2017 Annual Report 500 100 % 100+ New Patients Screened for Active Clinical Per Month Clinical Trials Research Trials
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
THE HUMAN FACE OF RESEARCH ILLINOIS CANCERCARE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 500 100 % 100+ NEW PATIENTS SCREENED FOR ACTIVE CLINICAL PER MONTH CLINICAL TRIALS RESEARCH TRIALS WE SEARCH FEDERAL PHARMA FUNDING FUNDING FILLING THE FUNDING GAP FOR TOMORROW’S CURES. Through the National Cancer Drug companies need a Institute (NCI) Community platform to test their latest Oncology Research Program, cancer therapies. At select Illinois CancerCare shares in $400,000+ Illinois CancerCare clinics, $2.5 million of annual funding our patients can participate for NCI clinical trials. This allows in industry-sponsored The cost of clinical trials exceeds the amount patients to take part in these clinical trials, funded by Illinois CancerCare receives from the NCI, and critical research efforts at all 12 pharmaceutical companies, RESEARCH budget challenges have resulted in a loss of Illinois CancerCare locations. which allow access to drugs more than $3.5 million in NCI funding over the before FDA approval. IS THE TIP OF OUR SPEAR. past 10 years. 2017 FOUNDATION PROGRAM FUNDING RESEARCH SUPPORT ADMINISTRATIVE EVENT SUPPORT SERVICES PATIENT TRUST IN HOPE VOLUNTEERS 61% 15 % 11% 9% 3%1% 1 DEFINING CLINICAL TRIALS DEAR FRIENDS IN THE FIGHT, Bench Research NCORP Step one in the search for new Short for NCI Community Oncology Research The word “research” conjures up images of pristine labs, white coats, test tubes and microscopes. That type of early investigation is critical in the quest to develop new, treatments—occurs in the lab Program, a federally funded program for more effective treatments for cancer. But just as important—perhaps more so—is community oncology research the clinical research that occurs every day here at Illinois CancerCare. At any given time, across our 12 locations, you’ll find hundreds of patients at various Eligibility Criteria stages in their cancer journeys participating in clinical trials. These studies aren’t merely Principal Investigator the final step in bringing tomorrow’s drugs and therapies to market. For many of today’s Defines who may participate in a trial based on The person, usually a doctor, who patients, they are life-savers, life-extenders and quality-of-life-enhancers. And they’re a variety of factors, like a certain type or stage creates a plan for the study and available right here at home because of your financial support. of cancer, previous treatments, age, gender, leads the trial Illinois CancerCare was founded in 1977 with research at the core of our practice. medical history or current health Since then, more than 10,000 of our patients have participated in nearly 1,500 clinical trials—staying close to home and close to family, friends and support networks. Four Cancer Control Studies (Symptom Management) decades into our fight, we remain independent, privately owned and committed to Address the symptoms and side effects, taking advantage of the latest research on behalf of our patients. like nausea or fatigue, that result from Your contributions to the Foundation help us keep that promise. Due to cuts in National Clinical Trial having and treating cancer Cancer Institute (NCI) funding, we’ve seen a loss of $3.5 million in research dollars over Final step in determining the safety and effec- the past decade. In 2017, funding was more than $500,000 short of what’s required to tiveness of new treatments—involves human run an NCI Community Oncology Research Program. Foundation dollars fill $400,000 Protocol of that gap—helping ensure local patients do not lose access to clinical trials. volunteers and evaluates if a new treatment is Outlines the purpose of the trial, what Illinois CancerCare is THE cancer research arm for the many communities we serve— better than existing options drugs or treatments will be used, what and YOU keep us armed to stay on top of ever-evolving care. Thank you. testing will be conducted, the number of people needed, eligibility criteria With sincere appreciation, THE FOUR PHASES and what information will be collected OF CLINICAL TRIALS* Phase I Trials Phase II Trials Phase III Trials Phase IV Trials Evaluate how a new drug Continue to test the Compare the new drug, Evaluate the long-term should be given, how often safety of a new drug in combination of drugs effects of a new drug over and at what dosage. They participants and begin to or surgical procedure a lengthy period of time usually enroll only a small evaluate how it works. to the current standard for a larger number of number of patients. They usually focus on a by randomly assigning patients. They occur after specific type of cancer. participants to the new FDA approval of a drug. Greg Gerstner, M.D. Tonda Thompson FOUNDATION STAFF group or the standard Board President Executive Director Tonda Thompson : Executive Director group. They often enroll Lauren Obalil : Foundation Coordinator * Most Illinois CancerCare trials large numbers of people Rebecca Bonfoey : Foundation Accountant fall into Phase II or Phase III. and occur nationwide. Leslie Schenkel : Foundation Assistant 2 3 Dr. Michael Veeder (left) joined Illinois CancerCare in 1982 after completing his RESEARCH HAS oncology training at the Sidney Farber Cancer Center Institute, the oncology research center BEEN OUR FOCUS for Harvard Medical School. Marsha Kutter (right) helps administer the grant for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program, FOR FORTY also known as NCORP. YEARS. WE PUT OUR FIRST PATIENT ON A CLINICAL TRIAL IN 1979 MYTH My health insurance won’t It may be much more sophisticated today, but one thing about cancer SUPPORTING THE AREA’S pay for a clinical trial. research hasn’t changed in Dr. Michael Veeder’s 35-plus years with Illinois LARGEST RESEARCH STAFF CancerCare. “The fact remains that any treatment for almost any disease has substantial room to improve in terms of effectiveness or side effects,” he FACT “Our research staff is larger says. “We’re always looking for the next breakthrough that allows therapy to Most plans do cover the than that of many academic be shorter, easier and better.” routine patient care costs hospitals. The Foundation’s Finding new ways to fund breakthroughs is critical, especially as federal of clinical trials. We’ll review support makes that possible.” funding for community clinical trials remains flat. “People don’t understand your insurance coverage in When Marsha Kutter joined Illinois CancerCare “It’s because of the research department and a money-making enterprise. It’s a money- how expensive research is,” Dr. Veeder says. “The drugs may be free, but advance so you can make an as a research assistant in 1984, she was the support staff that our physicians are able to losing enterprise. Because it’s so important to data collection and analysis are profoundly expensive. The Foundation makes informed decision. research department. Today, as research business offer clinical trials to patients, and it’s because our patients, the practice finds ways to support the difference in the number of studies we can offer locally and the number of administrator, she’s part of a dedicated team of of donors to the Foundation that we’re able to the program. Foundation dollars are more employees for whom research is their only job.” 25 employees. fund that staff,” Marsha says. “Research is not important than ever.” 4 5 A NEW STANDARD OF CARE FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS Every treatment offered today originated as a clinical trial. New drugs and therapies become standard care when research proves they’re more effective than what’s already available. A landmark new study involving more than 100 RESEARCH IS Illinois CancerCare patients is changing that standard for breast cancer patients worldwide. One of the largest breast cancer treatment trials ever conducted revealed that women at low or intermediate risk of recurrence may safely skip chemotherapy without AT THE CORE OF hurting their chances of survival. The focus of the study was a gene test, called Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Assay, performed on tumor samples after surgery. “We receive a score after submitting a patient’s specimen that tells us if there’s risk of the cancer returning,” says Dr. Madhuri EVERY TREATMENT Bajaj. “The vast majority of patients have an intermediate score. They are our clinical conundrum—are they high risk or low risk? This study helped take away that gray area. Now we’re confident recommending to patients with certain scores that it’s safe to skip chemotherapy. We can make an WE HAVE TODAY. evidence-based decision rooted in sound clinical data.” Dr. Madhuri Bajaj is a medical oncologist practicing at the Peoria and Peru clinics. She also oversees the research department at Illinois CancerCare. MAKING RESEARCH ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERY PATIENT As Illinois CancerCare’s Director of Research, Jamie Harper sees firsthand the essential role the Foundation plays in giving local patients access to the latest treatments. “We talk about treatment toxicity, but financial toxicity is a big issue, too,” she says. “Some patients may choose not to pursue treatment because of the cost. The Foundation helps us keep that from happening. Donor dollars don’t just fund new cancer research. They also help pay for gas cards or genetic testing—little things that help patients take advantage of research that’s already underway.” 6 7 Chetaye Knox (right) is one of Illinois CancerCare’s lead clinical research associates. She screens patients for eligibility for cancer control trials, which may help improve quality of life. CANCER TREATMENT RESEARCH THAT EXTENDS BEYOND CURES AND QUALITY For some patients, the side effects of cancer treatment are almost as debilitating as the disease itself. Nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite are among the most common symptoms. For Ellen Steffen, who was diagnosed with Stage 3B breast OF LIFE ARE cancer in 2014, extreme hot flashes caused by hormonal therapy severely affected her quality of life, both at home and on the job.