Download Iowa Oncology Research Association (IORA)

Clinical Research in a Community
Practice
Bob Behrens, MD
Iowa Oncology
Research Association
(IORA)
What is IORA ?
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Local community physicians & staff
Offer patients state-of-the-art research trials
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Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Symptom management
Patients can get ‘cutting edge’ right at home
What is IORA ?
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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 ?
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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
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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
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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
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High risk adjuvant breast cancer treatment
Women after all known cancer surgically
removed
Standard chemotherapy with or without
bevacizumab
N05C3
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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
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Patients or doctors informed on all options
Time commitment
Demographics
Insurance
Comorbidities
‘Guinea pig’ perception
IORA
 Questions
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