Health
Stronger Together
New Mexico Statewide Cancer Clinical Trials Network reviewed state’s cancer clinical trials and celebrated advances in cancer care at June Scientific Retreat
Chandylen Nightingale, PhD, MPH, Wake Forest University, was the keynote speaker at the NMCRA Scientific Retreat
« Stronger Together
For nearly 20 years, the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance (NMCCA) ensured that New Mexicans in all parts of the state had access to cancer clinical trials. That network of health care organizations has modernized its processes. It also strengthened its focus and mission on delivering clinical trials and clinical research to prevent, detect, and treat cancer and to improve patient outcomes, experiences and access to cancer care using culturally sensitive approaches.
The rebranded organization, now called the New Mexico Cancer Research Alliance (NMCRA), held its first in-person scientific retreat on June 21. Attendees at the event represented The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Lovelace Health System and Memorial Medical Center and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital System.
Summary
- The New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance (NMCCA) has rebranded as the New Mexico Cancer Research Alliance (NMCRA) to strengthen its focus on delivering cancer clinical trials to New Mexicans.
- Through the NMCRA’s unique collaboration, every New Mexican has access to cancer clinical trials.
- Cancer clinical trials test new treatments and new methods of delivering and improving cancer care
A “Gem” to Improve Cancer Care
The NMCRA is an incredible gem for the people of New Mexico,” says Carolyn Muller, MD, FACOG, NMCRA Director. “Clinical research improves the lives of cancer patients by focusing on better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer and to optimally deliver cancer care.”
Cancer Clinical research is conducted through clinical trials, which test new treatments and new methods of delivering and improving cancer care. Some trials test whether new drugs are more efficacious than the currently used “standard” drugs. Some test new drug combinations.
Other cancer clinical trials test better ways to screen for cancer or lessen symptoms from cancer or cancer treatments. Still other trials test different methods of delivering care to different people, such as individuals from different racial or ethnic communities or those who live in rural or underserved communities.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees all clinical trials in the US. It ensures that all clinical trials are conducted safely and with the full understanding and consent of those who choose to take part in them. It also ensures that clinical trials are “designed, conducted, analyzed and reported according to federal law and good clinical practice (GCP) regulations.”
The FDA enforces a four-phase process of testing through which new treatments are approved for use. Each phase has its own set of requirements that treatments must meet in order to progress to the next phase.
Professional medical organizations, such as the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) create guidelines for cancer related clinical practice based on the strength of scientific evidence that results from clinical trials. These standards reflect the latest scientific research and best-known practices for delivering care.
The current standard treatments and care practices in effect today went through scientifically rigorous clinical trials to become the standards. When new clinical trials show a drug, treatment or method to be more effective than the current standard, the practice of cancer care changes.
Muller says that the results of several practice-changing clinical trials were presented at the most recent American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) national conference. Some New Mexico patients took part in those clinical trials.
“Our patients had an opportunity to benefit from the clinical trial treatments, and they also helped future patients receive better care,” says Muller. “They are true heros!”
“Cancer research is the key to progress in our battle against cancer,” says Dr. Heyoung McBride, MD from Lovelace Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology. “It is only through high quality research that we can advance our understanding of biological processes involved in cancer and improve outcomes for patients and loved ones suffering from cancer,” she says.
Daunting Challenges
New Mexico’s small population is spread over a large area: the state ranks fifth in land mass but 36th in population. Offering clinical trials to people throughout the state thus presents a daunting challenge.
Because of their scientific nature, clinical trials demand more than strict adherence to a detailed plan, called a protocol, that every person on the trial must follow. Trials also require evidence that each person has followed that protocol. Should anyone deviate from the protocol – for example, if someone must come off the protocol because of a new health issue or a serious side effect – a note of that situation must also be recorded and reported, especially for safety purposes.
A cadre of expertly-trained research teams are needed to manage clinical trials. Some of these people are trained to ensure that participants in each clinical trial meet all the criteria for joining that trial. Others explain the protocols to potential participants. And many others enter clinical trial data, manage databases, report results to oversight entities, and track patient responses and side effects.
Few, if any, independent doctor’s offices could manage clinical trials on their own. Even some larger health care organizations in the state would struggle under the vast administrative burden. UNM, as the only NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in NM, serves as the academic hub for the NMCRA. And the NMCRA brings cutting edge clinical trials and clinical research from the National Cancer Institute, lead investigators and other stakeholders to the NMCRA member health systems.
Through the NMCRA’s unique collaboration, UNM’s clinical research expertise is shared with all affiliated cancer treatment providers in the state. The UNM Cancer Center’s Clinical Research Office supports many of the core functions of the NMCRA.
