4
Support CCRP and Go on an African Safari!
Connecting Hope
and Medical Science
Of Interest
Nonprofit Org
US Postage
Paid
Permit No. 1444
Denver, CO
Connecting Hope
and Medical Science
1720 S. Bellaire Street
Suite 701
Denver, CO 80222-4329
Cancer Patient
Education eBooks
Now Available!
ng you
i
h
s
i
W
est for
b
e
h
t
all
Add one or more of these
free NCI publications to
your e-reader device,
tablet, or smartphone.
n
2014!
These eBooks provide
information on different
cancer types, the physical
and emotional effects of
cancer and its treatment,
caregiver concerns, and
survivorship.
n
Online Cancer Resources
National Comprehensive Cancer
Network: www.nccn.com
A patient-oriented cancer website
based on the NCCN Guidelines which
set the standard of care for clinicians
around the globe.
Clinical trials advancing the quest for cancer treatment, management, and prevention.
Colorado Cancer Research Program (CCRP)
Photo courtesy of Nicholas DiBella, MD.
National Cancer Institute:
www.cancer.gov
Focus Search
ON
THE
This December, support CCRP and purchase an African safari for
two (2) in stunning South Africa. This $2,400 adventure includes
6 days, 6 nights at the beautiful Zulu Nyala Lodge for two, all
meals, and two guided safaris per day. CCRP retains 50% of
the purchase price! Multiple trips may be purchased. The
purchase must be made prior to December 31, 2013. The price
does NOT include airfare or other incidentals. The total value of
this excursion is $4,950. To purchase call Todd McKinley at 303777-2663. To review all package details including restrictions, visit
www.co-cancerresearch.org.
American Society of Clinical Oncology:
www.asco.org
www.cancer.net
Oncologist approved cancer information,
including information on cancer research
and advocacy.
CancerCare: www.cancercare.org
CancerCare programs include counseling
and support groups, education, financial
assistance and practical help.
Provided by the U.S.
Department of Health and
Human Services/National
Institutes of Health
n
Connecting Hope and Medical Science
1720 S. Bellaire Street, Suite 701
Denver, CO 80222-4329
www.co-cancerresearch.org
303.777.2663
n
888.785.6789
Focus on the Search is published quarterly by Colorado Cancer Research Program. Should you not wish to receive this newsletter in the future, please contact CCRP at 303.777.2663.
For more information
or to order, visit
www.cancer.gov/ebooks
n
Year End 2013
n
Issue 24
CCRP Selects New President and CEO
Patricia L. Peterson,
B.S.N., J.D, began
her tenure as the
Colorado Cancer
Research Program’s
new President and
CEO, on October
14, 2013. Ms.
Peterson comes with
a strong background
in healthcare, having worked as a nurse,
a trial attorney and hospital attorney.
Prior to joining CCRP, Ms. Peterson served
as President and CEO of the Kempe
Foundation for the Prevention and
Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect,
where she succeeded in the restructure and
financial turnaround of the company during
difficult economic times.
world of business as well as the non-profit
sector and takes a special pride in taking each
organization she has overseen to the next level.
Prior to Kempe, Ms. Peterson served as the
inaugural Executive Director of the Rocky
Mountain Children’s Health Foundation
and also worked at the Memorial Health
System in Colorado Springs for eight years,
initially as its trial attorney, then Memorial’s
corporate attorney and Deputy City
Attorney and then as the President and CEO
of the Memorial Health System Foundation.
Spending as much downtime as possible in
the mountains, Pat and her husband love the
Colorado outdoors and all it has to offer. When
in the high country the duo ski, hike, fly-fish,
backpack, and Pat has a particular love for llama
trekking through the wilderness with some lifelong girlfriends.
n
“As a nurse, and having a sister recently
diagnosed with cancer, I had a particular
interest in leading CCRP when the position
became available”, she says. Pat has a
strong leadership background in both the
In her new position Pat envisions many hours in
the beginning of both listening and learning. A
major goal is to see more patient enrollment to
cancer clinical trials. She says, “Imagine a world
without cancer. That is what the future holds
with the help of clinical trials.” She has a very
solid commitment to continue to build upon
relationships both internally in the organization
as well as with patients, affiliate physicians
and network hospitals. “I plan on using my
career-long skills of fostering relationships to
provide an increased level of service to all of
our constituents and stakeholders. It is vitally
important for our mission and is an important
objective for our focus,” she states.
