Screening
12 ACRF

History and Physical, HT/WT
Inclusion Criteria:

Measurable disease refractory to standard TX or no effective standard TX exists. Presence of B3 antigen on surface of >30% of tumor cells.
ECOG status of 0 or 1; minimum life expectancy of 3 months.
Normal renal function (CR<1.4mg/dl), SGOT & SGPT < 1.5 x of the upper limits of normal. Total bilirubin within normal limits, AGC> 1,000 per mm3, platelets >100,00 per mm3.
Three weeks elapsed since last dose of chemotherapy, hormonal or radiation therapy. Six wks. since last dose of Mitomycin C and nitrosourea.

Exclusion Criteria:

Pts. who have neutralizing antibodies to LMB-9.
Positive hepatitis B antigen or history of prior liver disease. Pts. with active peptic ulcer disease.
Prior MI, HX of evidence for CHF, CAD, arrhythmia requiring TX, and any contraindication to pressor TX. Moderate to severe pulmonary dysfunction, COPD.
Baseline serum albumin of less than 3.0g/dl.
Pts. with CNS metastasis and or know seizure disorders, or concurrent malignancy are excluded.
Pts. who are poor medical or psychiatric risks having nonmalignant systemic disease which would preclude their being subjected to therapy or giving an informed consent.
Breastfeeding or pregnant pts. excluded. Pts. of childbearing potential must agree to use an effective method of contraception.

Admission (Sunday Evening)
12 West

C1 D1
12 West

C1 D2
12 West

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C1 D3
12 West

C1 D4
12 West

C1 D5
12 West

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C1 D6
12 West

C1 D7
12 West

Unplanned
Events

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PROTOCOL MAP ADDENDUM COMMENTS

This is a Phase I study of LMB-9 for advanced carcinomas that express Lewis Y antigen. LMB-9 is a disulfide stabilized, recombinant immunotoxin., a truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin. The primary objective of this study is to determine the dose-limiting toxicities and the pharmacokinetics of LMB-9 in cancer patients. Other objectives are to evaluate the anti-tumor activity and the immunogenicity of this agent.

This study will use an accelerated titration design. One pt. per dose level until one patient exhibits DLT or two patients exhibit grade 2 toxicity during their first course of treatment. At that time the escalation plan will follow the standard phase I design. Cohorts will be treated at 40% dose-step increments with no inpatient dose escalation.

LMB-9 IND pending, drug sponsor CTEP/Boehringer Mannheim. LMB-9 given days 1, 3, 5 of each cycle. LMB-9 is diluted in 50ml of NS containing albumin. Omeprazole 60mg given BID days 0-7 each cycle.(Will be supplied by CC hospital pharmacy) Other medications to be used are Ondansetron 8mg PO q8hrs starting 4 hrs. after the first dose of LMB-9, until pt is D/C. Loperimide 2 tablets PO after first liquid stool, followed by 1 tablet every 2 hrs. until pts. is at least 12 hrs. without any liquid stool. Loperimide will be scheduled PRN.

The estimated number of pts. needing to be screened to reach the 30 pts. for accrual is 90. The average number of cycles each pt will receive is one. The average length of stay for pts. enrolled on this study will be 7 days. Restaging will occur 1 month after discharge from the hospital and four weeks after the end of each cycle, then every two months thereafter. 100% of pts. will get one complete restaging series. As stated above pts. are not expected to receive more then one cycle of therapy. Restaging will consist of CT scans of chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Bone scans in 10% Pts.

Anticipated Complications:

Allergic reaction: Epinephrine, hydrocortisone, and IV antihistamine available throughout the infusion for anaphylactoid reactions.

Fever, chills, pruritus and erythema: Immunotoxin continued. Symptoms should be managed with acetaminophen, antihistamines and IV Demerol.

Dyspnea or wheezing: TX should be stopped, at least temp. If accompanied by hypotension and tachycardia, administer epinephrine SQ, antihistamines and methylprednisolone. Consider transfer to 10D (<5% of pts. will need ICU transfer).

Vascular leak syndrome: Low albumin and edema, decr. in serum protein concentration. This results in accumulation of excess fluid in body tissues, which may cause swelling of arms and legs. Fluid may also collect in lungs and cause shortness of breath. May cause the BP to decrease to a level which necessitates tx with agents which raise the pressure again. In severe cases, may require TX with IV meds, fluids and oxygen in the ICU. Other sx are fatigue, fever, fast heartbeat, and flu-like symptoms. (<10% of all pts. enrolled will need ICU transfer for this complication).

