Clinical Trials: they are not designed only to be a “last resort”
The world of clinical trials can be difficult to navigate. Please know that they are not designed only to be a “last resort”. In the Pcan world we are in, it is important to be looking for Plan B and Plan C.
I have had a small recurrence on my liver. Sometime back I began applying for RM9805-a target specific drug for KRAS G12D. Initially I did not have enough measurable disease. Now I do and I just got accepted! I am very excited to give my body a break from the toxicity of chemo. I can leave the trial at anytime— and I will if the disease continues to grow after 8 weeks.
Most oncologists are not helpful in delving through the myriad of trials out there but it can be done. If I can help get anyone started on this route pls reach out. Fingers crossed this one will finally solve the KRAS G12D conundrum so many Pcan patients have!!!!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.
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At this point I can assure you less than 1% of practicing oncologists have the bandwidth to be on top of all clinical trials. But it would be great if they would train their NPs on how and where to look for them and help to make referrals. Most of us get in them all on our own.
When I was about halfway through my 12 cycles of the Folfirinox chemo, I asked my oncologist if he knew of any clinical trials for PACC. He told me that his dept. was always looking for clinical trials. After my chemo sessions were finished, at an appt. with him, I had already applied and been accepted into the NIH trial and had given the NIH his contact info in order for them to send him any med. records they generated. I'd had my first visit to the NIH by that time. He asked me at that appt."How did you find this clinical trial?" I told him I searched on the internet. I believe there could be some improvement with whatever method is being used to locate trials and it's likely insufficient with most oncologists' staff. You have to be proactive with these things, in my opinion.