The TRU will offer early clinical trials (phases I and II). In phase I clinical trials, new drugs are tested for the first time in a small group of people to identify maximum tolerated dose and pinpoint side effects. Phase II trials involve a larger group of people and further evaluation of safety and dosage. Translational means bringing treatments from the lab to the patient’s bedside.
“The TRU will be a six- to eight-bed unit within our Day Hospital,” said Nora Sale, vice president and executive director of the Froedtert Hospital Foundation. (The Day Hospital provides a comfortable outpatient environment for patients needing chemotherapy, blood products or other infused treatments, or advanced services that might otherwise require hospitalization. It’s open seven days per week, 365 days per year for patient convenience and quality of care.) “An intensive scientific and care environment, the new unit will be equipped with the higher level of staffing required for early trials of investigational drugs,” Sale said.
The unit will be staffed by highly trained chemotherapy nurses working closely with investigators and members of a newly formed clinical trials office. The development of the cancer translational research unit and clinical trials office is led by James P. Thomas, MD, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin hematologist/oncologist, whose own cancer research has led to two patents.
“Cancer affects everybody, and research provides a brighter future.” Betsy Trimble
Froedtert Hospital Foundation Board Member Philanthropy’s Critical Role
Froedtert Hospital Foundation board member Betsy Trimble supports the TRU and what it means for the community. “Cancer affects everybody, and research provides a brighter future,” she said. “Early phase trials are the only chance some people have when conventional treatments aren’t working. This is what the Clinical Cancer Center offers, and philanthropy is critical to moving it forward for all of our sakes. Each gift has far-reaching implications.”
“Donor recognition will enhance this space,” Sale said. “We have opportunities to name the TRU and funds designated by donors. Funds can be created for as little as $20,000. They carry an individual’s name and the chance for a family to be involved in helping direct the program going forward. We’ve started receiving gifts, and are hosting a series of ‘salons,’ a way to bring interested parties together to learn more.”
Establishing a cancer translational research unit that offers early phase clinical trials is a step toward helping Froedtert & The Medical College become a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. “NCI recognition opens the doors for more research funding, access to trials and partnerships,” Sale said. “And that would be good for our community.”
Intensive remodeling begins this spring, with plans to open the translational research unit before the end of 2012.
For information about opportunities to support cancer research, call the Froedtert Hospital Foundation at 414-805-2699 or visit
froedterthospitalfoundation.org.
Special Report 2012
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