Coalition Activities
Monmouth Cancer Coalition Explores Clinical Trials
Ann Marie Hill, Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research, spoke to the Monmouth Cancer Coalition on
March 8, 2007 about clinical trials in
New Jersey.
Her message was simple:
"Today's cancer treatments were yesterday's clinical trials."
She cited recent advances in breast cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer as examples of important strides resulting from clinical trials.
In 2005, there were 237 new cancer drugs in development across the nation.
Cancer treatment has witnessed tremendous improvements in recent decades, and most cancers, when treated at the early stages, can be cured or controlled.
Clinical trials, which are research studies in people looking for better ways to prevent, find treat or cope with cancer, are major reasons why these advances have been successful.
Yet, not enough is known about them and their accessibility for cancer patients in
Monmouth
County.
In
New Jersey, approximately 4.5% of
New Jersey cancer patients enroll in clinical trials.
While trends show increasing enrollments among whites, participation is decreasing among minorities in general and African Americans in particular.
They are under-represented in breast, colorectal and lung cancer trials.
Reasons include lack of awareness of available trials, misperceptions about a patient's appropriateness for participation, concern about side effects, costs and other burdens.
Minorities, women and older adults often choose not to join clinical trials for various reasons including fear, mistrust, insufficient knowledge, cultural or religious issues, and access.
Ms. Hill explained that trial participants have protections available from the federal government, special review boards, informed consents and involved communities.
She appealed for educational, partnerships and cultural programs to expand the pool of eligible participants into clinical trials --- for their good and for the good of cancer treatment.
Patricia H. Virga, Ph.D. is the Monmouth Cancer Coalition Coordinator. She also serves as Vice President for Consulting Services at New Solutions, Inc., New Brunswick, New Jersey
