Tomasz Beer - Cancer Clinical Trials: A Commonsense Guide to Experimental Cancer Therapies and Clinical Trials

(the authors) decipher jargon and debunk myths, empowering patients to make more informed decisions. Setting the stage with the basics of cancer therapy and a brief history of clinical trials, the book moves quickly to the practical issues of finding a clinical trial and navigating the clinical trial system. I want all my patients (and all my trainees) to read this book.

Kathy D. Miller, MD, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis

... fills the need for a thorough yet plain-language guide explaining the benefits (and also the risks) of clinical trial participation... a valuable and up-to-date overview of cancer treatment, including all the major modalities: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, the newer targeted therapies, and immunotherapy... also considers important practical issues such as costs, insurance coverage, regulatory oversight, and the use of placebos... a welcome addition to the literature available to cancer patients who want to explore all practical options for ensuring that they get the best therapy possible, and for accelerating research toward new cancer cures.

David Josephy, President, GIST Sarcoma Life Raft Group Canada

... valuable for patients and their family members and friends facing a battle with cancer, as (the book) can inform and empower people to seek the best care available. In a straightforward manner, it not only outlines what cancer is and how treatment is approached now and will be in the future, it shares how treatments are moved forward through experimentation in clinical trials. It provides helpful suggestions on how to find and benefit from such trials and address challenges one might have in the search. Dialog and communication between patient and doctor is so essential, this book can inform patients and promotes informed discussion and involvement.

Thomas N. Kirk, President/CEO, Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a frightening experience that leaves one lost in a strange landscape of unfamiliar tests, big words, and bigger choices. Drs. Beer and Axmaker provide a road map that not only guides the reader through the complex twists and turns of cancer diagnosis and treatment, but empowers patients and family members to ask informed questions and make informed decisions about cancer clinical trials...

Every cancer patient interested in a clinical trial should understand the key concepts outlined in this book. The authors explain complicated technical terms and procedures in simple, clear language and take away some of the anxiety associated with the unknown.

James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP, Director, Clinical Trials Group, National Cancer Institute

... a comprehensive and highly accessible resource for understanding modern cancer therapeutics. It explains beautifully the complex process of designing, undertaking, and interpreting clinical trials in cancer. It does so in the wider context of understanding what elements are addressed in deciding what the best treatment is for any particular patient. Anyone faced with the diagnosis of cancer and hoping to understand how to navigate treatment in our modern age will find this book extremely valuable. I also feel this book should be read by medical and nursing students as a first rate introduction in the basics of both clinical trials and cancer therapeutics.

Joseph T. Ruggiero, MD, Medical Director, Solid Tumor Oncology Practice, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York

... a powerful, practical, and accessible account of how to navigate cancer clinical trials. In addition to providing a detailed assessment of the various risks and benefits associated with participation in cancer clinical trials as well as insight into how clinical trials are designed and run, the book features bottom line sections at the end of each chapter that succinctly summarize the important take-away issues that patients should consider... For anyone affected by cancer such as patients, health professionals, families, caregivers, and loved ones, (this book) should be required reading.

Jonathan W. Simons, MD, President and CEO, David H. Koch Chair of the Prostate Cancer Foundation

... (a) well-balanced explanation on every aspect of clinical trials... Written in plain, lay-peoples language, despite its content being highly scientific and technical...

Seiichi Ariga, PhD, University chaplain (retired)

... a thoughtful, easy-to-read guide to demystify the clinical trials process, explain the risks and benefits, and educate patients about their role in this critically important endeavor... In a day and age when increasing pressure is placed on the patient to take control of his or her medical care, this guide provides understandable answers to potential trial participants most frequently asked questions, while debunking myths and providing pointers to additional sources of information... a guide that makes it possible for patients to put their best foot forward when making important treatment decisions.

Skip Lockwood, President and CEO, ZEROThe Project to End Prostate Cancer

... brilliant in the easy way (this book) introduces patients to the pros and cons of participating in those much-needed studies... informs patients about how to find appropriate trials to participate in and what to expect from that experience... (an) easily accessible introduction to the breadth of treatments both currently available and in development... for patients who truly want others to benefit from their experiencethis is the book...

Richard Wassersug, PhD, prostate cancer patient; researcher, Dept. of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Cancer Clinical Trials is a treasure. The cover states the book contains everything you need to know about clinical trials, and that understates the case; it has everything and more! The book is clearly written and quite understandable. It lists the nuts and bolts behind how trials are done, why patients might (and should!) participate, and what they should ask their doctor, before, during, and after, deciding and participating in a study. Ethical issues are covered delicately but appropriately. I cannot imagine a more useful book for anyone touched by cancer or who knows someone thinking about options.

Charles D. Blanke, MD, FACP, FRCPC, Vice President, Systemic Therapy, British Columbia Cancer Agency; Professor and Head, Division of Medical Oncology, University of British Columbia

This book should be required reading for cancer patients and their family members for so many reasons. It not only discusses the current effective options, but also covers the potential breakthrough treatments in cancer that are happening right now, and it even provides expert guidance on the maze of health insurance issues that many cancer patients and their health care professionals deal with today. Best of all, this book is not filled with confusing medical jargon, but rather provides an easy-to-understand guide to help you in the decision making process.

Mark A. Moyad, MD, MPH, Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor

... Cancer Clinical Trials is a valuable tool to (improving survival rate)... by clearing up misconceptions about cancer clinical trials, and aiding patients as they decide about participation in cancer clinical trials. This book is both comprehensive and easy to use, with direct questions asked and answered, misconceptions you may encounter highlighted, and samples of practical items such as billing schedules and insurance letters provided. In the end, readers are invited to join the authors, and advocates like myself, into this cancer fighting community.