Blessing Cancer Center participating in clinical trial for medication for metastatic cancer

QUINCY — The Blessing Cancer Center has been selected as one of 51 study locations worldwide participating in a new metastatic breast cancer clinical trial.

Metastatic cancer has traveled to other parts of the body from its site of origination. It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of all breast cancer cases will become metastatic. The clinical trial is studying the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of a first-of-its-kind medication, Enobosarm.

“Enobosarm works differently in the body than any other medication approved for metastatic breast cancer currently available,” Kiley McGlauchlen, director of clinical research for Blessing Health System, said in a press release.

Enobosarm can also help patients fight cancer and treats how the cancer is affecting the patient’s quality of life and physical function. 

“Cancer-induced muscle wasting can lead to pain, weakness and other related complications. Enobosarm may have a dual benefit, improving outcomes through its anticancer properties and its potential for preventing muscle wasting,” McGlauchlen said. “The medication shows great promise for treating metastatic breast cancer, an area where there is great need, with this additional benefit of improving physical function that would be very helpful to this patient group. We are excited to be a study location for this worldwide clinical trial.”

Dr. Kellie Flippin, fellowship trained and board-certified medical oncologist for Blessing Cancer Center, is the principal investigator for the local trial.

“(The study) provides a novel mechanism of anti-breast cancer treatment not otherwise available in the community,” she said. “We think it will prove to be a better option than the current gold standard of chemotherapy.”

Women with ER positive/HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer who have not responded to standard treatment can go to blessinghealth.org/studies and use the Contact Us link, or call 217-223-8400, ext. 7201, to learn more about the possibility of becoming involved in the clinical trial.

Blessing is involved with two other clinical trials and plans to begin participating in two more soon.