Improving cancer treatments
Clinical trials, also called research trials, are studies conducted to evaluate a new drug, a new combination of drugs, or new delivery protocols. These studies are designed to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to treat cancer patients.
Nebraska Hematology-Oncology is involved in clinical trials on an ongoing basis. This involvement keeps our physicians abreast of the latest developments in cancer drugs and treatment protocols. We encourage many of our patients to take advantage of new treatment protocols or participate in clinical trials which we offer.
We are approved, active participants in many oncology programs including:
- North Central Cancer Treatment Group through Mayo Clinic
- Missouri Valley Cancer Community Clinical Oncology Program
- National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Projec
- Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
- Gynecology Oncology Group
- Radiation Therapy Oncology
Every patient must be evaluated before they can participate in a clinical trial. If you are found to be eligible, the study will be explained to you in detail and you will be asked to sign a consent form. You will be monitored closely both during treatment and after the study is completed.
Many patients are concerned about the cost of treatment on clinical trials. Some drugs are provided free-of-charge by the study. Lab, x-rays and other tests are not. However, these tests are part of any standard treatment plan and are often paid for by health insurance. Tests that are not part of a standard evaluation are usually paid for by the clinical trial.
Nebraska Hematology-Oncology is currently participating in a variety of clinical trials including those listed below. Contact our Clinical Research Department for more information on these and other trials.
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
For men or women with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
- Breast Cancer
For women who have been taking zoledronic acid (Zometa) for the past year and have breast cancer that has spread to the bone.
- Breast Cancer
For women with locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer
For women or men with metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Prostate Cancer
For men whose prostate cancer is no longer responding to hormone suppression treatment.
- Multiple Myeloma
For men or women who have failed at least one regimen for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
- Follicular Lymphoma
For men or women who have failed at least one regimen for the treatment of follicular lymphoma.
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