Nausea/vomiting: 50% of pts. TX with Ondansetron.

Diarrhea: 20% of pts. TX loperimide.

Elevation of liver enzymes, creatinine, and proteinuria.

Departmental Impact:

Social work: Initial assessment and PRN follow-up.

DTM: Minimal to no impact.

CPD: Moderate impact.

12 ACRF: Screening visit and one follow-up visit, total of 2 clinic visits per pt.

13 OCC: <20% of pts. will be seen for labwork in the OCC after TX.

12 West: All pts. will be admitted to 12 W for a minimum of 7 days. High impact on inpt. unit with Pks and observation of toxicities.

10D ICU: VAD team, for central line placement <25 % of pts. enrolled. Potential transfers to ICU for anaphylaxis and capillary leak syndrome. <10% of pts. enrolled. ICU stay for complication is anticipated to be 3-5 days in length.

Nuclear medicine/CT: Moderate impact.

OR: No impact.

Pharmacy: Moderate impact, three formulary meds and preparation of phase I drug.

aerosolized – converted to a vapor or mist to be inhaled

afebrile – without fever

Alzheimer disease – a brain disorder characterized chiefly by an impairment in the ability to think and to remember

analgesic – pain reliever or relieving

anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock – a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction including difficulty breathing and a fall in blood pressure to shock levels

anesthetic – a drug that reduces the ability to perceive pain

artery – one of the muscular blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to all parts of the body

aspirate – to remove fluid from a body cavity or cyst

basal acid output – acid produced by the resting stomach before food or medication

biopsy – surgical removal of a small bit of tissue for microscopic examination

blind design – see Blinding or Masking, appendix C-3, "Clinical Research Concepts"

broad spectrum – has a broad range of effectiveness, e.g., drug suppresses infections due to many classes of bacteria rather than just one class

calorie – the energy value of food

CAT (CT) scan – a computerized x-ray examination; see appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

catheter – a thin, flexible plastic tube

central line – a thin plastic tube placed through a vein in the upper chest wall or neck and advanced into a large vein near the heart

central nervous system (CNS) – the brain and spinal cord

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord

chemotherapy – treatment of a disease, such as cancer, by drugs

claustrophobic – fear of being enclosed in a small space

cognitive – thinking

double contraception – both partners practice contraception

double-blind – see Blinding or Masking, appendix C-3, "Clinical Research Concepts"

edema – swelling due to excess fluid in the tissues

efficacy – usefulness

electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – a recording of the heart's electrical activity; see appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

electrodes – pieces of metal attached to wires

electroencephalogram (EEG) – a recording of the brain's electrical activity; see appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

endoscopy – a procedure in which a thin flexible tube with a light at its end is passed through the mouth or rectum to allow inspection of the gastrointestinal tract; see appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

esophagus – swallowing tube between throat and stomach

febrile – feverish

fluorescein – a fluorescent dye that can be injected into an arm vein to help examination of the blood vessels inside the eye

flushing – warmth and reddening of the skin

hematoma – a black-and-blue mark or lump caused by the escape of blood into the tissues

hepatitis – liver inflammation

hives – an itchy, bumpy skin rash

hypoglycemia – low blood sugar

hypokalemia – low blood potassium

hypotension – low blood pressure

indwelling catheter – a thin, flexible plastic tube that remains in a vein or artery for hours or days

infusion – slow injection of fluid into a vein

intravenously – through a vein

jaundice – yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes

laparotomy – surgery to examine the abdominal organs

lumbar puncture – spinal tap; see appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

malaise – feeling "lousy"

manometer – instrument for measuring pressure

metabolism – chemical activity of the body; drug metabolism refers to chemical change of the drug by the body

metastasized – cancer that has traveled from its origin to others parts of the body

MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) – a standard series of true/false questions designed to evaluate a patient's personality type

