FAQs

Q. What is cancer?

A. Cancer is a group of many related diseases where cells of a normal part of the body grow abnormally fast. Sometimes these cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Q. What are my treatment options?

A. Standard treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. If the cancer remains in one place, the usual treatment is surgery. Once the cells have spread to other parts of the body, cancer becomes more difficult to treat. New forms of therapy being tested include tumor vaccines and cytokines (such as Interleukin-2 and Interferon).

Q. What is a clinical trial?

A. A clinical trial is an experimental study that tests the effects of a new agent (vaccine or drug) in patients with cancer. Patients ordinarily need to meet certain medical requirements before entering the study.

Q. What is the Tumor Vaccine Program?

A. The program is a comprehensive group of dedicated physicians, nurse and scientist interested in tumor vaccine research and the application of vaccines n patients with cancer. The program, unique in the Metropolitan, New York area, includes doctors and nurses with specialized training in biologic therapy and vaccines who are actively conducting clinical studies of tumor vaccines. There are also scientists working in the research laboratory within Columbia University to develop new vaccines and perform research to further our understanding of how vaccines work in cancer patients. The program is also actively involved in the education of medical students, graduate students, nurses, resident physicians and fellows in the various aspects of tumor vaccine research and clinical administration.

Q. What type of cancer might vaccines be useful for?

A. Many different types of vaccines are now available for evaluation in different types of cancer. The following is a list that includes some of the cancers that are being studied: colorectal, pancreas, breast, lung, ovarian, cervical; liver; gall bladder; prostate; kidney; early melanoma and metastatic melanoma

Q. What are cancer vaccines?

A. Vaccines are usually associated with the prevention of infectious diseases, such as measles or mumps. They are naturally derived substances (such as a virus or protein) that are given to activate the body's defenses against infection. Recent research has provided evidence that vaccines may also be useful for preventing or even treating cancer. This use of a "cancer vaccine" is still experimental and is being used in studies of patients who already have been diagnosed with cancer.

Q. How do vaccines work?

A. Cancer vaccines are agents that contain a specific protein of the tumor cell that can be used to stimulate an immune response. Vaccines can be viruses, small proteins, or whole cells. Vaccines for cancer are still experimental and the best way to give them is still not known.

Q. Am I eligible for a cancer vaccine study?

A. The depends on certain medical and immunological information related to the type(s) of cancer, how much it has spread , and other medical circumstances that you may have. If you are interested in a specific vaccine study, information about the actual requirements can be provided to you.

Q. What is Interleukin-2?

A. Interleukin-2 or IL-2, is a cytokine, (or small protein) that is naturally produced by cells of the immune system. IL-2 is approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma and kidney cancer. For additional information about the IL-2 Unit at Columbia Presbyterian open the IL-2 Immunotherapy icon.

Q. What is interferon?

A. Interferon is a natural protein that stimulates the body's response to fight infections and possible cancers. Interferon has shown some promise in treating melanoma and kidney cancer. It is usually given as a small injection under the skin (like insulin).

Q. What are the side effects?

A. The side effects depend on the agent being used and may not be completely known for brand new agents. Your doctor will explain all of the expected side effects before you agree to be in a clinical trial. (It is important to note that your participation in a clinical trial is voluntary and you may withdraw at anytime)

Q. What will the study cost?

A. The cost of the study will vary depending upon the specific trial as well as your healthcare plan (if applicable). Your doctor will explain what items or services are provided for free, and what items or services will be billed to either you or your insurance carrier.

Q. Can I be cured?

A. There are no guarantees that any new agents being tested will cure cancer. There is strong scientific research that supports the possibility that the agent may help.

Q. How can I get more information or get into a study?

A. You can get more information about our studies by calling our Study Coordinator, Gail DeRaffele, RN at 212.342.0232. The National Cancer Institute also maintains a registry of current clinical trials in the U.S. at www.clinicaltrials.gov or call 1.800.4.CANCER.