Cancer Prevention Studies at CINJ
Prevention research studies are designed to answer important questions about the early detection and prevention of cancer. Detecting and eliminating pre-cancerous cells increases our ability to prevent cancer from ever forming. Several prevention research studies are on-going at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Listed below are ongoing cancer prevention studies at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. For more information on how you can become involved in CINJ’s cancer prevention research trials, please call the toll-free prevention hotline at 1-866-654-9898.
Prostate Cancer: A Randomized Study to Investigate the Presence of Tocopherol Metabolites in the Prostate
Vitamin E is the focus of a new clinical trial targeting prostate cancer prevention. While the recent SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) study found the alpha form of vitamin E not to be effective in preventing prostate cancer, CINJ laboratory studies indicate that the gamma form in combination with a mixture of three other forms of vitamin E may be more effective. But before evaluating preventative effects of the gamma form, investigators must know if the breakdown products of vitamin E can be found in the prostate after taking the gamma form of the vitamin for one or two weeks. This would be compared to taking nothing prior to surgery. Those over 18 who are diagnosed with or at risk for prostate cancer, who are scheduled to undergo prostate surgery due to blood in the urine, inability to urinate or difficulty in urinating, or total removal of the prostate for prostate cancer are eligible to take part, although other criteria must be met.
Colon Cancer: A Possible Role of Mesalamine in Reducing Colon Cancer Risk in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Mesalamine is widely used drug for both the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, which is an established precancerous condition. Currently, there is no effective treatment other than the removal of the entire colon to prevent colon cancer development. Several recent studies have suggested that mesalamine may reduce colorectal cancer in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. This study will look at whether the dose of mesalamine given for ulcerative colitis has an effect on the activity of a certain protein, which may have a role in the development of colorectal cancer. Those between the ages of 18 and 80 with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis for at least five years and require mesalamine for treatment are able to participate although other criteria must be met. Mesalamine will be given in pill form, and participants will keep a medication diary, as well as undergo blood work and colonoscopies during the course of the two-year study. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States (excluding skin cancers).
Lung Cancer: Phase III Chemoprevention Trial of Selenium Supplementation in Persons with Resected Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Canc
The non-small cell type of accounts for nearly nine out of ten cases of lung cancer each year. The trace mineral selenium is at focus in a clinical trial that targets those who have had their non-small cell lung cancer surgically removed. The purpose of the study is to find out if a high selenium yeast tablet can prevent new lung cancer from developing. Participants will be randomized and take either a selenium pill or a placebo once daily and keep a medication diary for four years. They also will undergo a series of tests including physical exam, blood work and chest x-ray prior to the study and will fill out a health questionnaire, which will be updated periodically. The health of study participants will be tracked for the remainder of their lives in order to look at long-term effects of the study. Those 18 years or older, who have had their non-small cell lung cancer surgically removed and are free of cancer are eligible to participate, although other criteria must be met.
For additional information about prevention and treatment clinical trials being conducted at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, please call 732-235-8675.
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