Clinical Trials Bring Cures and Hope to Great Plains Cancer Patients
Although you might expect the latest and greatest in cancer treatment from hospitals in New York or Houston, some of the most advanced cancer treatments are happening right here in North Platte.
The Callahan Cancer Center at Great Plains Regional Medical Center has a state-of-the-art facility and an expert medical team, which means patients can participate in the same clinical trials for new drugs and treatments without the travel.
“People assume you have to go to Omaha, Denver or some other big city to receive the latest treatments and best care – it’s simply not true,” explains Kathy Feagler, director of the Callahan Cancer Center. “We can do the same things here in North Platte, close to home and family.”
In fact, the Callahan Cancer Center currently has patients actively involved in 25 different clinical trials ranging from chemotherapies, drugs, nutrition studies and radiation therapies. Recently a 40-year-old patient was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He went to world-renowned MD Anderson hospital in Houston for a second opinion and they recommended the same treatments he’d receive in North Platte.
“Our physicians are very committed to clinical trials and are often able to provide their patients with a variety of treatment options,” says Johnna Silos, clinical research coordinator.
Irfan Vaziri, MD an oncologist, says Great Plains works hard to match patients with available trials by participating in Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), a nationwide network of hospitals, research facilities and physicians dedicated to improving treatments and outcomes through clinical trials.
According to Feagler, Great Plains is able to participate in CALGB trials because of the quality of the physicians and facilities and the rigor in which they monitor research protocols. She adds that by participating in the trials, physicians open their work to stringent review by CALGB who grades performance against trial protocols. Each trial has its own criteria and a dedicated staff member at Great Plains monitors all dosage, tests, lab work and follow up to ensure the Callahan Cancer Center continues to receive high scores.
Many patients see the clinical trials not only as a way for them to get better, but also to be a part of something larger. “They know they’re doing something that can help their situation, but by participating in the trial they add to the body of knowledge about cancer, which can help others in years to come,” concludes Feagler.
Jessica Lawrence, a pharmacy technician, works on oncology drugs in the Callahan Cancer Center.
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