Daniel Moreira explains how clinical trials can help us improve treatments and survival
Daniel Moreira, MD, works quietly at his desk at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. On the bookshelf behind him sit a few keepsakes from Mexico, where he grew up and went to medical school. There are pictures of his family. A few books here and there.
At St. Jude, Moreira treats children who have brain and spine tumors. He also co-directs the Global Neuro-Oncology Program.
Daniel Moreira, MD, encourages families to talk with their doctors about possible clinical trials.
“My lifelong passion has been helping children,” Moreira says. “At St. Jude, I found that I can do this by improving the care available for children with brain and spine tumors.”
Some of his work has led him to conducting clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, procedures, and medicines for diseases under closely monitored conditions.
Moreira’s latest clinical trial, GLOBOTRK, focuses on children up to 3 years old who have brain tumors with specific genetic changes, called NTRK or ROS1 fusions. In the past, this group of children have had limited treatment options. But Moreira says there is much hope in new medications.
“Clinical trials can help us improve treatments and survival rates,” he explains.
Clinical trials can also unite doctors and scientists around the globe to share expertise and experiences. The GLOBOTRK clinical trial shows how people from different countries can work together to bring hope and brighter futures to young patients everywhere. St. Jude is partnering with doctors worldwide to offer GLOBOTRK to children across the United States, Peru, Brazil, Egypt, Jordan, and India.
“GLOBOTRK is about finding the best treatment for patients—something St. Jude is committed to on a global scale,” Moreira says.
Treatment on a clinical trial is always very closely monitored, and the patient is always the priority.
Daniel Moreira, MD
Patients in the GLOBOTRK trial will take a drug called entrectinib once a day for up to 2 years. They will have imaging studies and other tests to see how their tumor responds to the drug. Doctors will keep a close watch on each patient for 5 years.
Some parents worry about what it means to be part of a clinical trial. Moreira reassures them, saying, “Treatment on a clinical trial is always very closely monitored, and the patient is always the priority.”
He explains that clinical trials provide access to new treatments and medicines that patients may not be able to get otherwise.
Joining clinical trials might be new for some families, so education is important. If families are thinking about signing their children up for a trial, Moreira gives them important advice.
“Research information from reputable sources,” he says. “Understand the benefits and risks involved, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is essential for caregivers to be informed about the implications of a new treatment and the options available.”
Clinical trials can also offer hope for a better future, something Moreira is committed to as well.
He wraps up his work for the day. Logs off his computer. Pushes his chair under the desk. Shuts the door. Fully ready for the challenges, possibilities, and hope that await him tomorrow.