Of Mission and Trials
Cancer trials at St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Center
“We will have fulfilled our promise when every PeaceHealth patient receives safe, evidence-based, compassionate care: every time, every touch.” PeaceHealth Vision Statement 2012
Evidence-based.
The phrase forms an essential part of St. Joseph Hospital’s Mission and Promise, following directly and appropriately from “safe.” Clinical trials provide evidence essential to providing the best possible treatments. Dr. Michael A Taylor, from St. Joseph’s Hospital Cancer Care Center Radiation Oncologist, emphasizes this point in his video. “This is the main way we’re going to going advance cancer care for our patients.”
With some trials come issues for a patient to consider, carefully, in conversations with a doctor; they also offer access to the newest medications and treatments, presenting possibilities for better outcomes than achieved by more conventional approaches. In every case, trial participants help refine the science that improves and extends our lives.
The same can be said for the facilities that volunteer to participate in studies, Qualifying for these is an enormously time consuming and labor-intensive process. In the dynamic field of radiation oncology, St. Joseph’s is the only Washington hospital west of the mountains and north of Seattle to pass the rigorous Quality Assurance Review administered by the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Taylor identifies the implications of this registration: “We’re able to enter patients in trials because we’ve received a stamp of approval from a very demanding body. The fact that we’re willing to accept the challenges (of achieving accreditation) demonstrates our commitment,” also the sophistication of St. Joseph’s technology and skilled staff. “And none of the staff hours required for the process are paid for by any agency but the Hospital, and by donations to the Hospital Foundation.”
Paradoxically, that reliance also creates independence–and another example of what CEO Nancy Steiger calls St. Joseph’s “best kept secrets. ” When selecting which pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry trials to offer patients, St. Joseph’s Hospital doctors and staff remain insulated from outside influence. “Our motivations for participating in trials are not clouded by reimbursement,” insists Dr. Taylor. “We only accept a proposal we believe may serve a patient and answer important questions—well-designed national studies and inter-group trials, with extensive peer review. We do not accept very early experimental drug trials; we’re looking for programs clearly dedicated to finding the best ways to treat a patient. Our first concern is to make sure the patient is well-served.”
By well-served Dr. Taylor means consistent with Mission, over time. Patients in trials may require additional imaging and laboratory tests, and long term monitoring. They may face insurance issues and medication costs—even transport for more frequent doctor visits. “Cheryl Patz, our Clinical Trials Coordinator, does a terrific job—all our staff do—making sure people get the extra support they need,” including attention from psycho/social workers dedicated to facilitating every part of the process. “It’s so important to have someone there to help you through, and to integrate the process,” says Dr. Taylor. “I can’t emphasize that enough.”
Time and money…“Trials take an enormous amount of effort. And it’s worth a tremendous effort, worthy of a tremendous amount of support.”
“Adding together all the 2009 new volunteer research participants, we reached a remarkable total of 253 volunteers in Whatcom County who are helping to find answers to the prevention and treatment of cancer. The dedication and commitment of the participants are truly amazing, and we greatly appreciate them.”— Cheryl Patz, RN, OCN, CCTC, Clinical Trials Coordinator
“Clinical trials are voluntary research studies, conducted in people, that are designed to answer specific questions about the safety and/or effectiveness of drugs, vaccines, other therapies, or new ways of using existing treatments.” — Clinical Trials and Drug Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services