Great Lakes Cancer Management Specialists is a major participant in national clinical trials in the field of oncology. It is a major affiliate of the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium (MCRC). This organization is a network of large community hospitals in Michigan that participate in National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored trials.
This affiliation offers patients of GLCMS more options than even the major academic medical centers in the area. Carrie Dul, M.D., F.A.C.P., serves as the Principal Investigator for clinical trials at the Van Eslander Cancer Center at St. John Hospital and Medical Center and St. John Macomb Hospital Webber Cancer Center, and represents both the hospitals and GLCMS in matters with the MCRC. This association provides access to the following major national groups:
- Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG)
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)
- Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)
- MD Anderson Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSW-CLAGB)
- Wake Forest
- Alliance – fomerly comprised of :
- National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project (NSABP)
- North Central Cander Treatment Group (NSABP)
- ACOSOG
The MCRC is a National Cancer Institute designated community clinical oncology program. It is one of 50 research programs established by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to provide patients with access to national cancer research studies while remaining in their own communities.
There are over 100 major national trials in virtually all major cancer types, including treatment, prevention, control and symptom management. Participation in clinical trials offers patients a valuable option to consider in their cancer treatment. These protocols have eligibility criteria which are strictly defined and the treatment program has been designed by national experts in that particular tumor type. GLCMS must strictly comply with these standards assuring top quality control in order to continue their participation. Studies have clearly demonstrated that physicians that participate in this clinical trial research provide more updated quality care to all patients, even those who choose not to enroll or are not eligible.
GLCMS primarily participates in 2 types of trials:
Phase II
A single arm treatment trial, which is trying to define a promising treatment program for types of cancer types where there is no clearly established standard of care. All patients enrolled receive the same treatment.
Phase III
A trial that involves more than one treatment arm which compares the "standard of care" to new treatment options which have been defined in previous Phase II trials.
Neither the patient nor the doctor can pick a specific therapy. The national office coordinating the study randomly assigns the particular treatment program for an individual patient.
Treatment within the context of such a clinical trial is not always possible or the best option in a specific situation. Your physician at GLCMS can explore this possibility with you as your treatment plan is formulated.