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – study of body structure by a magnetic field and radio waves; see appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

mucositis – painful sores inside the mouth

myocardial infarction – heart attack

neurotransmitter – chemical messenger in the nervous system

occlusion – blockage

perfusate – washing solution

peritoneal cavity – abdominal cavity

PET scan (positron emission tomography) – a technique that "labels" active areas of the brain; it requires the injection of small amounts of radioactive tracers

pharmacology of a drug – how your body handles this drug

phlebitis – inflammation of a vein

placebo – an inactive, harmless substance identical in appearance to the drug being tested; see appendix C-3, "Clinical Research Concepts"

plasma – the liquid portion of the blood

pneumothorax – air inside the chest wall compressing the lung

protocol – clinical research study

randomize – arrange by chance; see Randomization, appendix C-3, "Clinical Research Concepts"

receptors – molecules on or in cells that interact with hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs, etc.

remission – lessening of the symptoms of a disease

resect, resected – remove surgically

sepsis – infection in the bloodstream

serotonin – one of the chemicals that act as messengers in the nervous system

triglyceride level – level of one of the types of fat in the blood

ultrasound – examination using sound waves

venipuncture – puncture of a vein; see Blood Drawing, appendix C-2, "Lay Descriptions of Common Research Procedures"

void – urinate

The descriptions offered below are meant only as guidelines. Some tailoring will often be required to inform potential subjects adequately of deviations from the descriptions. For some procedures, alternative descriptions are offered.

ACTH Test

This test determines whether your adrenal gland is functioning normally. A catheter (a thin, flexible plastic tube) will be put into an arm vein. You will be asked to lie down and will be given an injection into a different arm vein. Periodic blood samples will be drawn from the catheter in your vein for the next 3 hours. You will be able to move around during the test.

Discomforts and risks: As with any vein puncture, it may be necessary to try more than once to insert the needle successfully, and you may get a hematoma ("black-and-blue" mark or lump). You may have some local pain at the needle site. There is a very small risk of infection.

Apheresis, Manual and Automated

The purpose of these 2-hour procedures is to treat certain conditions or to allow the investigator to obtain a larger number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets for study than would be possible with usual blood-drawings. Similar procedures are used daily in blood banks to obtain blood products from healthy donors. Blood may be drawn on ____ occasions, but only from arm veins.

In manual apheresis, blood is drawn through a needle in the vein of one arm, into a plastic bag, and spun (centrifuged in a machine) to separate red blood cells from other blood components. The red blood cells are then returned to your body through the same needle.

In automated apheresis, blood is removed through a needle in the vein of one arm, continuously spun (centrifuged) in a machine that separates the desired component (usually white blood cells and plasma), and the remainder (mostly red blood cells) is returned continuously to the donor through a needle in a vein of the other arm (or through the same needle used to draw the blood).

Arterial (Radial) Catheterization

A catheter (a thin, flexible plastic tube) is inserted in one of the two arteries at your wrist. Before the catheter is inserted, we will make sure that both arteries are working. A small amount of a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be injected to numb the skin over the artery. Then, the catheter will be placed in the artery and fastened with tape. From this catheter we will take ___ samples, of ___ teaspoons each.

Discomforts and risks: Some discomfort is connected with placement of the arterial needle. Rarely, people faint. Even more rarely, the catheter gets infected. There is a remote chance that the artery might get blocked, but this has not been observed in several thousand of these procedures at NIH. Bruising or swelling at the site of the arterial catheter occurs in 5 percent to 20 percent of patients, but this is only temporary; permanent damage is extremely rare. We will watch for these risks and treat any problems that occur.

In the most extreme case, arterial blockage could cause loss of a hand or arm in patients with pre-existing severe disease of the artery. This complication has never been observed in individuals with normal circulation, and we will exclude those with abnormal circulation.

Biopsy, Liver

A needle is passed through the skin into the liver, beneath the right side of the lower ribcage, to obtain a small piece of tissue.

Discomforts and risks: About 20 percent of patients have some local pain lasting from a few minutes to several hours; this rarely requires medication and disappears within a day or two. In less than 1 case in 1,000, the biopsied liver bleeds severely, and blood transfusion or even surgery is needed; death has occurred from bleeding in less than 1 case in 10,000.

Biopsy, Muscle

The procedure is performed in the operating room. After a local anesthetic numbs the skin, an incision, 1/2 inch to 1 inch long, is made in the thigh (or upper arm), and a small piece of muscle is removed. The skin is closed with self-absorbing stitches. If the biopsy is done on your thigh, you may be asked to stay off your feet for 6 hours after the procedure.

Discomforts and risks: Discomfort during the procedure will be avoided by the use of a local anesthetic. The biopsy site may be tender for several days; this is usually controlled by medication. Risks include the rare complications of local bleeding or infection. A small scar will remain permanently at the biopsy site.