Becky Herman, the Chair of the CCRP Board of
Trustees said on the selection of Ms. Peterson,
“She possesses the values and personal
qualities, as well as the knowledge, experience
and leadership needed to lead CCRP in
continuing our efforts to meet the current and
future challenges facing the organization.”
Colorado Cancer Research Program
2
New CCRP Trials Opened (September – October 2013)
Focus on the Search is a quarterly publication
of resources for people who are current or past
participants in cancer clinical trials in Colorado,
for people who have been recently diagnosed
with cancer and those interested in cancer
research.
Colorado Cancer Research Program (CCRP)
is a non-profit organization, a partnership of
18 Colorado community hospitals, and their
affiliated doctors, dedicated to the advancement of cancer research and care close to
home. CCRP is a Community Clinical Oncology
Program, one of a nationwide network of over
50 such National Cancer Institute (NCI) approved
programs nationwide.
CCRP’s Partner Hospitals
Boulder Community Hospital
Exempla Lutheran Medical Center
Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital
Littleton Adventist Hospital
Longmont United Hospital
McKee Medical Center
Medical Centers of Aurora
Mercy Regional Medical Center
North Colorado Medical Center
Parker Adventist Hospital
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
Porter Adventist Hospital
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
Rose Medical Center
St. Anthony Hospital
Sky Ridge Medical Center
St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center
CCRP is a member of the
Community Health Charities.
Please consider supporting CCRP
in your workplace giving program.
Disease Site
Protocol No.
Title
Breast 40903
Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Letrozole for PostMenopausal Women with Estrogen Receptor Positive
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).
Fatigue
A221101
A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo
Controlled Study of Armodafinil (Nuvigil®) To Reduce
Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Glioblastoma
Multiform.
GI A021202
Prospective Randomized Phase II Trial of Pazopanib
(NSC # 737754, IND 75648) versus Placebo in Patients
with Progressive Carcinoid Tumors.
Lung CALGB 30901
Randomized Phase II Study of Maintenance
Pemetrexed versus Observation for Patients with
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma without Progression
after First-line Chemotherapy.
For more information on any of these trials visit http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search,
enter the protocol number in the Trial ID/Sponsor area, and press the search button.
2013 Robert F. Berris, MD Award
Arlene Bobrow and Deb Hood were
each awarded the 2013 Robert F. Berris,
MD Award for their incredible support
of CCRP and dedication to cancer
research.
Arlene has volunteered in the CCRP
office as well as at CCRP events for a
number of years. For the past six years,
Arlene has volunteered as a member of
the Colorado Community Institutional
Review Board, the board designated
to oversee all trials CCRP opens for
enrollment.
The Robert F. Berris, MD Award is
presented by CCRP in honor of our
founder, Robert F. Berris, MD. This
award is given to individuals that
embody the values of Dr. Berris: Vision,
Leadership, Commitment of time and
resources and is a true warrior against
cancer.
n
303.777.2663
n
888.785.6789
Scientists from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of
Health, together with collaborators from outside academic centers, have developed
a checklist of criteria to evaluate the readiness of complex molecular tests that
will guide decisions made during clinical trials. The checklist focuses on tests
that are based on complex mathematical models incorporating large numbers of
measurements from so-called “omics” assays. “Omics” refers to the comprehensive
study of sets of related molecules, such as genes, proteins, or metabolites, in a
biological sample.
The checklist will be used to guide all relevant NCI-supported clinical trials and is
recommended for use in trials funded by others. The criteria on the checklist cover
issues relating to specimens, assays, mathematical modeling, and clinical trial design,
along with related ethical, legal, and regulatory matters. It is hoped that the criteria
will help guide investigators toward the use of best practices in the development of
omics tests and their use in clinical trials.
Today’s omics technologies can provide detailed characterization of disease states
and have the potential to predict clinical outcomes more accurately and indicate
which therapies are most likely to be beneficial. These technologies are being used
particularly often in oncology because cancers are known to be driven by mutations
and other molecular changes that can be detected with omics methods. However,
the heterogeneous nature of cancer presents difficulties in detection of cancers,
determination of prognosis, and selection of therapy. Although a few omics-based
predictor models have become clinically useful tests, turning an omics assay from a
test that is useful in research into a test acceptable for clinical use requires a rigorous
development and validation process, with attention to the complexities of omics
assays and their application to clinical specimens. Specialized expertise is required
to develop and evaluate appropriate mathematical predictor models built from
complex, multi-variable data and to address numerous ethical, legal, and regulatory
issues.
