Clinical trials underway at The Medical Center Cancer Center
Clinical Research Coordinator
As a member of the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network and the UK Markey Cancer Center Research Network, The Medical Center at Bowling Green offers the most advanced cancer care available in the region to our patients. Our goal is to help them stay close to home for their care. In December 2022, the first clinical trial study for Med Center Health cancer patients in Bowling Green was approved by UK Markey Cancer Center. This exciting partnership allows patients to participate in leading-edge care without the need of traveling outside of Bowling Green.
“Our main objective in doing cancer research here is to offer our own patients treatments here in their hometown,” said Tina Berger, Clinical Research Coordinator with the Cancer Center. “We want to give our patients the opportunity to have their cancer treated here where it is comfortable for them and not have to travel to Nashville, Lexington or Louisville.” Tina works hand-in-hand with both Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. If a patient’s cancer and other medical assessments meet the eligibility criteria for a clinical study, and the patient wishes to participate, Tina meets with them to explain the study, making sure the patient understands the steps involved and the pros and cons.
Before the opening of a study at The Medical Center, a Site Initiation Visit is conducted. The doctor or person who chaired the study at UK makes a short presentation of what the study is about, what it involves, and the pros and cons for the patients. Med Center Health staff – including the research coordinator, physicians and nurse practitioners – then seek out the patients who have the certain types of diseases the trial requires and who are eligible to enroll. That information is provided to UK and they decide if the study is approved to move forward at The Medical Center.
The first clinical trial at The Medical Center involves precision medicine personalized for lung cancer patients based on cancer-causing mutations found in the blood or tumor. Patients can receive targeted therapy specific to their mutation. The goal is to improve length and quality of life for many of our lung cancer patients while reducing harmful side effects that can be caused by normal chemotherapy.
Research studies involve people of all kinds, including those who are healthy and those who are seriously ill. Most standard treatments we use today are the result of clinical trials.
Tina started her career with Med Center Health 10 years ago, and worked most of those years doing credentialing for Center Care. The Research Coordinator position gives her the opportunity to provide an open door for patients who wish to be on the leading edge of cancer treatment. “I have undergone a lot of training for the research coordinator position as well as with the UK Markey Cancer Center and their program,” Tina says. “I’m so proud to be associated with this.”
Tina’s office is located in the Medical Arts Building. She can be reached at 270-745-1036 (ext. 1036).
