Clinical trials are gateways to a cancer-free world, providing today’s patients with new treatments that could revolutionize care in the future. Through clinical research, cancer experts, like those at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), partner with patients to test groundbreaking new therapies, many of which go on to become treatment standards across the U.S. and around the world. As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the OSUCCC – James houses research and care in the same facilities, providing access to novel treatments before they’re widely available. This bench-to-bedside approach can improve the lives of the patients directly involved in the studies, while enabling those yet to be diagnosed to receive more efficient, effective therapies when they begin their cancer journeys. “Patients are the heroes of cancer research,” says Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist whose team leads several clinical trials at the OSUCCC – James. “The ultimate goal is to help people lead longer lives.” New hope for pancreatic cancer patients Rick Walker knew his chances of survival were low when he began pancreatic cancer treatment at the OSUCCC – James. “Rick’s cancer was advanced and very difficult to treat,” says Arjun Mittra, MD, an OSUCCC – James medical oncologist. “The cancer had invaded several blood vessels and nerves near his pancreas. Usually, that’s not curable.” Inspired by his four-year-old granddaughter, Walker didn’t think twice when offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial. “I wasn’t going to give up,” Walker says. “I had complete faith in my doctors — who made up the Mt. Rushmore of doctors, as far as I am concerned — Dr. Tsung, Dr. Mittra and Dr. Eric Miller, who worked to find the clinical trial and to get me approved — they're all my heroes.” Walker’s tumor was on a major artery, which made removal difficult. Instead, a multidisciplinary team worked together to reach the tumor and target it directly with radiation treatments. The trial helped Walker reach his goal of seeing his granddaughter enter kindergarten, and then some — three years after his procedure, Walker’s tumor hasn’t grown, and cancer markers in his blood are undetectable. “Those results are particularly striking,” Mittra says. “Most patients who have locally advanced pancreatic cancer invariably see progression.” Walker encourages other cancer patients to inquire about clinical research and join studies when they meet the criteria. “My chance of survival was small,” he says. “Thanks to a clinical trial and the amazing team at The James, I beat the odds.” Click here to learn more about cancer clinical trials at The James. Patients helping patients Lynn Aspey’s post-retirement plans were upended by a chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) diagnosis. “I thought, ‘What will happen to me? To my family? To my grandbabies?’,” she shares. “Family is the most important thing, and I spent my entire life building mine. I still wanted to be around to cherish them.” After returning from the Hawaiian vacation Aspey had planned to celebrate retirement, she met with Jennifer Woyach, MD, and other blood cancer specialists at the OSUCCC – James, where she was eventually enrolled in a clinical trial for high-risk CLL patients. “I was just in shock at first, but Dr. Woyach was very calm,” Aspey says. “I feel lucky to have such a calm, top-notch doctor and team.” Years after her diagnosis, Aspey’s experience inspires her to continue to help others by advocating for participation in cancer clinical research. “Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with blood cancer,” she says. “I have a responsibility to enter into clinical trials to improve my prognosis, which will also provide hope for others.” Click here to learn more about cancer care and research innovation at The James.   The foundation of cancer research “At any given time, we have between 500 to 600 clinical trials open involving approximately 1000 patients a year,” says John Hays, MD, PhD, the leader of the OSUCCC – James’ clinical trials office “Those are among the largest numbers in the country.” At Ohio State, Hays and his colleagues work tirelessly to develop and test potential oncology breakthroughs, while also spreading the word about open trials to patients who may benefit, which can be the case throughout the stages of cancer care. “They can occur at any phase during treatment, at a front-line setting or a later stage,” Hays says. “It’s always their decision, and my goal is to help them understand everything, answer their questions and allow them to make the best-informed decision.” While many clinical trials lead to new treatments — some that revolutionize cancer care — even studies that end without new therapies provide researchers with valuable information. “Even if a study isn’t successful, we can learn something we can apply to the next trial,” Hays says. “Clinical trials are the foundation of cancer research and lead to better treatment options and outcomes for patients.” Click here to find cancer clinical trials currently underway at The James.