Phase 1 Clinical Trials Offer Hope

When all cancer treatments have been exhausted and there is no other option, a Phase 1 clinical trial can offer new hope. And John Theurer Cancer Center is constantly offering that hope. 

John Theurer Cancer Center conducts more clinical trials than any other cancer center in New Jersey. Patients have access to hundreds of clinical trials at every stage of development across every speciality of cancer care. At any given time, there are 40–45 Phase 1 trials open and ready for patient enrollment.

“When all standard treatment options have failed, patients have the opportunity to participate in Phase 1 clinical trials for their progressing disease,” says Suzanne Kosky, project manager for Phase 1 research at John Theurer Cancer Center. “We have seen these trials extend lives. We’ve seen people who were told they had weeks to live continue on for several more months or years.” 

What is a Phase 1 Clinical Trial? 

We hear about clinical trials in movies and in medical dramas made for TV, but what are they exactly? Phase 1 studies primarily focus on drug safety, with the goal of determining a drug’s most common and serious side effects. It is a “first in human trial,” which means it’s the first time a patient is receiving the medication and the first time the treatment is being tested. 

Even still, far too many patients don’t take advantage of this potentially life-bettering and life-extending option.

“If your doctor doesn’t bring it up or doesn’t know to refer you, you may not know that there is a trial out there that could help you,” Suzanne says. “Understandably, there are also patients who are hesitant because they’re nervous, but I see it as an opportunity. Being in a trial means that the patient is being monitored more and therefore receiving extra care. Although it may be hard to think about at the time, the information learned from their participation in the study could also benefit someone down the line.” 

Working in oncology research for the past decade and under the direction of renowned medical oncologist Martin E. Gutierrez, M.D., the ground-breaking team has seen the benefits first hand. Phase 1 trials performed at John Theurer Cancer Center have proven to attack cancer in various ways, including shrinking tumors, slowing tumor growth and helping the immune system better defend against cancer cells.

“Participating in Phase 1 trials has the potential to provide favorable outcomes,” Dr. Gutierrez says. “One of the main reasons for this is due to the development of the Phase 1 program and the types of therapies we are now offering. There has been a huge push to more targeted therapies.” 

How to Enroll in a Clinical Trial

If you’ve been told there are no treatment options for your type of cancer or your cancer is not responding to standard treatment, call 551-996-1777 to see if a Phase 1 study could be an option for you.

Phase 1 trials won’t necessarily cure a patient, but the potential benefits far outweigh the negatives. It’s not a miracle—but it’s the potential power of a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Martin E. Gutierrez, M.D.
• To make an appointment with a cancer specialist near you, call 800-756-1282 or visit our website.
• If you’ve been told there are no treatment options for your type of cancer, or your cancer has not responded to standard treatment, call us at 551-996-1777 to see if a Phase 1 study could be an option for you.
• Learn more about clinical trials at John Theurer Cancer Center.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.