Are there any clinical trials for the treatment of Kidney cancer in
the Dallas, Texas area?

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 22 Dec 2004 14:06 PST

Hi willow2387,

I am working on your question - would you please clarify these for me
so I can find the appropriate trials for you.

1.  What stage is the kidney cancer in?
2.  What are the specifics on the *type* of kidney cancer.  The more
you can post will be helpful to me.
3.  You mentioned Dallas, Texas area - how far is the patient willing to travel?


I look forward to your clarification.
tlspiegel

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Clarification of Question by willow2387-ga on 23 Dec 2004 07:29 PST

Patient diagnosed with Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma (kidney cancer). 
One kidney has been removed.  She has been treated with Interferon and
Interlukein and Gemzar.  She could travel to MD Anderson in Houston to
initiate participation in clinical trial, but would need to work with
an associated facility in the Dallas area to complete the trial.

Thanks!!

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 23 Dec 2004 07:45 PST

Hi willow2387,

Thank you for your reply.  

I performed an extensive search yesterday and this is what I was able to find.

The following page has 4 trials listed in Dallas Texas.  Each link
will have definitive information about the trial, and contact
information.

Clinical Trials Search Results 
http://www.nci.nih.gov/search/ResultsClinicalTrialsAdvanced.aspx?protocolsearchid=1343563
 
=========

Please call the American Cancer Society Clinical Trial Helpline at: 
1-800-303-5691

I wasn't able to get any information from them because they would need
to speak to the patient or caregiver and match clinical trials to a
specific area such as Dallas Texas.

The lady I spoke with at the ACS explained they could provide
information for services such as lodging, travel accomodations, and
various other forms of help for the patient.

The page has 72 trials listed at this time.

I tried to explain the situation - but the person I talked with wasn't
able to give me anything to go on.  She did say when the patient or
caregiver calls she will be happy to assist more directly, and will be
able to help.

=========

The patient's health care provider would also know of clinical trials
that are going on in the area.

If you feel this answers your question - please post another
clarification asking me to close out the question (post in the answer
box.)


Best regards,
tlspiegel

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Clarification of Question by willow2387-ga on 23 Dec 2004 09:55 PST

Thanks!  I will look at what you provided and respond again if more
follow up is needed.  Thanks for your help.  Healthcare provider is a
problem since the patient just arrived from Italy for a second opinion
at Sloan Kettering.  They can only assist with New York area trials.

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 23 Dec 2004 10:50 PST

Hi Hi willow2387,

Thank you for your clarification.  I'll keep watching this question
for any follow-up from you.

Best regards,
tlspiegel

This page lists several clinical trials at M.D.Anderson
http://utm-ext01a.mdacc.tmc.edu/dept/prot/clinicaltrialswp.nsf/Disease?OpenView&Start=25&Count=30&Expand=25#25

Particularly interesting is the first one, which involves stem cell therapy:
http://utm-ext01a.mdacc.tmc.edu/dept/prot/clinicaltrialswp.nsf/Index/2003-0364

You and/or your doctor can can call to see which one would apply to
your situation. Each blue link describes their inclusion and exclusion
criteria, so you could read through and perhaps rule out some of them.

Good luck!
Regards,
crabcakes

Dear Willow,

First there are two crucial websites to visit for kidney cancer
information and trial information.  The first is www.cancerguide.org 
This site is "everything you want to know about kidney cancer"
basically, also has links to tons of info and now has a very very
informative clinical trials database, detailing ongoing trials, etc.,
with comments from patients involved.    This is a first stop site for
anyone with kidney cancer.

Secondly, ACOR (Assocation for Online Resources) is a site for cancer
patients and their caregivers.  It has a kidney cancer board and this
is a great place to post to get clinical trial info, doctor
recommendations, treatment advice, and support.   Please post your
questions about needing a dallas doctor.

Dr. Robert Amato, associate professor and director of the
Genitourinary Medical/Oncology Clinic in the Scott Department of
Urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is well known in the
kidney cancer field.  Although this is also not Dallas, it might be
worth a trip there for an opinion.  He is progressive and dedicated.

Lastly, I notice your friend did not have hi-dose IL2 and I am not
necessarily saying that is the best, but as far as I know, it is the
only treatment that has to this date, had an remissions, although a
very low percent.  It is a very tough treatment and not done at a lot
of places because it must be done in an intensive care environment.  
However, you could also speak to Dr. Janice Dutcher of Our Lady of
Mercy Hospital in the Bronx, NY.   She is well known for her use of
this treatment.

I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Laura Lear