For Immediate Release
5/22/06
Researchers at Goshen Health System to Determine Efficacy of Dual Treatment
Goshen, Ind. – The Center for Cancer Care at Goshen Health System announces the launch of a clinical trial evaluating the use of combined cancer treatments for liver cancer. The therapies include the use of a new technology called microspheres combined with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver.
“This trial marks the first time in the United States that SIR-Spheres® microspheres have been offered as part of a first-line protocol in patients with advanced liver cancer,” said Seza Gulec, M.D. “The combination of SIR-Spheres microspheres and chemotherapy is expected to improve therapeutic response. Our hope is that once the cancer volume has been reduced, patients will become eligible for surgical resection, which increases their chance of survival.”
SIR-Spheres microspheres are radioactive polymer spheres that emit yttrium 90 beta radiation. SIR-Spheres microspheres, manufactured by Sirtex, are the only FDA-approved microspheres for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. During treatment, physicians insert a catheter through the groin and into the hepatic artery. From there, millions of microspheres are administered directly to the tumor site. The trial is designed to determine the safety and efficacy of selective internal radiation treatment with SIR-Spheres administered concurrently with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment in patients with metastatic liver disease.
Chemotherapy regimens used in the study are Folfox-6 and FOLFIRI. They are typically used for front-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer.
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The principle investigator of the trial is Dr. Seza Gulec, a surgical oncologist and nuclear medicine physician who serves as director of the Center for Cancer Care Hepatic Oncology Program at Goshen Health System. The physicians participating in the study will use a special internal radiation therapy planning software program created at the cancer center. The program minimizes the side effects of the therapy and allows high doses to be administered with precision.
Patient recruitment for the trial began in January 2006 and is expected to continue through the end of the year. Eligible patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Participants will receive chemotherapy on the first day of treatment and SIR-Spheres microspheres on the next day. Patients will be followed at regular intervals with laboratory and imaging scans to assess response to treatment.
For more information on the trial, please call Heather Atkinson with the Center for Cancer Care at Goshen Health System at (574) 535-2573.
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Center for Cancer Care, Team:Bariatrics, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, The Retreat Women’s Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health, which includes Indiana University Hospital, Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis and Riley Hospital for Children. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact visit www.goshenhealth.com.