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 ?