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Key Clinical Research
We regularly conduct research and clinical trials in conjunction with the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program (GRCOP) and with funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). This means that we partner with 300 physicians to access almost 150 cancer research studies for patients living in 38 counties.
Mammosite: Currently, we are the only facility in West Michigan offering the MammoSite Radiation Therapy System (RTS) or Partial Breast Radiation (PBI) clinical trial. This trial is designed to test whether PBI (radiation therapy that treats only the portion of breast where the tumor is located) is a safe alternative to conventional whole breast radiation. Typically, PBI is offered either through a MammoSite balloon device—a balloon that is inserted into the cavity and delivers high-dose radiation twice daily—or from a linear accelerator, a machine that delivers radiation to the entire breast. Both therapies are given over a one-week period, as opposed to a typical six-week course of radiation therapy. The decision to enroll patients in this trial is typically made after a consultation with a radiation oncologist and surgeon. Breast Cancer patients who are interested in joining this clinical trial should contact Dr. Gil Padula's office at 616.685.5252.
Non-small cell lung cancer trial: Eligible patients can participate in a world-wide Phase 3 clinical trial designed to fight lung cancer. Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Oncology the trial focuses on preventing the recurrence of lung cancer through the use of a vaccine. The vaccine is being tested to measure the primary end point of disease-free survival in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Thomas Gribbin, MD, medical director of The Lacks Cancer Center, and Bruce Shabahang, MD, thoracic surgeon, are the principal investigators. The Lacks Cancer Center was one of only 400 sites selected to participate. For more information about this trial, please call Thomas Gribbin, MD, at 616.685.5252 or Saint Mary's Research and Innovation department at 616.685.6198.
In addition, our radiation oncology department is involved in research to identify the clinical benefits of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). We also participate in clinical trials offered by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Locally, we have partnered with a professor at Cornerstone University to test an assay that predicts how much exposure to radiation a patient can tolerate.