U of M opens a new clinical trial studying the effects of COVID-19 on cancer patients
The University of Minnesota, which is already at the forefront of COVID-19 research, has opened a new trial to study the short and long-term effects of the novel coronavirus on cancer patients. The study is a partnership between the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
The study, “NCI COVID-19 in Cancer Patients Study (N-CCaPS): A Longitudinal Natural History Study” will be led by Robert Kratzke, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation.
“Early in the pandemic it became apparent that it is critically important for our cancer patients to understand how COVID-19 affects them as they receive care for their disease,” said Dr. Kratzke. “This study allows us to accomplish that without adding any additional visits to the clinic or inconvenience.”
The study will help to describe cancer treatment modifications made in response to COVID-19, including medication dose adjustments, changes in symptom management, or temporary or permanent cessation of treatment. It will also evaluate the association of COVID-19 with cancer outcomes in patient subgroups defined by clinico-pathologic characteristics.
About the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, is the Twin Cities’ only Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated ‘Outstanding’ by the National Cancer Institute. As Minnesota’s Cancer Center, we have served the entire state for more than 25 years. Our researchers, educators, and care providers have worked to discover the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and cancer-related diseases. Learn more at cancer.umn.edu.
About the University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. Learn how the University of Minnesota is innovating all aspects of medicine by visiting www.med.umn.edu.