This collaborative effort between the academic and community health systems partners has led to sustained funding support from the National Cancer Institute’s National Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP).
“The NCORP Program delivers state-of-the-art national cooperative group clinical treatment, prevention and screening trials to New Mexico,” Muller says. She also notes that many clinical research leaders in New Mexico across the NMCRA not only serve on the national committees that help to shape the future of these trials but also make sure that New Mexicans can access these trials.
“Health systems in New Mexico value cancer clinical trials,” says Muller.
William Adler, MD, at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, sees the benefits of clinical trials for New Mexicans, He says, “Memorial Cancer Center has made clinical research trials a priority for nearly 15 years. The availability of these national and international studies allows patients to stay at home with their families and still have access to the leading edge of cancer care. The cancer program at Memorial Medical Center has received national recognition for its clinical trial research activities. As the umbrella organization, NMCRA has made cancer clinical research possible in southern New Mexico.”
Malcom Purdy, MD, at Lovelace Cancer Center Medical Oncology agrees. He says, “The Lovelace Cancer Center has participated in clinical trials with the University of New Mexico for close to 40 years. These have included groundbreaking studies which have advanced patient care and cancer treatment, especially in breast cancer. Unlike clinical trials for other conditions, clinical trials for cancer patients take the best of what we know now and add to that care, so all participants receive excellent care. I always tell my patients that participation in a clinical trial gives the best care.
Access for All
As the many affiliates of the NMCRA know, offering the best cancer care isn’t good enough; that care must reach the people who need it.
In addition to the large cancer care providers, smaller oncology practices throughout the state are also NMCRA affiliates. They provide cancer clinical trials to people in some of the most underserved and remote areas in New Mexico.
And the National Cancer Institute (NCI) also recognizes the need to bring cancer care and cancer research to people who have not taken part in clinical trials in the past or who may face significant barriers to joining then now.
Through the NCORP grants, the NCI has created “a national network that brings cancer clinical trials and care delivery studies to people in their own communities.” The UNM Cancer Center is one of the Minority/Underserved NCORP sites, and NCI cancer clinical trials are delivered through the NMCRA
The NCI is also focusing on cancer care delivery. Cancer care delivery research studies how different processes, models, concepts and approaches can improve the quality of cancer care, patient outcomes, and access to care.
Chandylen Nightingale, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine spoke at the recent NMCRA scientific retreat and shared her research and insights and the importance of cancer care delivery research.
“It is imperative for New Mexico’s cancer patients to have access to innovative treatments that will hopefully move cancer care forward,” says Ethan Binder, MD, at Presbyterian Healthcare Services Hematology/Oncology. “The NMRCA is a wonderful collaborative effort that truly tailors cancer research for New Mexicans.”
Some of the NMCRA Member Institutions
The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its more than 120 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico’s cancer patients from all across the state and partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. They treated approximately 14,000 patients in about 100,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of nearly 400 patients participated in cancer clinical trials testing new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 100 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNMCCC were awarded $35.7 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, they have published nearly 1000 manuscripts, and promoting economic development, they filed 136 new patents and launched 10 new biotechnology start-up companies. Finally, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 500 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery. Visit www.UNMHealth.org/cancer.
Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian Healthcare Services exists to improve the health of patients, members and the communities we serve. Presbyterian is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system of nine hospitals, a statewide health plan and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Founded in New Mexico in 1908, it is the state’s largest private employer with more than 13,000 employees.
Lovelace Health System (Lovelace) recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of caring, change and progress while continuously improving the practice of medicine.
Lovelace is comprised of Lovelace Medical Group/New Mexico Heart Institute, Lovelace Women’s Hospital, Lovelace Medical Center, Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, Lovelace Westside Hospital, Lovelace Regional Hospital and Lovelace UNM Rehabilitation Hospital. Across its six hospitals, 33 health care clinics and seven outpatient therapy clinics, Lovelace has 619 inpatient beds and employs a team of more than 3,450, including over 280 health care providers. Lovelace continues to invest in our community, providing more than $81 million in unfunded care and supporting local nonprofit and community organizations with more than $357,000 in charitable contributions and community support in 2022. From the first and only hospital in New Mexico dedicated to women’s health to the state’s only hospital devoted exclusively to cardiovascular care, Lovelace is a leader in meeting the healthcare needs of this region. To learn more about our state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives, visit lovelace.com.