Information provided with permission to reprint by the National Cancer Institute.
For more information visit the NCI Press Release on this topic at:
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/newsfromnci/2013/OmicsChecklist
Arlene Bobrow (left) and Deb Hood (right).
3
Checklist for Clinical Readiness of Lab Tests Derived
from Complex Molecular Assays Published
“Our ultimate goal in creating this checklist is to develop a more efficient, reliable
and transparent process to move omics assays from promising research results to
clinically useful tests that improve patient care and outcomes, “said Lisa McShane,
Ph.D., Biometric Research Branch, National Cancer Institute.
Deb Hood is a former ten-year CCRP
board member and for nearly half of
that tenure, she served on the CCRP
Executive Committee as well as chair
of the CCRP Board of Trustees. Deb is
also a CCRP trial participant and cancer
survivor.
CCRP thanks both recipients for their
time, commitment and long-time
support to the organization.
www.co-cancerresearch.org
Imagine a world without cancer…
Due to bad weather this
fall, CCRP’s annual golf
tournament has been
rescheduled to
Monday, May 19, 2014.
It will be held at Valley
Country Club in Centennial.
Mark your calendars, or for
more information call Todd
McKinley at (303) 777-2663.
CCRP Welcomes New
Affiliate Hospital —
Mercy Regional Medical
Center in Durango
Beginning in the first quarter
of 2014, patients in southwest
Colorado will have access to
CCRP cancer clinical trials
through their local oncologist. In
late January, patients can contact
Julie LeBadie, Clinical Research
Coordinator at 970-385-7977 for
more information.
Please help CCRP contribute to this goal and consider an end-ofyear tax-deductible gift to CCRP. You can make your contribution
securely online at www.co-cancerresearch.org and select the
donate button, or call Todd McKinley at CCRP, 303-777-2663.
Colorado Cancer Research Program
2
New CCRP Trials Opened (September – October 2013)
Focus on the Search is a quarterly publication
of resources for people who are current or past
participants in cancer clinical trials in Colorado,
for people who have been recently diagnosed
with cancer and those interested in cancer
research.
Colorado Cancer Research Program (CCRP)
is a non-profit organization, a partnership of
18 Colorado community hospitals, and their
affiliated doctors, dedicated to the advancement of cancer research and care close to
home. CCRP is a Community Clinical Oncology
Program, one of a nationwide network of over
50 such National Cancer Institute (NCI) approved
programs nationwide.
CCRP’s Partner Hospitals
Boulder Community Hospital
Exempla Lutheran Medical Center
Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital
Littleton Adventist Hospital
Longmont United Hospital
McKee Medical Center
Medical Centers of Aurora
Mercy Regional Medical Center
North Colorado Medical Center
Parker Adventist Hospital
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
Porter Adventist Hospital
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
Rose Medical Center
St. Anthony Hospital
Sky Ridge Medical Center
St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center
CCRP is a member of the
Community Health Charities.
Please consider supporting CCRP
in your workplace giving program.
Disease Site
Protocol No.
Title
Breast 40903
Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Letrozole for PostMenopausal Women with Estrogen Receptor Positive
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).
Fatigue
A221101
A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo
Controlled Study of Armodafinil (Nuvigil®) To Reduce
Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Glioblastoma
Multiform.
GI A021202
Prospective Randomized Phase II Trial of Pazopanib
(NSC # 737754, IND 75648) versus Placebo in Patients
with Progressive Carcinoid Tumors.
Lung CALGB 30901
Randomized Phase II Study of Maintenance
Pemetrexed versus Observation for Patients with
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma without Progression
after First-line Chemotherapy.
For more information on any of these trials visit http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/search,
enter the protocol number in the Trial ID/Sponsor area, and press the search button.
2013 Robert F. Berris, MD Award
Arlene Bobrow and Deb Hood were
each awarded the 2013 Robert F. Berris,
MD Award for their incredible support
of CCRP and dedication to cancer
research.
