June 25 , 2008

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Coborn Cancer Center recruiting participants for research study

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Coborn Cancer Center is recruiting participants for a nationwide, eight-week research study using pregabalin (Lyrica) to alleviate hot flashes in women who do not want to take estrogen therapy for fear of increased risk of breast cancer or for women with a history of breast cancer.

“Hot flashes are experienced by up to 75 percent of women in the general population as they transition through menopause,” said Harold Windschitl, M.D., medical oncologist at the Coborn Cancer Center. “This event can be accompanied by emotional and behavioral symptoms which significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. This is particularly true when women suffer severe, frequent hot flashes and estrogen, which is the primary effective treatment for control of menopausal symptoms, is not advised.”

Patients will have a one time visit with the cancer center physician in charge of the study and will be monitored weekly be the research staff. Participants will receive the study medication at no charge and will be asked to track the number and severity of the hot flashes they suffer each day. They also will be asked to complete a weekly questionnaire regarding their quality of life.

The Coborn Cancer Center is one of approximately 20 sites participating in the study through the North Central Cancer Treatment Group based at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Learn more about Research & Clinical Trials at Coborn Cancer Center

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