Jayme Carrico
Peeples Cancer Institute at Hamilton Medical Center has expanded access to the latest in cancer research for patients in north Georgia and the surrounding area by opening National Cancer Institute (NCI) supported Phase 3 clinical trials at PCI.
In collaboration with Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, the latest clinical trial to open at PCI evaluates the addition of high-dose targeted radiation to the usual treatment for locally advanced, inoperable, non-small cell lung cancer.
“Clinical trials are an opportunity to advance science and provide new and better ways to treat patients,” said Jayme Carrico, PCI executive director.
“They offer hope beyond what might be possible with only standard of care.”
Because this trial is an approved Phase 3 clinical trial, insurance typically covers it, offering patients greater access to these breakthrough treatments.
Clinical trials are categorized into three phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2 scope out the safety and side effects of new treatments and are performed at one or two sites with a relatively small number of participants. If the new treatment is shown to be promising in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials — from both an effectiveness and safety standpoint — it is expanded into a Phase 3 trial. Phase 3 trials pull in multiple sites, highly trained providers and potentially thousands of patients across the nation or globe. They are typically offered only at larger universities and hospitals.
PCI is opening Phase 3 trials only. Through highly regulated protocols, patients who meet the specific qualifications of each trial are allowed to enroll. Phase 3 trials further explore the effectiveness of emerging treatments, enabling patients to access what Mr. Carrico describes as “the absolute forefront of technology for treating cancer.” Usually, those patients may also receive the proven standard of care treatment.
Cancer treatments are continuously evolving. Becoming a designated site for NCI supported Phase 3 clinical trials is typically reserved for larger universities and hospitals, but it is important to stay up to date and offer the best in care, according to Mr. Carrico. It also speaks to PCI’s level of commitment.
“The way an oncologist would treat lung cancer six months ago is different from the way they would treat it today,” Mr. Carrico said. “The field is evolving — and not just in chemotherapy drug regimens but genetic and genomic testing and immunotherapy regimens.”
Each trial is strictly monitored, not only by local staff but also by Winship and the clinical trial’s national leadership team. Arif Ali, M, PCI medical director, completed additional training to administer the trials. Strict criteria and quality assurance measures ensure the program meets NCI clinical trial standards.
In many cases, clinical trial sites can be difficult to reach. The next closest site to access this trial is Emory in Atlanta, making PCI’s location a valuable resource for local patients in the region.
Ali was previously on the faculty at Emory, where he was the site principal investigator for multiple research trials and grants. He said he is excited to offer the lung cancer trial to patients, but he also expects to soon open clinical trials for breast, prostate, brain, rectal, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.
“This is a key differentiator between us and surrounding hospitals,” Dr. Ali said. “We are excited to be able to offer these treatment options not only for patients in Whitfield County but the surrounding region.”
Arif Ali