Cancer Clinical Trials: Improving Patient Outcomes | MyHealthy Decisions

In this Cancer Care issue of MyHealthy Decisions, learn more about how cutting-edge technology, regularly scheduled cancer screenings, clinical trials, and a thorough team can improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Regularly Scheduled Screenings

William Mokay, 71, of Delhi, visits his primary care practitioner every six months for a physical examination, knowing his age and risk for prostate cancer. In February 2019, during a routine blood test that checked for prostate-specific antigens (PSA), the results came back elevated. His practitioner, Sean Secord, RPA-C, acted quickly and referred Mokay to Michael Budin, MD, urologist at Oneonta Specialty Services. Dr. Budin then discovered a lump.

“Sure enough, it turned out to be cancer,” says Mokay. “Dr. Budin laid out my options: surgical removal and radiation.” Mokay was directed to Timothy Korytko, MD, radiation oncologist at Bassett Cancer Institute, who offered him a chance to enter a clinical trial.

Giving Him Options

“At Bassett Cancer Institute, we participate in many clinical trials because we are always looking at ways to improve care,” Dr. Korytko says. “When patients ask how we know what treatment is the best option for them, we examine different available treatments systematically and scientifically.”

There were two treatment course possibilities for Mokay. The first was comprised of 26 radiation treatments over five to six weeks; the second offered just five doses of radiation every two to three days. “I was assigned the second treatment option,” Mokay says. “My first radiation session was on April 19, and treatments were finished by the end of the same month.” 

“Clinical trials are often viewed as a risky experiment or last-ditch effort for cancer patients who have exhausted other options,” says Dr. Korytko. “But the truth is, they offer innovative treatments for patients at different stages of cancer, are vetted nationally and locally to be safe and ethically sound, and can improve future cancer care. Mr. Mokay was presented with two very good treatment options — and there was no placebo or experimental study group.” 

Feeling Good

“I didn’t have any side effects from my treatments,” says Mokay. “The cancer responded extremely well and I am in remission today.”

“I encourage my patients to explore clinical trial options whenever they are available,” says Dr. Korytko. “It connects them to the best care and helps future cancer patients.”

“I’m forever grateful to Dr. Korytko and the team at Bassett,” says Mokay. “I am active, playing basketball, golf, and running around with my four grandkids. Life is good.”