Advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer and controlling the side effects of cancer treatment depend on information gained from well-conducted national clinical trials. Improvements in survival and prevention for many types of cancer are due to the widespread acceptance of treatment advances confirmed in clinical trials.
As an affiliate of the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute (VPCI), and a member of the Metro-Minnesota Community Oncology Research Consortium (MMCORC), Willmar Regional Cancer Center has the ability to offer patients access to the same groundbreaking studies that are being offered at other cancer centers.
What You Can Do
Knowledge gained through research is essential to finding answers to some of the many questions we have about cancer. Many of the advances in cancer treatment and survival and improvements in cancer prevention were first found to be effective in clinical trials. We invite you to help us in the progress against cancer through your participation in a clinical trial. The success of this research is made possible through the combined efforts of many individuals.
Research Opportunities
If you would like further information about research opportunities available to you, please call our Research Nurse at 320-231-4654, or talk to your medical or radiation oncologist about possible clinical trial opportunities. Research studies are being conducted in the following key areas:
Cancer Treatment
There are many clinical trials ongoing for the treatment of most types of cancer. Your physician and the research staff can provide you with more information on studies currently available for your type and stage of cancer.
Symptom Management
There are a variety of studies looking at ways to better control or prevent the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment. Examples include studies to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting, studies to treat and improve symptoms of fatigue and loss of appetite and studies to control symptoms that affect quality of life such as hot flashes. Your physician and the research staff can answer any questions you have about what studies are currently available.
Cancer Prevention
There are also studies that try to find ways to prevent certain types of cancer from developing and to better understand the reasons why some people are at higher risk for developing cancer.