By Lori Lovely
One of the largest private oncology practices in the U.S., Illinois CancerCare, PC, serves patients in 12 clinics throughout Central and Western Illinois. “We bring the services to them,” says Jamie Harper, Director of Clinical Research. It’s just one way they look out for the patients’ best interests. “We have several core values. The first one is that we put our patients first,” Harper continues, “and provide the best care we can.”
Rewarding Patient Care
Founded in 1977, the practice now includes 16 doctors who treat people with cancer and blood diseases. All of the physicians are qualified to work in oncology and hematology, with each physician specializing in a certain cancer type.
There are 24 employees in the research department: 14 clinical research associates, two data managers, and eight administrative staff, all with various backgrounds. “We work well together as a team,” Harper observes. “These are some of the smartest people I know. They are vested; they take ownership.” Perhaps more importantly, they know “every move the patient makes” because each one serves as a “point person” who can address issues as they come up. “It provides an added level of reassurance for our patients,” Harper says.
Everyone in the research department brings a different perspective and has an understanding of what patients and their families are facing because each one has a personal connection with the disease. “They all have a story about someone close to them who has been touched by cancer,” Harper acknowledges. Those experiences imbue each researcher with empathy for their patients and passion for their work.
Their dedication has been rewarded many times. Illinois CancerCare is a two-time recipient of the Clinical Trials Participation Award (2007, 2013), presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Only 5–7 practices receive this award each year, with eligibility being limited to once in a five-year period.
Trials
The practice is one of the top 10 enrollers in the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, an organization that develops and conducts clinical trials with promising new cancer therapies. Their research is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute. Illinois CancerCare, as part of Heartland Cancer Research NCI Community Oncology Research Program, is one of 34 programs across the nation. It is through this funding mechanism that they are able to provide clinical trial opportunities at all clinic locations.
On average, approximately 100 clinical trials are available at any given time, Harper notes. “It’s fluid. The science moves so fast.” The trials focus on all stages of cancer, as well as prevention, symptom management, quality-of-life studies, and treatment trials from first diagnosis to end stage. Current trials feature new biological agents and targeting compounds.
One of the advances Harper has seen in cancer treatment that has come out of research is the use of immunotherapy. “There’s been a shift from treating specific cancer types to treating the genetic mutation that’s causing the cancer, regardless of cancer type.”
She says some of these drugs have received FDA approval and that this branch of research is “booming.” In addition to being potentially more effective on the cancer cells, immunotherapy can have fewer side effects than conventional treatment: less nausea, vomiting, and neuropathy issues. “It can provide a better balance of quality of life.”
Enrollment
It’s important to consider quality of life and the patient’s goals when evaluating treatment options. Some of the people who enroll in clinical trials understand that they may not see any personal benefit, but they’re eager to help future generations. “There is an altruistic aspect,” Harper confirms, adding that those who participate are “very special” and “inspiring on every level.”
Illinois CancerCare’s enrollment rate is 7–8 percent, which, although considerably higher than the national average of 2–3 percent, is not as high as Harper thinks it needs to be. Patients must meet specific physical criteria, but other obstacles to participation include the educational component. Patients may not be aware of opportunities, but medical conferences throughout the year alert doctors to what research is being conducted. “They have to keep on top of up-and-coming drugs,” Harper explains, “so they have to know what’s being developed in the lab, what’s pre-clinical, and what trials are open.” This information is typically more challenging for patients to navigate.
Some patients shy away from clinical trials due to a misconception about their safety due to an outdated fallacy that participants are used as a guinea pig. Another obstacle to enrollment can be insurance companies. Harper says if a patient’s insurance company won’t cover the trial, they’re reluctant to add to their financial burden by enrolling them. Sometimes the situation can benefit from funding by the Illinois CancerCare Foundation, which underwrites the difference between the NCORP grant and operating expenses to overcome the lack of governmental funding for research.
Despite these challenges, she says their practice attracts patients from out of state, and they often get referrals from other institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic. “We’re able to provide opportunities for cutting-edge treatment that you can’t even get in Chicago or St. Louis,” Harper says by way of explanation.
Their ability to draw patients from such a long range is due in part to their centralized Midwest location, but their reputation is what truly draws other institutions and pharmaceutical companies to Illinois CancerCare. “We are able to open clinical trials quickly and enroll well. Our ability to provide accurate and timely data is very appealing to sponsors,” she explains. Given the dedicated staff, attentive and individualized care, and the pioneering science incorporated into cancer treatment, it’s no wonder enrollment in clinical trials at Illinois CancerCare is up.
For more information, contact Illinois CancerCare at 309-243-3000 or online at www.illinoiscancercare.com.