© 2024 SDPB Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Innovation: Drug Trial May Offer Cancer Treatment Options

Kealey Bultena
/
SDPB
Sanford Health / Sioux Falls

A national study examines whether medication approved for one cancer treats other forms of the disease.

Sanford Health locations are part of the clinical trial. It's called the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study (TAPUR).

Dr. Steven Powell is the principal investigator for Sanford Health. He says precision cancer therapy uses patients' genetics and traits of individual cancers to treat disease. He says the study may expand options for treating patients who have advanced cancers.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology sponsors TAPUR. Seven major pharmaceutical companies are providing drugs for the trial.

Sanford Health officials say cancer patients who are 18 years old or older can participate if they no longer benefit from standard anti-cancer treatment. To enroll, call 1-87-SURVIVAL.

Cara Hetland is the Director of Radio and Journalism Content for South Dakota Public Broadcasting.