Memorial Medical Center is a 199-bed full-service acute care hospital located in Las Cruces, New Mexico and serving a five-county region of Southern New Mexico. Our mission is simple: Making Communities Healthier. We are a part of the LifePoint Health family of hospitals, which means we aim to create a place where people choose to come for healthcare, physicians and providers want to practice, and employees want to work. Learn more at mmclc.org.
Source: Michele W. Sequeira, MS, MBA, MWC & University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
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health and wellness
The First Suicide and Self-Harm Cross-Industry Signal Sharing Program to be Established Under the Leadership of The Mental Health Coalition
The Mental Health Coalition
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Mental Health Coalition (MHC) announced today a new program called Thrive, the first cross-industry signal sharing program designed to help stop the spread of suicide and self-harm content across different internet platforms. The goal is to increase industry collaboration, prevent online challenges from spreading virally, and help improve early detection of content that could potentially pose a safety risk.
Suicidal and self-harm content online can manifest in diverse forms, including viral challenges, text posts, visual media (images and livestreams), etc. While approaches employed by internet companies to mitigate harmful content differ, they are crucial for safeguarding user and viewer wellbeing. The expeditious identification and removal of suicide and self-harm content through Thrive will enable companies who are part of Thrive to investigate, take action and prevent similar content from being disseminated on their platforms fostering a safer online environment. While the technological infrastructure underpinning Thrive is not new (provided by Meta, it is already used by the Tech Coalition’s Lantern program), this initiative marks the first industry-wide endeavor to address suicide and self-harm content comprehensively across different platforms.
“We at MHC are excited to work with Thrive; a unique collaborative of the most influential social media platforms that have come together to address suicide and self-harm content. Meta, Snap and TikTok are some of the initial partners to join “the exchange” committing to make an even greater impact and help save lives,” said Kenneth Cole, Founder of The Mental Health Coalition.
“The integration of signal sharing, coupled with cross-industry collaboration and moderated by an independent and neutral intermediary, represents a major breakthrough in industry collaboration and public protection on the global, public health crisis of suicide and ultimately save lives,” said Dr. Dan Reidenberg, Director of Thrive.
Thrive will leverage a centralized technology platform, enabling the aggregation of information from diverse sources (platforms), where participating companies can receive alerts of content that raises concerns or contravenes their respective company policies or community standards against suicide and self-harm. Platforms are then able to independently assess whether to take action on the content. This new signal sharing program will be underpinned by a technical infrastructure provided by Meta which allows tech companies to securely share signals about content that breaks their suicide and self-harm policies. This approach addresses harmful content while respecting the autonomy of each organization’s moderation strategies, reduce the risk of contagion or content becoming viral across platforms and ensure measures exist and only share de-identified signals to protect the users privacy. There will be no personally identifiable information shared through Thrive.
“At Meta, we have strict rules against content that encourages, glorifies or shows graphic suicide or self-harm, and remove it whenever we become aware of it. Unfortunately this content isn’t limited to any one platform – especially when it comes to viral challenges – and it’s imperative that the technology industry works together to help prevent it from spreading. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Mental Health Coalition and our peers to launch Thrive, and help keep people safe across the many apps they use.” Antigone Davis, VP of Global Safety at Meta.
“The safety and well-being of the Snapchat community is a top priority. Our dedicated teams, technologies, policies, and partnerships help keep our community safe, healthy, and informed, and our well-being features are designed to educate and empower individuals who might be struggling with their own social and emotional well-being. We are honored to be founding members of the Thrive initiative – an opportunity to continue to work industry-wide on approaches that strengthen capabilities to halt the spread of self-harm content.” Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety, Snap
“TikTok is an uplifting and entertaining part of many people’s day, and we continually invest in protecting and securing our community’s experience. By becoming a founding member of The Mental Health Coalition’s Thrive, we’re strengthening how we prevent harmful suicide and self-harm content online. Through this important collaboration and collective action, we hope to keep people safe on TikTok and beyond.” Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust and Safety, TikTok
Thrive’s Director will oversee operational aspects of the program, ensuring its effective functioning through convening, facilitating, moderating, and monitoring activities. Participating companies will assume responsibility for uploading, reviewing and taking the appropriate action on the content shared through Thrive and leveraging the platform to share insights and best practices. Dr Reidenberg will collaborate with other signal sharing exchange directors on optimal moderation strategies, lessons learned, and transparency protocols. An annual report will be issued to provide insight into the exchange’s use and impact.
Meta, Snap, and TikTok have pledged their support and participation as founding members, with other companies expected to join.
The Mental Health Coalition relies on donations. If you want to help support Thrive and the lifesaving work of the Coalition, please contact Dr Dan Reidenberg.