Arlene has volunteered in the CCRP
office as well as at CCRP events for a
number of years. For the past six years,
Arlene has volunteered as a member of
the Colorado Community Institutional
Review Board, the board designated
to oversee all trials CCRP opens for
enrollment.
The Robert F. Berris, MD Award is
presented by CCRP in honor of our
founder, Robert F. Berris, MD. This
award is given to individuals that
embody the values of Dr. Berris: Vision,
Leadership, Commitment of time and
resources and is a true warrior against
cancer.
n
303.777.2663
n
888.785.6789
Scientists from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of
Health, together with collaborators from outside academic centers, have developed
a checklist of criteria to evaluate the readiness of complex molecular tests that
will guide decisions made during clinical trials. The checklist focuses on tests
that are based on complex mathematical models incorporating large numbers of
measurements from so-called “omics” assays. “Omics” refers to the comprehensive
study of sets of related molecules, such as genes, proteins, or metabolites, in a
biological sample.
The checklist will be used to guide all relevant NCI-supported clinical trials and is
recommended for use in trials funded by others. The criteria on the checklist cover
issues relating to specimens, assays, mathematical modeling, and clinical trial design,
along with related ethical, legal, and regulatory matters. It is hoped that the criteria
will help guide investigators toward the use of best practices in the development of
omics tests and their use in clinical trials.
Today’s omics technologies can provide detailed characterization of disease states
and have the potential to predict clinical outcomes more accurately and indicate
which therapies are most likely to be beneficial. These technologies are being used
particularly often in oncology because cancers are known to be driven by mutations
and other molecular changes that can be detected with omics methods. However,
the heterogeneous nature of cancer presents difficulties in detection of cancers,
determination of prognosis, and selection of therapy. Although a few omics-based
predictor models have become clinically useful tests, turning an omics assay from a
test that is useful in research into a test acceptable for clinical use requires a rigorous
development and validation process, with attention to the complexities of omics
assays and their application to clinical specimens. Specialized expertise is required
to develop and evaluate appropriate mathematical predictor models built from
complex, multi-variable data and to address numerous ethical, legal, and regulatory
issues.
Information provided with permission to reprint by the National Cancer Institute.
For more information visit the NCI Press Release on this topic at:
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/newsfromnci/2013/OmicsChecklist
Arlene Bobrow (left) and Deb Hood (right).
3
Checklist for Clinical Readiness of Lab Tests Derived
from Complex Molecular Assays Published
“Our ultimate goal in creating this checklist is to develop a more efficient, reliable
and transparent process to move omics assays from promising research results to
clinically useful tests that improve patient care and outcomes, “said Lisa McShane,
Ph.D., Biometric Research Branch, National Cancer Institute.
Deb Hood is a former ten-year CCRP
board member and for nearly half of
that tenure, she served on the CCRP
Executive Committee as well as chair
of the CCRP Board of Trustees. Deb is
also a CCRP trial participant and cancer
survivor.
CCRP thanks both recipients for their
time, commitment and long-time
support to the organization.
www.co-cancerresearch.org
Imagine a world without cancer…
Due to bad weather this
fall, CCRP’s annual golf
tournament has been
rescheduled to
Monday, May 19, 2014.
It will be held at Valley
Country Club in Centennial.
Mark your calendars, or for
more information call Todd
McKinley at (303) 777-2663.
CCRP Welcomes New
Affiliate Hospital —
Mercy Regional Medical
Center in Durango
Beginning in the first quarter
of 2014, patients in southwest
Colorado will have access to
CCRP cancer clinical trials
through their local oncologist. In
late January, patients can contact
Julie LeBadie, Clinical Research
Coordinator at 970-385-7977 for
more information.
Please help CCRP contribute to this goal and consider an end-ofyear tax-deductible gift to CCRP. You can make your contribution
securely online at www.co-cancerresearch.org and select the
donate button, or call Todd McKinley at CCRP, 303-777-2663.
4
Support CCRP and Go on an African Safari!
Connecting Hope
and Medical Science
Of Interest
Nonprofit Org
US Postage
Paid
Permit No. 1444
Denver, CO
Connecting Hope
and Medical Science
1720 S. Bellaire Street
Suite 701
Denver, CO 80222-4329
Cancer Patient
Education eBooks
Now Available!
ng you
i
h
s
i
W
est for
b
e
h
t
all
Add one or more of these
free NCI publications to
your e-reader device,
tablet, or smartphone.
n
2014!