Biopsy, Nerve

The procedure is performed in the operating room. After a local anesthetic numbs the skin, an incision about 1 inch long will be made, usually just below the outside of the ankle or in mid-calf. A piece of nerve about 1 inch long will be removed. The skin will be closed with self-absorbing stitches.

Discomforts and risks: The biopsy site may be sore for a few days; this is usually controlled by aspirin-like pain medication. An area of numbness along the outside half of the heel, along the incision, or in the heel, occurs occasionally and usually subsides after 2 or 3 weeks but can persist for more than a year. Ankle swelling, treated by bedrest and elevation, occurs infrequently after biopsy. Risks include the rare complications of local infection or bleeding. A small scar will remain at the biopsy site.

Biopsy, Skin

The skin area to be biopsied is cleaned with iodine and alcohol. A local anesthetic numbs the area, and a 1/4-inch piece of skin is removed with a special tool.

Discomforts and risks: Pain at the biopsy site should be minimal; bleeding and infection are rare. Biopsy wounds usually heal with a very small, nearly unnoticeable scar, but sometimes a raised scar or visible lump may result. However, the biopsy will be taken from a place on your body that is not easily seen.

Blood Drawing (Venipuncture)

During this study, no more than ___ teaspoons (or ___ cups) of blood will be drawn. You may experience some discomfort at the site of needle entry, and there is a risk of a "black-and-blue" mark. There is a remote risk of fainting or local infection.

Bone Marrow Aspiration

The purpose of this procedure is to collect cells from your bone marrow. It will be done in the hospital/clinic and will take about 15 minutes. While you lie on your stomach, the skin over your hip bone will be cleaned with alcohol and iodine. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be injected under the skin and into the outer covering of the bone. After the area is numb, a needle will be inserted into the bone. A syringe will be attached to this needle and a rapid suction movement (aspiration) will be made. The aspiration may be repeated several times so that an adequate number of bone marrow cells is obtained. There are no limitations on your activity after the procedure is over.

Discomforts and risks: You will feel mild burning for several seconds until the numbing begins. You will feel a pushing sensation, but no pain, as the needle enters the hip bone. As the marrow is aspirated, you may feel a sharp pain, lasting 1 to 2 seconds. There may be a small amount of residual pain, but within an hour or 2 you should feel normal. There is a remote risk of fainting during the procedure and of bleeding or local infection at the aspiration site.

Bronchoscopy

This procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes and involves passage of a long, narrow, flexible tube (bronchoscope) through the nose or mouth into the airways of the lung. Before passage of the tube, the nose and throat are sprayed with local anesthetic (numbing medicine). When the bronchoscope has been steered into a specific airway of the lung, a small amount of sterile water may be squirted through it into the lung and immediately suctioned back, washing off some of the cells lining the airways. The fluid and cells are then analyzed in the laboratory.

Discomforts and risks: There is no known risk of this procedure in individuals with normal hearts and lungs, but as a precaution we will monitor heart rhythm and rate, and place a small needle in an arm vein. There may be some discomfort when the bronchoscope is passed through the nose, and occasional patients experience gagging and an urge to cough when the bronchoscope is passing through the throat and the vocal cords. A sore throat and mild hoarseness may persist for several hours; these resolve routinely within a day. Occasionally, subjects have temporary fever following bronchoscopy; in hundreds of studies carried out to date by the Pulmonary Branch, such fevers have gone away promptly and have required no therapy other than an aspirin-like medication.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) Scan

A CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan requires that you lie still for a short time while x-ray images are formed. It may also require an injection of dye through a needle placed in an arm vein.

Colonoscopy

A flexible instrument with a special system of lighting (colonoscope) permits your doctor to examine the large intestine. Before the procedure, an intravenous sedative will be given to relax you. Then a flexible tube will be inserted into your rectum and advanced. The procedure takes 20 to 90 minutes. Your doctor may want to biopsy (cut out a small piece for diagnosis) suspicious areas.

Discomforts and risks: The IV sedative may slow or, very rarely, stop breathing, but this can be reversed by other medications. Patients who have abnormal or replaced heart valves, pacemakers, artificial joints, or vascular surgery grafts are at risk for infection; antibiotics may be administered before and after the procedure. The risk of perforation of the colon is 2 to 4 in 1,000 cases, with possible bleeding or infection that might require a blood transfusion, antibiotics, or surgery. Rarely, irregular heart beats and ruptures of the spleen have occurred. Death has followed the procedure in approximately 1 of 10,000 studies.

Electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG)

A recording of the normal electrical activity of your heart is taken by placing electrodes (pieces of metal attached to wires) on the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. There is no discomfort and there are no risks.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A recording of the normal electrical activity (waves) of your brain is taken by securing electrodes to your scalp with a glue-like substance (collodion), that can be removed with a substance similar to nail polish remover (acetone). We will measure your brain waves while you are lying quietly, breathing deeply (hyperventilating), watching bright flashes of light (photic stimulating), or sleeping. The session will last for 1 to 2 hours.

Discomforts and risks: Both the glue and the remover acetone have strong odors but do not have any harmful effects when used for a short time.

Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/NCS)

Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles. It involves insertion of a needle into a muscle to record its electrical activity. You may experience pain at the site of needle entry. Hazards include the slight possibility of infection or bleeding.

Nerve conduction studies measure the speed with which nerves conduct electrical impulses. These studies are performed by taping a wire on the skin to record the impulses and another wire on the skin over the nerve to deliver a small electrical stimulus. You might experience discomfort during the nerve stimulation. If this is too uncomfortable, you can stop the test.

These two studies usually are performed during the same session and take from 1/2 to 1 hour.

Endoscopy, Upper Gastrointestinal

This procedure takes less than 30 minutes and involves the passage of a long, flexible tube (endoscope) through the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, and duodenum (small intestine). Your throat will be sprayed beforehand with a local anesthetic (numbing medicine), and an intravenous medication will be given to relax you.

Discomforts and risks: Patients sometimes experience a sore throat, gagging, nausea, or bloating. The overall complication rate for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is slightly more than 1 in 1,000 cases. These include bleeding (about 3 in 10,000 cases), aspiration (inhalation) of stomach contents into the lungs, abnormal heart rhythms, or lower-than-normal breathing rates (approximately 6 in 10,000), and puncture of the wall of the esophagus (3 in 10,000) cases. There is an extremely small risk of puncturing the wall of the stomach or intestine. Puncture of any of these organs could be followed by bleeding or infection that might require blood transfusion, antibiotics, or surgery. Death followed the procedure in 7 of 10,000 cases.

Evoked Potentials

These tests are similar to the electroencephalogram (EEG) and last 1 to 2 hours. During the study of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), nerves in the arms and legs are stimulated electrically. During the visual evoked potentials (VEP) study, you will be requested to watch black-and-white checks moving on a TV screen. During the study of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), you will be asked to wear headphones and will hear several clicking sounds of different pitches; each ear will be tested separately. In each study, responses are recorded from electrodes (pieces of metal attached to wires) placed on the scalp, neck, and back.

Discomforts and risks: Similar to those of EEG recording. Electrical stimulation of nerves may cause some stinging sensation.

Glucagon Test

This test determines whether your liver releases glucose (sugar) normally. A catheter is put into an arm vein, and the hormone glucagon is injected into an arm muscle (or another arm vein). Blood is drawn periodically, as you lie quietly for the next 3 hours.

Discomforts and risks: You will have some local pain at the needle sites. Glucagon causes nausea and occasionally vomiting in some people.

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

The lumbar puncture (LP) or spinal tap lets us study cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to learn some of what is going on in the brain and spinal cord, which are bathed by CSF.

You will lie on your side, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb an area in your lower back. Then, about 2 tablespoons of spinal fluid will be collected.

Discomforts and risks: Some patients may develop a headache or backache following an LP. Prolonged headaches develop in only 1 in 50 to 1 in 200 subjects and usually subside within 1 week. The likelihood of having a headache may be diminished by lying flat in bed for 24 hours after the LP.

In rare cases, post-LP headaches persist for months or years. Such headaches may result from continued CSF leakage at the LP site. If the headache lasts longer than 1 week, a "blood patch" can be done. A small amount of blood from your arm vein is injected into the area of the supposed leak to try to seal it. The blood patch relieves the headache in most (95 percent in some studies) patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to demonstrate structural and chemical changes in tissue. This technique is more sensitive than x-ray in some diseases and carries no radiation risk. You will lie on a table in a space enclosed by a metal cylinder (the scanner itself). The time required to stay within the cylinder will be about ___ minutes/hours. You will be asked to lie very still for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Discomforts and risks: Patients are at risk for injury from MRI if they have metal objects in their bodies, such as pacemakers, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses, cochlear implants, or shrapnel fragments. Welders and metal workers are also at risk for eye injury because of unsuspected tiny metal fragments there.

