At Dana-Farber, we believe active clinical research is crucial for providing exceptional care. Our Older Adults With Gastrointestinal Cancer Program brings together researchers and physicians dedicated to understanding and improving GI cancer treatment for older adults — an underrepresented age group in clinical trials. We aim to remove barriers to accessing new treatments and to participating in trials, including lack of awareness and exclusion due to medical conditions or age. By studying tumor genetics in older adults, we can find better targeted and safer treatment options.
Ask your care team which current clinical trials and studies you may be eligible to participate in at Dana-Farber.
KRAS Inhibition in Pancreas Cancer
RAS mutations are a common cause of gastrointestinal cancer, especially pancreatic cancer. There are several ongoing and developing clinical trials targeting KRAS — a type of RAS gene — for these cancers.
If you have a known KRAS mutation from tumor or blood tests, you might be eligible for one of these trials. Our researchers are exploring new therapies, individually or in combination with chemotherapy, for patients at different stages of treatment. Current trials focus on drugs for multiple RAS mutations (trial 24-533), the KRAS G12C mutation (trial 23-609); and the KRAS G12D mutation (trial 23-571 and trial 24-255).
To enroll in a clinical trial, talk with your physician about whether you are eligible, or call 877-338-7425.
SURGE Study
The SURGE study, which stands for Supporting UnderRepresented populations in Genomics-based cancer clinical trial Enrollment, aims to increase equity in clinical trial enrollment. It tackles the barriers to genomic testing. Patients get access to an educational video and help with understanding genomic testing and joining clinical trials. All adult patients are eligible to participate.
To learn more about the SURGE study, contact us at SURGE@dfci.harvard.edu.
REACH Study
REACH stands for Resilience and Equity in Aging, Cancer, and Health. This randomized study examines the effectiveness of geriatricians, pharmacy staff, and oncology teams working together to manage care for older patients. It explores how early intervention can affect your quality of life, visits to the emergency room or urgent care, hospital stays, and living without disability.
Learn more about the REACH study. If you're interested in participating, please call 866-977-3224 or email REACH@dfci.harvard.edu.