Hawaii is known as a highly desirable place to do research. The unique and diverse makeup of the islands is useful to compare and contrast outcomes for different populations. There is a rich pool of subjects to further needed research on illnesses that affect minorities and specific ethnic groups.
When patients choose to participate in a research study, it contributes to society and helps future cancer patients. The majority of Kaiser Permanente clinical trials are designed to compare the current standard of care versus new drugs that already have had preliminary data that support the possibility of a better treatment option. Some patients are placed on the new treatments at the same time a comparison group is placed on the standard treatment. These trials not only expand knowledge about which treatments are most effective; they also offer early access to medications that patients otherwise wouldn’t be able to take.
If shown to be effective, some of the newer treatments also can lower the cost of care.The National Cancer Institute estimates that the total cost of treating cancer, a leading cause of death in the U.S., rose from approximately $95.5 billion in 2000 to $124.6 billion in 2010. Two major areas of research focus at Kaiser Hawaii are breast and prostate cancer. These account for annual direct costs of $16.5 billion and $11.85 billion, respectively. Any improvement in cancer treatment with a concurrent decrease in costs can be highly impactful.
"Having a diagnosis of cancer can be very scary, but having access to the most advanced treatments, through clinical trials, really gives people hope and peace of mind," said Dr. Jennifer Carney, chief of oncology at Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. "Every single treatment we offer our patients in oncology comes from the results of a clinical trial."
Kaiser is a top enroller in major cooperative group trials that are nationally supported by the National Cancer Institute. Kaiser Hawaii participates with other Kaiser regions to allow for better, integrated clinical trial options for patients. Kaiser additionally participates in pharmaceutical-sponsored studies to allow patients even more access to trials beyond cooperative group trials for various tumors.
Kaiser has dedicated, integrated and centrally based research support with staff within the Cancer Research Network and Kaiser Medical Group to provide coordinated care for patients at no additional cost. Also, the drugs themselves are often provided without charge to patients enrolling in clinical trials. If the protocol allows, those on placebo can have first access to the actual treatment once it is deemed advantageous.
Most oncology patients do better when they have a strong support system.
"The fact that KP has access to so many study opportunities increases the chances that local patients can stay home while they undergo their treatment," said Kathleen Higuchi, manager of research administration at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Hawaii.
All cancer patients (not just Kaiser members) have access to the KP.org site (Kp.org/cancer), where they can learn about various forms of cancer as well as studies currently available for participation.
Hawaii patient Jean Miyahira said she was glad she participated in one of the clinical trials.
"I am happy with my decision as I’m doing well on the clinical trial, but what I really think is important is that I’m also helping other people," she said. "This study could save lives and I feel good about that."
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Ira Zunin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., is medical director of Manakai o Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com.
