CLINICAL RESEARCH

“ While avoiding surgery is already a recent game-changer for rectal cancer patients, the NOM-ERA study brings patient-centered care to a whole new level by dropping six weeks of daily radiation down to

On The Forefront Of Offering Rectal Cancer Clinical Trials

UVM CANCER CENTER IS ADVANCING THE STANDARD OF CARE

Starting in 2015, rectal cancer patients treated at the University of Vermont Cancer Center (UVMCC) had access to a groundbreaking clinical trial allowing them to avoid the typically standard surgery if their tumor was found to go away completely after a combination chemotherapy and radiation. Led locally by colorectal surgeon Peter Cataldo, M.D., study results published this past year demonstrated that over 50% of patients were able to avoid surgery removing their rectum if they received 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy plus additional chemotherapy. Because of the dramatic improvement in quality of life for these patients, this approach is the new standard of care at UVMCC. While avoiding surgery is one of the most significant advances in rectal cancer in decades, six weeks of daily radiation is still a significant burden on patients and their families.

Now, research is swinging the pendulum further towards patient quality of life. UVMCC is one of four clinical sites investigating a course of treatment condensing the typical six-week therapy down to one week. One week of radiation had been found to provide equivalent cancer control and quality of life outcomes at Washington University in St. Louis. Researchers hypothesize that in this larger cohort over half of patients will have their cancer completely go away following completion of therapy while maintaining a good quality of life, similar to what is seen with six weeks of radiation.

The study, called Non-Operative Management and Early Response Assessment in Rectal Cancer (NOMERA), was created by Dr. Hyun Kim at Washington University. Local principal investigator Dr. Anker was instrumental in bringing the patient-focused study to UVMCC and in helping with the final trial design. Additional supporting UVMCC members include radiation oncologist Dr. Nat Lester-Coll, colorectal surgeons Drs. Peter Cataldo, Jesse Moore, Krista Evans, and Jeremy Dressler, and medical oncologists Drs. Steven Ades, Randall Holcombe, Molly Barry, Marc Greenblatt, and Sarah Gillett.

Dr. Anker has established a national reputation for his expertise in treating rectal cancer with a non-operative approach. Outside of Washington University, UVMCC has had the highest number of patients enroll on the trial. While every patient enrolled in the study will have access to the shortened one week of therapy, if the results prove promising the next step will be a major randomized national trial comparing the two approaches.

Patrick Austin, one of the participants on the study whose tumor resolved completely following radiation and chemo, said of the trial: “I would participate in this course of treatment again without hesitation. The time commitment was easy at one week only; side effects were minimal as they did not build upon each other as treatment proceeded.”

Rally Against Cancer

The University of Vermont Athletics Department continues its effort to raise awareness for cancer research through its annual “Rally Against Cancer” games presented by Mascoma Bank. Fans are encouraged to come cheer on the UVM Catamounts and wear lavender to raise awareness for all cancer types.

RANDALL HOLCOMBE, M.D. AND OLIVIA WHITE

Spotlight On Sun Safety

Vermont has a higher than average incident rate of melanoma, and the UVM Cancer Center community outreach team is spreading the word about sun safety.

SUN SAFETY ON SITE: UVM Cancer Center Director Randall F. Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., visited the PC Construction crew who worked on building the Firestone Medical Research Building to say ‘thanks’ for their work and distribute sunscreen, popsicles, and information about sun safety.

SUNSCREEN FOR MARATHONERS: The UVM Cancer Center Community Outreach team handed out sunscreen and chatted with marathon runners and their supporters about sun safety ahead of the Vermont City Marathon, an annual marathon in the city of Burlington, VT that brings together more than 7,500 runners, 20,000 spectators, and 1,700 volunteers over Memorial Day Weekend.

Skida Hat Program

The Burlington-based hat-maker Skida is giving warmth and comfort to cancer patients around the country through the Skida [+1] program. For every alpine or nordic hat purchased using the Skida [+1] promotional code, the company donates one hat to the customer’s corresponding regional cancer center. Cancer patient Christina Loren, pictured, benefited from the program. She loves her new hat, she says, which she wears indoors and out. Use promo code “UVMCC” to give [+1] to the UVM Cancer Center.

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND CANCER CONFERENCE CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

The University of Vermont Cancer Center’s annual Women’s Health and Cancer Conference celebrated its 25th year in 2022. This free, educational event is aimed at empowering and supporting individuals and communities with knowledge about cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. Participants—including clinicians, patients, and community members—come together to:

• Access the latest, evidence-based information about cancer prevention and detection;

• Learn about treatment options across a range of cancer types;

• Gain information about support and wellness options to enhance survivorship;

• Feel inspired and supported.

In 2022, the Courtney and Victoria Buffum Family Foundation gave $1 million to create the Patti O’Brien, M.D. Women’s Health and Cancer Fund, which will support the conference into the future.