An unexpected phone call from an Avera Health number could be an invitation to participate in a new clinical trial.
Avera Research Institute is in the early stages of investigating a common—but under-researched—form of cancer.
Endometrial cancer forms in the lining of the uterus and causes irregular bleeding. Dr. Kimberlee McKay is an OBGYN and the Medical Research Director at the Avera Research Institute. With 70-thousand new cases diagnosed each year, she says it’s one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States.
“As an obstetrician gynecologist, when I have a 40–45-year-old coming in and they’re complaining of very heavy periods, irregular periods, I know that in my algorithm of assessing their health I have to rule out endometrial cancer,” Dr. McKay explains.
She adds the current methods of screening for endometrial cancer include a pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy.
“None of these things are comfortable for patients. And so, where we are kind of living, and where companies are starting to explore, is how do we make it really simple to screen for endometrial cancer and not make it so painful for patients or uncomfortable.”
Industry standards and regulations on clinical trials mean not much information is public on this specific study so far, but Avera has screening procedures to alert current patients who might want to participate.
“Someone may call you from an Avera number, and you’re like, ‘Who is that?’ And what we’re gonna be doing is saying, hey, you’re eligible for this particular trial. Would you be interested?” said Dr. McKay.
McKay explained female reproductive cancers have historically been understudied. She remembered something an attending physician said to her when she finished her residency 25 years ago.
“‘You’ll know you’re outdated if you’re still doing things the same way you did in residency.’ And I can’t help it, that’s all we have! So, this is one area where I’m like, surely the science must advance!”
Now, Dr. McKay is excited to help drive the research forward.
