> Conquering Cancer continued
recruited in 2005 from Wake Forest
University School of Medicine, WinstonSalem, NC. There Dr. Frankel was also
involved with NCI studies.
Caring for Patients
During Clinical Trials
As the Cancer Research Institute grows and
more people participate in clinical trials,
specific concerns for their care must be
addressed. The new Glenda Tanner Vasicek
Cancer Treatment Center brings improved
cancer treatment services to patients. (See
page 11.) However, serving patients who
have failed the usual forms of treatment
16
THE CATALYST Winter 09
requires different types of facilities and
resources. Just as philanthropy made the
Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center possible,
there are many opportunities for
philanthropy to support research and
clinical trials.
“Currently, subjects participating in
clinical trials are given beds in the Intensive
Care Unit because we do not have space
dedicated for them,” says Dr. Frankel.
“This is not the best use of resources,
since participants in clinical trials rarely
need the level of care or equipment,
such as respirators, that are required in
the ICU. Plus, it limits patients’ access to
their families.”
Helping families to be nearby and
provide support during a clinical trial helps
the patient as well. In addition to bed space,
other issues include family transportation,
lodging and incidental costs associated with
participating in a clinical trial. Dr. Frankel
says, “Families of subjects enrolled in testing
new therapies may not be able to afford a
hotel room for the week of treatment and
monitoring that may be required.
“As the reputation of the Cancer
Research Institute grows, endowments,
matching funds and community support
would help create more reasons for outside
grant money to be funneled to Scott &
White research programs,” says Dr. Frankel.
“It’s more than philanthropy; it’s an
investment in our community. As programs
increase benefits to patients and more
translational research is done in Central
Texas, more industries, scientists, physicians
and patients will be attracted to the area.” ■
Acute Myeloid
Leukemia: New
Drug Study
Acute myeloid leukemia’s early
signs include weakness, infections
and bleeding, but the symptoms
are often overlooked, leaving little
time between diagnosis and
treatment. It is one of the most
common types of leukemia in
older adults and one of the most
incurable in children. “The median
life expectancy is one year,” says
Dr. Frankel. “Of 10,000 people
diagnosed annually in the United
States, perhaps only 20 to 30
percent survive for long-term
treatment.”
The Cancer Research Institute
is testing a new drug targeting the
cancer’s stem cells. To date, 57
subjects have been treated,
resulting in partial remissions and
one remission lasting more than
eight months.
Additionally, patients with highrisk myelodysplasia syndrome, a
pre-leukemia condition, are being
sought for the Phase I/II clinical
trial. For information on these
Cancer Research Institute clinical
trials, contact the Scott & White
Cancer Research Institute at
254-724-0095.