SVCCC is a Multiple Myeloma Clinical Research Center of Excellence and is actively committed to clinical research as an integral part of high quality care for patients with cancer. Researchers at SVCCC are joining forces with other leaders in the national and international scientific community to advance the basic and clinical science of cancer including the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) and The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). For example, Revlimid and Velcade™, two new drug protocols that are now standard of care for multiple myeloma, were in clinical trials at SVCCC.
Eligible patients have the opportunity to participate in promising new research including innovative new modalities that seek to target myeloma cells and spare more of the healthy cells.
View Multiple Myeloma Trials.
Q&A with our Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Bilotti, RN, ANP-c, OCN®
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- Q: What do you do as a Nurse Practitioner?
A: I am in contact with any patient considering or participating in a clinical trial. I see them from the time they get screened through the time they go off study. I triage the phone calls, review lab results, see patients for follow-up visits and collaborate with the physician in order to help patients navigate the system safely. My main goal is to ensure that the clinical trial process runs smoothly from all aspects.
- Q: Why should myeloma patients consider participating in clinical trials?
A: Over the last few years a lot of new and very effective drugs, that have less toxic side effects, have been developed and approved. Voluntary participation in clinical trials has helped to extend and improve the quality of life of myeloma patients. Myeloma currently has no cure and is known to have multiple relapses. At any point during the continuum of care a clinical trial will be offered to the patient when appropriate.
- Q: What steps do myeloma patients need to take to participate in a clinical trial?
A: First, we set up an initial consultation where the patient meets with one of the physicians and myself. The physician informs the patient about the different options available, including standard therapies and research trials when appropriate. In discussing the trial, we provide the patient with a general overview of the protocol, potential side effects, the time commitment involved, and the procedures that need to be done.
We then provide the patient with a copy of the informed consent to review at home. If, after careful consideration, the patient is interested in participating in the trial, he or she comes in for a follow-up appointment. During that visit, we answer any additional questions about the informed consent and the study. At any time the patient may opt for standard therapy or no therapy at all.
Once the patient signs the consent, I perform a full physical exam, record the patient's medical history, and schedule him or her for all of the required screening tests—which can usually be completed in one day. The results of the tests will be reviewed by the clinical team, and if it is determined that the patient meets eligibility criteria, we will register him or her in the study.
- Q: Do clinical trials require a time commitment?
A: Yes, they do. When you're in a trial there are stringent protocols that need to be followed. It's not that easy to deviate from the set plan. That's why we let patients know during the consent process that it does require a serious commitment.
