Determining which clinical trial is best for you

Right now, there are hundreds of clinical trials going on in the United States. And, each month, millions of people go through lists, check to see if there are new treatments, technologies, or procedures to help them or their loved ones.

New technology is using genetic testing to make the perfect matches for clinical trials, now.

Andy Simon is a proud cancer survivor and dons his ribbon all the time. Simon was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.

Amy is Andy’s wife. “He doesn’t have long. That was my first thought,” said Amy.

But, after the surgery, and taking part in a novel clinical trial five years out, there has been no reemergence of Andy’s cancer.

“There was no doubt in my mind that that clinical trial helped him,” said Amy.

Yet, there are more than 1,600 clinical trials happening right now for Glioblastoma patients.

Dr. Joel Saltzman is a Medical Oncologist for University Hospitals for Seidman Cancer Center. “It’s not so much about rushing the treatment but rushing to the right treatment, ” Dr. Saltzman said.

New technology called Genomoncology Precision Decision works like a match-making website. It takes genetic sequencing of the patient and running it through a database.

“We can look at numerous genes that predict what might respond to therapies. Rather than telling them about the standard treatment, I actually know walking in the door that, hey, we have this great study,” said Saltzman.

Andy and Amy believe his clinical trial proved to be life-saving. “I believe in my heart that, all of that, he went through is the reason that he’s here today,” said Amy.

As a way to celebrate his last treatment, Andy put on a cape and proudly showed his superman status.

“My famous line is now set to kick its ass. And we’ve been doing it since, as a team,” Andy said.

They’ll continue to kick cancer together.

Experts think this technology will increase the success rates of clinical trials, by matching the right patients with their correct therapies. The matchmaker works on all types of cancers.