These eBooks provide
information on different
cancer types, the physical
and emotional effects of
cancer and its treatment,
caregiver concerns, and
survivorship.
n
Online Cancer Resources
National Comprehensive Cancer
Network: www.nccn.com
A patient-oriented cancer website
based on the NCCN Guidelines which
set the standard of care for clinicians
around the globe.
Clinical trials advancing the quest for cancer treatment, management, and prevention.
Colorado Cancer Research Program (CCRP)
Photo courtesy of Nicholas DiBella, MD.
National Cancer Institute:
www.cancer.gov
Focus Search
ON
THE
This December, support CCRP and purchase an African safari for
two (2) in stunning South Africa. This $2,400 adventure includes
6 days, 6 nights at the beautiful Zulu Nyala Lodge for two, all
meals, and two guided safaris per day. CCRP retains 50% of
the purchase price! Multiple trips may be purchased. The
purchase must be made prior to December 31, 2013. The price
does NOT include airfare or other incidentals. The total value of
this excursion is $4,950. To purchase call Todd McKinley at 303777-2663. To review all package details including restrictions, visit
www.co-cancerresearch.org.
American Society of Clinical Oncology:
www.asco.org
www.cancer.net
Oncologist approved cancer information,
including information on cancer research
and advocacy.
CancerCare: www.cancercare.org
CancerCare programs include counseling
and support groups, education, financial
assistance and practical help.
Provided by the U.S.
Department of Health and
Human Services/National
Institutes of Health
n
Connecting Hope and Medical Science
1720 S. Bellaire Street, Suite 701
Denver, CO 80222-4329
www.co-cancerresearch.org
303.777.2663
n
888.785.6789
Focus on the Search is published quarterly by Colorado Cancer Research Program. Should you not wish to receive this newsletter in the future, please contact CCRP at 303.777.2663.
For more information
or to order, visit
www.cancer.gov/ebooks
n
Year End 2013
n
Issue 24
CCRP Selects New President and CEO
Patricia L. Peterson,
B.S.N., J.D, began
her tenure as the
Colorado Cancer
Research Program’s
new President and
CEO, on October
14, 2013. Ms.
Peterson comes with
a strong background
in healthcare, having worked as a nurse,
a trial attorney and hospital attorney.
Prior to joining CCRP, Ms. Peterson served
as President and CEO of the Kempe
Foundation for the Prevention and
Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect,
where she succeeded in the restructure and
financial turnaround of the company during
difficult economic times.
world of business as well as the non-profit
sector and takes a special pride in taking each
organization she has overseen to the next level.
Prior to Kempe, Ms. Peterson served as the
inaugural Executive Director of the Rocky
Mountain Children’s Health Foundation
and also worked at the Memorial Health
System in Colorado Springs for eight years,
initially as its trial attorney, then Memorial’s
corporate attorney and Deputy City
Attorney and then as the President and CEO
of the Memorial Health System Foundation.
Spending as much downtime as possible in
the mountains, Pat and her husband love the
Colorado outdoors and all it has to offer. When
in the high country the duo ski, hike, fly-fish,
backpack, and Pat has a particular love for llama
trekking through the wilderness with some lifelong girlfriends.
n
“As a nurse, and having a sister recently
diagnosed with cancer, I had a particular
interest in leading CCRP when the position
became available”, she says. Pat has a
strong leadership background in both the
In her new position Pat envisions many hours in
the beginning of both listening and learning. A
major goal is to see more patient enrollment to
cancer clinical trials. She says, “Imagine a world
without cancer. That is what the future holds
with the help of clinical trials.” She has a very
solid commitment to continue to build upon
relationships both internally in the organization
as well as with patients, affiliate physicians
and network hospitals. “I plan on using my
career-long skills of fostering relationships to
provide an increased level of service to all of
our constituents and stakeholders. It is vitally
important for our mission and is an important
objective for our focus,” she states.
Becky Herman, the Chair of the CCRP Board of
Trustees said on the selection of Ms. Peterson,
“She possesses the values and personal
qualities, as well as the knowledge, experience
and leadership needed to lead CCRP in
continuing our efforts to meet the current and
future challenges facing the organization.”