Skip Burris: Clinical trials should be the first step in fighting cancer

Sarah Cannon Research Institute shared the following on LinkedIn:

“Participation in clinical trials should be the first step in fighting cancer, not the last.” – Skip Burris, MD, President, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI).

These words ring especially true for SCRI patient, Jim, who in April 2024 was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic prostate cancer. In July 2024, after enrolling immediately on a clinical trial, scans showed little sign of disease.

Jim, a 20-year healthcare executive from Nashville, Tenn., had kept an eye on a nagging high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) score that recurred within his bloodwork. He and his primary care physician carefully watched the numbers and then within four months, the number tripled. A blood PSA score can indicate higher risk for prostate cancer and, ultimately in Jim’s case, indicted cancer. Jim immediately reached out to Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) to determine his options.

Jim began care with Benjamin Garmezy, MD, Associate Director, Genitourinary Cancer Research, SCRI and Medical Oncologist, SCRI Oncology Partners who ordered additional testing and scans. These revealed stage IV metastatic prostate cancer with spread to lymph nodes, hips and spine.

“I was absolutely terrified. I didn’t know what to think and it’s still difficult to put into words what it is like to hear the word ‘cancer’,” Jim said. “You never think it is going to happen to you. Then when it does, you are paralyzed.”

Dr. Garmezy suggested an aggressive treatment – first by controlling his testosterone levels, which can fuel prostate cancer, followed by enrollment in a clinical trial aimed to target his type of cancer.

“I am very competitive, type-A personality and a fighter, but you can’t fight something that is internal by yourself. I was reeling from the diagnosis and needed someone to help me make a plan. Dr. Garmezy helped me get off the mat. With that first treatment, I felt like I was doing something to combat the cancer, I could finally fight. With a plan, I felt optimistic.”

Jim enrolled on a clinical trial to intensify his hormonal treatment which includes two daily oral medications and an injection every few months with very little side effects. “I was afraid I would have to trade my vitality to get better. I haven’t – which is amazing. I do have fatigue and a little GI upset but I’ve been able to work and vacation during my battle. I’m just so thankful to maintain quality of life.”

Within three months, Jim’s scans revealed that his cancer is nearly gone. His PSA score went from almost 80 and is now undetectable (a low level is under 4).

“This clinical trial has been a miracle for me and saved my life. I have so much life left to live. I was so fearful this was a death sentence. The people at SCRI have been so amazing to not only me, but to my caretaker as well.”
Jim will remain on the clinical trial as long as it continues to be effective. For Jim, a clinical trial was his first step in fighting cancer and has proven to be successful.”

Source: Sarah Cannon Research Institute/LinkedIn