From The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Contact: Michael Courtney (713) 792-0663
Cancer patients wanting cutting-edge therapy or whose disease no longer responds to traditional treatment may find new hope on the "information super highway."
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has posted its clinical trials available for cancer patients on a World Wide Web site at http://www.clinicaltrials.org. The information, and a variety of additional information, also may be located through M. D. Anderson's home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.mdanderson.org.
"Clinical research studies offer patients cancer treatments they otherwise could not receive and usually result in improved therapies," says Dr. Leonard Zwelling, associate vice president for clinical and translational research. Dr. Zwelling explained that in cancer research, a clinical trial generally refers to evaluating new treatment methods such as surgery, drugs or radiation techniques, although methods of prevention, detection or diagnosis also may be the subject of such studies.
Currently, more than 175 clinical trials open for enrollment at M. D. Anderson are posted on the Internet for easy access to patients, although anyone wishing to obtain the same information by telephone may call the M. D. Anderson Information Line at 1-800-392-1611 or (713) 792-6161.
"The World Wide Web site is yet another venue for making our services at M. D. Anderson more accessible for individuals around the world," Dr. Zwelling continued. "For most individuals, the information on the Internet about our clinical trials may seem a bit scientific. But cancer patients looking for another treatment option usually become knowledgeable about such things from their prior experiences."
Treatments available can be viewed by cancer type (for example, breast cancer or prostate cancer), by name of the physician conducting the study, or by the treatment agent(s) being used in the study.
For each of the clinical trials available, there is a "study summary" that lists the physician(s) conducting the research, their department, physician phone numbers, phone numbers for self-referrals, and phone numbers for referrals from physicians. General information about each study also is listed, including the disease group, phase of the study, drug company sponsoring the research, the amount of time patients should plan on staying in Houston, and the description of the study. In addition, enrollment eligibility criteria for patients are explained.
Definition of frequently used terms, a comprehensive glossary from the National Cancer Institute, and frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers also are among the kinds of information that can be found.
Some of the frequently asked questions are:
ï Can I see a complete listing of physicians and departments at M. D. Anderson? The answer is yes, and a "link" is provided to the institution's clinical staff directory on the Internet.
ï How do I become a patient at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center? Answer: You may become a patient through self-referral or physician-referral by calling (or having your physician call) the M. D. Anderson Information Line.
ï Is there information available on support groups? Answer: Yes. Consequently, the Anderson Network at M. D. Anderson is one of the largest cancer support groups in the country.
The website is maintained by the Office of Protocol Research at M. D. Anderson and is best viewed using Netscape 3.0 (or higher) or Microsoft Internet Explorer.
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