Clinical Research in a Community Practice

Bob Behrens, MD

Iowa Oncology Research Association (IORA)

What is IORA ?

Local community physicians & staff Offer patients state-of-the-art research trials

– Prevention– Diagnosis– Treatment– Symptom management

Patients can get ‘cutting edge’ right at home

What is IORA ?

Established in 1978 by Dr. Fred Brunk Federally funded through NCI CCOP Main research base is Mayo system Capability of opening any nationwide trial 80 different research trial options open for

patients in Des Moines in October 2008

How does a patient participate ?

Match an open trial’s eligibility criteria Patient gives informed consent Guidelines specified for protocol treatment

and follow-up Data shared with nationwide research base Audit (internal and external review)

SELECT trial

Selenium and vitamin E effect on prevention of prostate cancer

32,000 men nationwide (250 in Des Moines) Pills, bloodwork, exam for years

ECOG 5202

Colon cancer molecular diagnostics trial ? Which stage 2 colon cancer patients need

chemo ? Specific chromosomal changes are assessed

to determine high vs. low recurrence risk If low, observe – no chemo If high, 2 chemo options

E5103

High risk adjuvant breast cancer treatment Women after all known cancer surgically

removed Standard chemotherapy with or without

bevacizumab

N05C3

Trial to assess if vitamin E can prevent neuropathy side effects of chemo

½ of patients get vitamin E, ½ get placebo Patients receive standard chemo for their

cancer Neuropathy incidence and severity recorded

by patient and by doctor

Barriers to Research Participation

Patients or doctors informed on all options Time commitment Demographics Insurance Comorbidities ‘Guinea pig’ perception

IORA

Questions ?