ever met." Karen believes personal education is the most important weapon in a patient's arsenal. "First, I got and made copies of all the diagnostic tests available. Next, I went on the Internet and read about my cancer and the staging. I did tons of homework. I found a good oncologist and brought someone to all consultations," Karen recalls.

"It is the patient's responsibility to become educated about their disease. Information is the key and is available to everyone. I credit the information I got that led me to my trial as the key to my survival," she suggests.

"Ask questions about success rates for the treatments discussed. If you are contemplating a clinical trial, learn everything you can about what is involved."

Karen participated in a cancer clinical trial because it was part of her personal race for survival. The result has been a longer and higher-quality life. But she also knows it may help others in their own race.

"Don't give up. There is reason for hope. I hear many stories of patients who have been informed that they had no additional options, only to find real help in a clinical trial. My suggestion is to do some homework," Karen emphasizes.