Several of you have asked about the clinical trial in which Elizabeth said she would participate, so I thought I would provide a few more details. According to the study coordinator, research on brain tumors is way behind that performed on breast and prostrate cancers. This particular trial is a continuation of a previous study that involved twenty-five patients with brain tumors: both those who required just surgery and those who required chemotherapy and radiation. Phase two of "Evaluating the Impact of 18F-DOPA-PET on Neurosurgical Planning for Gliomas" divides the study into two different studies. Elizabeth will be the third patient to participate in the study focused on surgical removal of the tumor. Tomorrow, she will be injected with a radioactive tracer (don't worry- we have been promised there is less radioactivity than a chest x-ray) that will provide a better picture of brain for the surgeon. Most brain surgeries are guided by the MRI (magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. The PET (Positron Emission Tomography), however, can give the surgeon a better image of the tumor, and help him/her distinguish between the tumor and healthy brain tissue. Ultimately, it provides a clearer image of the edges of the tumor. A grant from the National Institute of Health underwrites this research at the Mayo Clinic.
Each of us, whether individually, a family member, or a friend, has been impacted by a serious health issue. Many face health issues that a decade ago would have been fatal or life shortening. Science, however, continues to improve the diagnosis and treatment. These benefits come through research like the study described above, and Elizabeth did not hesitate when asked. In fact, with her psychology background, she was intrigued by what the PET scan would show.
If you would like to read about the study, check out the Mayo Clinic description.
Each of us, whether individually, a family member, or a friend, has been impacted by a serious health issue. Many face health issues that a decade ago would have been fatal or life shortening. Science, however, continues to improve the diagnosis and treatment. These benefits come through research like the study described above, and Elizabeth did not hesitate when asked. In fact, with her psychology background, she was intrigued by what the PET scan would show.
If you would like to read about the study, check out the Mayo Clinic description.