Experimental Cancer Drug Produces
Excellent Result
Kathryn Atherton
Kathryn Atherton, 70, is a survivor in
every sense of the word. Diagnosed with advanced lung cancer
three years ago, she faced her illness with confidence.
Atherton was offered the most aggressive treatment, an
experimental drug available only through a clinical trial.
“I didn’t have
time to be sick. I did not spend a day in bed. I didn’t want
to give in to being sick. At first I was selfish,” said
Atherton. “When they talked with me about being part of
clinical trial research, I just wanted to help myself, but then
I thought it would be worthwhile if they could learn from my
being a part of the test trials.”
Her willingness to try a new therapy paid
off for Atherton and produced knowledge to help other cancer
patients. She has had no sign of recurrence since her treatment
ended in 2001.
“Mrs. Atherton is a wonderful success
story,” says Dr. Ray Page, Director of Research for the Cancer
Education and Research Foundation of Texas. “The outstanding
response, with those who participated in that trial still alive
and well years after treatment, is virtually unheard of in
advanced lung cancer. I am especially proud that we can offer
these options to patients in rural areas.
Many of our patients would have to
travel long distances to major cancer centers to receive what we
can provide in their own neighborhood.”
Kathryn Atherton is a living example of the results of clinical
trial participation. Her stance encourages other patients: “I
recommend research trials to everyone. I would do it again if
needed. I breezed through and others can too.”
Lung Cancer
Patient Overcame Fears and Cancer
 Shirley
Green
Shirley Green, 53, works at Wal-Mart as a
customer desk associate helping shoppers with returned items.
She enjoys the interaction with co-workers, friends, and
shoppers. Her life was not always so uncomplicated. In
November 2001, Green agreed to participate in a clinical
research trial offering a very aggressive drug. “I was scared,”
she said. “I didn’t know if it would work or not.”
Participating in a combination of
experimental chemotherapy and a radiation regimen, Green
finished her treatment in May 2002. She has had no additional
treatment and is enjoying life as she knew it before her
diagnosis. “When you’re finished and you know the outcome,
you’re glad you did it. I would tell others to go ahead with
whatever experimental drugs are recommended. Plus it could help
someone else.”
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