About The Mental Health Coalition
The Mental Health Coalition (www.thementalhealthcoalition.org), is a coalition of the Nation’s leading mental health organizations, brands, and individuals who have joined forces to end the debilitating stigma surrounding mental health and to change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness. Our mission is to catalyze like-minded communities to work together to destigmatize mental health and empower access to vital resources and necessary support for all.
The Mental Health Coalition was formed with the understanding that the mental health crisis is fueled by a pervasive and devastating stigma, preventing millions of individuals from being able to seek the critical treatment they need. We will not relent until mental health is no longer associated with stigma, shame or judgment and all people feel empowered to openly discuss and address their individual mental health needs.
SOURCE The Mental Health Coalition
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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(Family Features) Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. Getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV during your pregnancy lets you pass protection to your baby. Your immunity helps keep them from getting very sick from one of these viruses in their first few months of life.
Virus Vaccines
Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 also protect expectant parents from serious symptoms. Pregnant people are more likely to need medical care or hospitalization for flu and COVID-19 than people their age who are not pregnant, according to the Risk Less. Do More. Public Education Campaign.
“It makes sense that people are very careful about the health choices they make during pregnancy,” said Manisha Patel, MD, MS, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “The good news is that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect you and your baby against serious disease. RSV vaccines cut by more than half the risk of your baby being hospitalized for severe RSV disease, the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the United States.”
Here are some key facts about pregnancy and vaccination:
Getting vaccinated protects you during and after pregnancy.
Common respiratory viruses can be dangerous for people who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant. This is because respiratory illnesses during pregnancy are more likely to be severe. Studies show that the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection for pregnant people. They lower the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. Like medications, vaccines can cause side effects, but side effects from flu and COVID-19 vaccines are almost always mild and brief. The benefits of these vaccines outweigh the risks for most people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends an RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy cuts the risk of a newborn being hospitalized with RSV by half.
Getting vaccinated protects your unborn or nursing child.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses are dangerous for both unborn and newborn children. About 20,000 children under age 5 in the U.S. are hospitalized with flu each year. Infants under 6 months are at the highest risk of serious complications. Infants are also at higher risk for RSV. In fact, it’s the top reason babies in the U.S. are hospitalized.
When a pregnant person gets vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 or RSV, they share their immunity with their child. Recent studies also show that some breastfeeding parents maintain infection-fighting antibodies in their breastmilk after vaccination. This immunity can also help protect their baby.
Timing for vaccinations is important.
Getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV during pregnancy builds antibodies that can help protect the baby. Get the yearly COVID-19 and flu vaccines this fall season. For RSV, it is recommended that pregnant people get vaccinated between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy during the RSV season, which is from September-January in most parts of the United States.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. Knowing the facts about vaccination and pregnancy can offer confidence and comfort. Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more and talk with your doctor about getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Newswise — SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The American Academy of Ophthalmology is sounding the alarm on over-the-counter eye drops advertised as eye color-changing solutions. These products are not FDA approved, have not been tested for safety or efficacy, and could potentially damage the eyes.
“Consumers seeing these products on TikTok or elsewhere online need to know that they are not FDA approved,” said JoAnn A. Giaconi, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The ads show dramatic before-and-after shots and vague information on how the drops actually work to change eye color. But here’s the reality, there’s no evidence that they do anything at all, and no evidence that they’re safe.”
Because the products are not FDA approved, they have not undergone rigorous safety and efficacy testing, and it’s unclear if Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations were followed during production. Unregulated manufacturing facility conditions can lead to contaminated products that can cause dangerous eye infections.
Eye Color-Changing Drops
Potential safety risks of using unregulated eye drops include:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Light sensitivity
- Increased eye pressure or glaucoma
- Permanent vision loss
Manufacturers claim that the drops include an ingredient that adjusts natural levels of melanin in the iris, the colored part of the eye. But there is no evidence that the formula can target the iris pigment. And if the drops did destroy the pigmented cells in the iris, it could potentially harm the eye, causing light sensitivity, eye inflammation, and eventually vision loss. It’s also unclear how other parts of the eye that rely on melanin to function properly, such as the retina, would react to this ingredient.
“Social media and the internet are full of potentially dangerous eye health claims. Bottomline, the Academy advises the public to never put anything in the eye that isn’t made to go in the eye,” Dr. Giaconi said. “You’re putting yourself at risk for painful eye conditions or even blindness.”
The safest way to change eye color is with colored contact lenses, but only if the lenses are prescribed, dispensed, and fitted by a qualified eye health professional.
For more information about eye health and how to protect your eyes, visit the Academy’s EyeSmart website.
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit aao.org.
Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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