Checkup

Clinical Trials Seeking Volunteers

Men with prostate cancer needed for quality of life study

Mayo Clinic is conducting a research study to improve the quality of life of men who have prostate cancer with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Although survival rates for men with localized prostate cancer are high, research has shown that many experience significant increases in stress and decreases in quality of life. Steven Ames, Ph.D., is the principal investigator of the three-year, $225,000 research study funded by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The goal of the study is to evaluate a new treatment program designed to help men with prostate cancer maximize their quality of life. Led by a team of specialists in various disciplines, the study includes a discussion of the latest advances inmedical treatment, a nutrition program, a fitness program to improve strength and vitality, skills to manage stress and negative moods, strategies for creating a support system and tactics to help men reach their health goals.

"While the focus of the medical community generally lies inmanaging the physical disease,"Ames says, "there are psychological and other aspects that oftentimes get overlooked."

Men participating in this research study must, at some time, have experienced a rise in their prostate specific antigen (PSA) level after receiving treatment. In addition, men must be free from cancer in other areas of their body and willing to attend eight weekly visits and four return visits over six months. Participating is free of charge, and men will receive payment for participating. For more information, call Edgar Covil at (904) 953-2941.

Do you suffer from recurring abdominal discomfort?

Mayo Clinic is looking for individuals with:

• chronic abdominal discomfort
• bloating
• early or excessive fullness following meals

The Clinical Studies Unit is investigating the effects of two medicines on symptoms after meals and on the movement of food through the stomach. The nine-month trial (three months on medication, six months of follow-up) involves questionnaires, laboratory tests, a nutrient drink test and a gastric emptying study. A sample of blood for DNA will be drawn and stored for future testing. Visits will range from two to six hours. Compensation is offered. Please call Verna Skinner at (904) 953-0703 or send an email to skinner.verna@mayo.edu.

Do you smoke?

Thought about quitting? Mayo Clinic is looking for young adults who drink alcohol and are interested in receiving a new treatment to quit smoking. If you're 18 to 30 years old and would like more information, please call (904) 953-2941. You'll be compensated for your time. An appointment can be arranged either at University of North Florida or at Mayo Clinic.
Info
http://clinicaltrials.mayo.edu

What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are used in all specialties of medicine to test new therapies. They're used to evaluate potential treatments that have had some effect against disease in the test tube, in animal experiments or in a limited number of patients. Trials typically test new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation treatment, new combinations of existing treatments or novel methods such as gene therapy.