Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Posted: May 26, 2009 10:17 AM by St. Mary-Corwin
Updated: May 26, 2009 10:17 AM

The Dorcy Cancer Center is a member of the Colorado Cancer Research Program. For nearly 10 years, we have been actively participating in cancer prevention and treatment studies conducted by major national and international research institutions. These institutions include the National Cancer Institute, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project.

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial, or clinical study, is research that is designed to help determine the most effective treatments or prevention strategies for cancer. Cancer-related clinical trials are an important link between laboratory research and improved treatments for patients with cancer.

The different types of cancer clinical trials are:

Prevention trials designed to prevent cancer
Early detection trials designed to find cancer in its early stages
Treatment trials which test the safety, effectiveness and side effects of different treatment options in people already diagnosed with cancer
Other trials designed to improve the quality of life for those living with cancer

Current Treatment Trials

There are at least 65 clinical trials available at the Dorcy Cancer Center at any given time to evaluate emerging treatments for bladder, breast, colon, kidney, liver, lung, prostate, gastro-intestinal cancers, lymphomas, leukemias, head and neck,and other cancers. The international medical community will use the resulting data and conclusions for years to come in improving treatment for cancer.

Current Prevention Trials

The Cancer Center is currently involved in two major cancer prevention clinical trials being conducted nationwide:

STAR (Study of Tomoxifen and Raloxifene)

STAR is a clinical trial for prevention of breast cancer in high-risk women. Over 90 women from Pueblo County and neighboring communities are enrolled in this study.

SELECT Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial

SELECT is a trial for prevention of prostate cancer in men. Over 60 men from Pueblo County and neighboring communities are enrolled in this study.

Though we are no longer recruiting for these prevention studies, we will be following individuals already enrolled for many years to come to determine if these medications and supplements, indeed, prevent breast and prostate cancers.

For more information about active clinical trials, the types of studies that are available, or whether you or a loved one may be eligible to participate, call or email: