These studies are designed to answer scientific questions and to find new and better ways to treat cancer patients. Cancer patients and their families throughout western Virginia and neighboring states benefit from Carilion Cancer Center of Western Virginia's participation in these trials. More than 300 people from western Virginia, Tennessee and West Virginia have chosen to participate in cancer clinical trials currently offered at Carilion . Among trials currently underway in Roanoke are treatments for breast, prostate, colon, lung, gynecologic and pediatric cancers. New cancer control studies research the possibilities of preventing cancer in patients who potentially could get the disease because of their genetic background, family history, their environmental situation or their health habits.
Trials exploring the potential of gene therapy are on the horizon.
Gene therapy involves correcting an underlying genetic problem that may be the cause of the cancer by introducing healthy genes into individual cancer cells. Any physician may see a patient who has a lump in the breast or a high prostate specific antigen level or has another blood lab result that reveals the presence of cancer. The doctor who originally refers the patient conducts follow-ups and is involved in patient consultations throughout treatment. The Search For A Cure Patients endure a lot of emotional turmoil along with their families and friends when they are diagnosed with cancer. But, volumes of research are helping cancer trials stride toward cures.