There are many reasons why a person may want to participate in medical research studies: for their own medical benefit, for the benefit of the medical community, to have access to experimental medications, or to learn more about their condition.
Whatever the reason is, BICRAD is happy to offer two medical research studies in collaboration with the John Muir Clinical Research Center to determine whether lung cancer can be detected earlier and if early detection can lead to improved survival rates.
If you or someone you know are interested in undergoing a lung cancer study, then the FAMMRI Study or the I-ELCAP Study may be right for you. Here’s what you need to know about the studies and whether you can qualify for a study.
A. Second Hand Smoke Study
Secondhand smoke, also called sidestream smoke, is the smoke that escapes from the lighted end of a cigarette or tobacco product. This smoke has a higher concentration of carcinogens and toxins than the smoke being exhaled by the smoker and is proven to cause cancer. Nonsmokers who have been on the receiving end of sidestream smoke have just as high of a risk of developing lung cancer as their smoker counterparts.
This study, called the FAMMRI Study, examines people who have been exposed to secondhand smoke. The main goal of the study is to determine the probability of developing specific pulmonary diseases related to the exposure to secondhand smoke.
In order to be eligible, you must be able to answer yes to the following questions.
Are you between the ages of 50-80?
Are you a non-smoker? (Fewer than 100 cigarettes in your lifetime).
Have you received at least 5 years of secondhand smoke within the past 30 years?
Are you able, or willing, to undergo thoracic surgery if needed?
Do you have a Primary Care Physician to receive the results of a low-dose CT scan and to order further diagnostic treatments/tests if necessary?
If you answered yes to all of these questions and wish to undergo a study, you will be able to to take advantage of discounted rates for our low-dose CT scans.
B. Lung Cancer Risk Detection Study
This medical research study works specifically to determine whether it is possible for lung cancer to be detected earlier. The study, called the I-ELCAP (International - Early Lung Cancer Action Program) study, began in 1991 at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Since then, the study program has become international and has already yielded important results.
Research is still ongoing in order to include larger pools of patient data and BICRAD is honored to be part of the research. If you are interested in participating, please take a look at the following eligibility standards; if you can answer yes to these questions then you may be eligible to participate.
Are you between the ages of 40-80?
Are you a current or former smoker with a 10 pack year history? (I.e. 1 pack/day for 10 years, ½ pack/day for 20 years, or 2 packs/day for 5 years) OR;
Are you a smoker or nonsmoker with workplace exposure to radon gas or asbestos? OR;
Do you have a family history of lung cancer among primary relatives?
Do you have a Primary Care Physician to receive the results of a low-dose CT scan and to order further diagnostic treatments/tests as recommended?
If you answered yes to question 1 and 5, and yes to at least one question between 2 and 4, then you are likely eligible to participate. Participants will be able to receive discounted rates on our low-dose CT scans.
More Information
Participating in medical research studies benefits you and the medical community immensely. If you are interested in learning more about these medical research studies, you can contact us today! We’ll be able to lead you through the eligibility process and discuss the benefits and costs of the medical research studies.