What We can Learn from Kids

Children's cancers are treated different than adult cancers...

Cancer in children and teenagers is relatively rare, making up only about one percent of all cancer cases in the U.S. But according to the National Cancer Institute, that still means more than 12,000 children in the U.S. under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children—after accidental injuries. During the past 20 years, the childhood cancer five-year survival rate has dramatically increased from 60 percent to more than 80 percent.

                              

Childhood cancers are usually quite different from adult cancers. They often form in parts of the body that are still growing and changing, such as the blood system, brain, nervous system, and kidneys. There is no known cause for most childhood cancers. Leukemias (blood cell cancers) and cancers of the brain and central nervous system account for more than half of all childhood cancers. Pediatric (childhood) cancers tend to be more aggressive than adult cancers.

So what does this have to do with prostate cancer in older men? In part it may relate to participation rates in clinical trials. In stark contrast to adult participation in clinical trials (less than five percent) well over half of all children with cancer participate in clinical trials. Improvements in treatments developed in clinical trials account for the rapid improvement in survival rates. Cancer deaths in kids have decreased dramatically in the last three decades. 

According to ASCO, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, many pediatric clinical trials are focused on new treatments, evaluating whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the current (standard) treatment. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of existing treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment. Researchers also focus on easing symptoms, reducing toxic side effects, and reducing side effects that may occur after treatment has been completed. 

Clinical trials have made a major contribution to the many advances in treating childhood cancer. Greater participation by adults in cancer clinical trials may lead to more rapid advances, too.

axman

Not Me--Just Get Some Results

Here I go again...

I read an article recently which pointed out that 20 percent of adult cancer patients in Great Britain participate in cancer clinical trials. The author was bemoaning the fact that the number wasn't higher. Most oncologists would be more than pleased with a 20 percent participation rate. We know that as many as 80 percent of young cancer patients (21 and younger) in the U.S. participate in clinical trials. But, still, only three to five percent of adults with cancer in the U.S. ever take part in a clinical trial.

I'm sure everybody who chooses not to participate has reasons that make sense to them.

A trial takes too much of my time, the distance to the trial center is too far, it probably wouldn't do me any good and I might even die sooner, I'd just be helping to make the pharmaceutical company richer, I'd be the one to get the sugar pill, and many many more beliefs and thoughts. Some of them might be accurate. Some of them merely myths.

Many trials that might possibly be beneficial are never conducted because of lack of volunteers. Others end up with unclear results because the number of participants is not large enough to conclusively prove whether or not the drug is effective or more effective than current standard treatments.

In my 10th year of prostate cancer I have a vested interest in trial results--as do 12 million other Americans with cancer. Somehow we need to make sure that everybody who could benefit, might benefit, or has no other options at least knows about clinical trial options. There are no promises and no guarantees but it might just be the best (or only) option for you.

axman

A Book Signing at Powell's--It was Cool

The signing is over--it went well

We had a pretty good crowd (for a book about cancer).

Tom Beer and I discussed the book, answered questions, and signed a number of copies of Cancer Clinical Trials, at Powell's Books Cedar Hills Crossing on Wednesday, September 12. It was fun and I'm ready for the next one.

I'm not sure what all the technicalities are, but we had a screen to show slides, a microphone to share (they couldn't find another one), and enough chairs for everyone there.

Here's a photo to prove we actually signed books.

axman

Cancer Clinical Trials - the book

In just a couple of months, the book Dr. Tom Beer and I have been working on for the past two years will be published by DiaMedica Publications.

Cancer Clinical Trials is a comprehensive guide for anyone considering a Clinical Trial for any form of cancer. It is focused on the information the person with cancer needs to know in order to make the best decisions about their care and the possibilities of new and promising treatments.

It will help you understand the experimental drug approval process (that's what clinical trials are for - no new drugs can be approved without the clinical trial process).

It will tell you how clinical trials are developed and managed.

It will help you  find and enroll in a clinical trial.

It will help you decide if a clinical trial might help you.

Cancer Clinical Trials will be officially published in April, but pre-orders can happen at any time.

Check out the Publishers Website - Cancer Clinical Trials.
Check out our Facebook page .
And check out our Cancer Clinical Trials Blog.

axman
3BZJUS83DGUY