Individuals with fear of confined spaces may become anxious during MRI. You will hear a thumping noise created by the radio waves forming the images. You will feel no pain, but you may find the noise and the closed-in space discomforting. You will be observed at all times by the operators and will be able to speak to them; you can be moved out of the machine at your request.

Nerve Conduction Study

See Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Study.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This is the routine test used for many years to diagnose diabetes. A needle with small, flexible plastic tubing (catheter) is placed in an arm vein to withdraw about a teaspoon of blood before you drink a sugar solution, and at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours afterwards.

Discomforts and risks: Some people experience nausea after drinking the sugar solution. Rarely, a bruise or minor infection may occur where the catheter needle entered your vein.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

See Endoscopy, Upper Gastrointestinal.

Venipuncture

See Blood Drawing.

Blinding or Masking

To the extent possible, decisions about the success of the treatment will be made without prior knowledge of which treatment has been given to the patient. When the patient has to be the judge, this may require such measures as giving a medication without telling whether it is drug or placebo. When the decision about success or failure has to be judged by a member of the medical staff – for example, a radiologist reading x-rays – the patient's name and the type of treatment will be concealed.

"Single-blind" or "single-masked" means that the patient is not told which of the two or more possible treatments (medicine A, B, or C, for instance) will be given, but physicians and nurses will know. "Double-blind" means that the physicians and nurses taking care of the patient also do not know.

Confidentiality of Preliminary Results

Experience has shown that the treatment finally proving to be inferior sometimes appears to be superior early in the course of the study. Trying to decide between treatments on the basis of too few results is like trying to decide on the winner of a football game after the first quarter, or trying to decide if a coin has been "weighted" when three flips in a row come up "heads." A Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), composed of experts in both medicine and statistics, has been appointed to oversee patient safety and to watch over the clinical results of this study as they emerge. Their responsibility is to be sure that if truly convincing evidence for the superiority of one treatment over the other appears sooner than expected, all patients can be given the benefit of this new information. But unless that happens, the study participants (both patients and staff) will not be told which treatment appears to be, at least momentarily, in the lead. Following this practice respects the sacrifices made by all patients who participated in the early stages of the trial. If the results are compromised by premature (and possibly incorrect) disclosure of results, their sacrifice, whether of risk, pain, or difficulty, might have been vain.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPA)

You have an illness that later may impair your ability to think clearly and make decisions. The Durable Power of Attorney lets you appoint someone to make decisions about your medical care at the Clinical Center – but only if you become unable to make these decisions yourself. Such decisionmakers might include a spouse, other family member, or close friend. It is important that this person knows your moral, religious, and personal preferences in medical care.

The Durable Power of Attorney has no legal standing outside NIH but helps us assure that your preferences in medical care are respected if you should be unable to give informed consent.

Placebo

Placebo (capsules containing inactive ingredients) may be given before, during, after, or instead of treatment with the "active drug." Placebos are used because evaluation of true drug effect is more accurate when neither patient nor staff (who judge drug effects) are aware of what drugs are given or when doses are changed. This is why these drugs are given in capsules identical in size and color, and why code numbers are used instead of drug names. A physician ("study monitor") who knows what medications each patient is receiving will be available at all times.

Randomization

Which of two or more treatment alternatives a given patient will receive is decided "by chance," not choice. Tossing a coin is an example of allowing chance to determine who gets what. This method is reasonable since if we knew beforehand how to make a scientifically valid choice, no study would be needed. Once the treatment is selected, it is given with the highest level of professional care and expertise.

Treatment Trials

The purposes of such studies is to learn whether an experimental treatment is better than current treatment. At this point, we are uncertain on scientific grounds about which one is better. You are being asked to agree in advance to accept any of the treatments. However, the treatment will be assigned to you by chance, not by choice. This method is called "randomization," which is explained above.

A strategy has been developed by investigators over many years that seeks to prevent the hopes and expectations of all participants (doctors, nurses, and patients) from influencing the recording or interpreting of results. Only in this way can we expect that the conclusions drawn are scientifically accurate and appropriate guides for treatment of future patients.