Advocacy » TACT Trial » Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy

Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy

March 10, 2009

We are one of over 100 centres across North America enrolling patients in a large double blind study of chelation therapy. It is sponsored by the United States National Institutes of Health. If you are 50 years or older and have suffered a heart attack, you may be able to join the study.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the developed world. Standard treatments have saved millions of lives but the number of people with cardiovascular problems continues to grow.

For over fifty years, thousands of patients have used chelation therapy to treat their heart disease. Its use is widespread but controversial - while many patients claim it changed their lives, doctors are skeptical - and the research evidence is inconclusive. This is the reason the US government is funding a large double-blind study to measure its safety and effectiveness.

This is the largest study ever conducted on chelation therapy. It was designed by a team of cardiologists and integrative medicine specialists and participants include institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins University.

TACT offers Ottawa area residents a unique opportunity to participate in an important study of an alternative therapy. There is no cost to participate in the study and participants will also receive vitamins and mineral supplements.

See the news coverage of our participation in the study

Questions & Answers

Who is leading the TACT Ottawa study site?

Dr. Richard Nahas, M.D., is the Ottawa site lead for the trial. Dr. Nahas established the Seekers Centre for Integrative Medicine in 2006, a practice which combines effective alternative therapies and traditional healing with conventional or "western" medicine.

How many patients are being sought for the Ottawa trial site?

Dr. Nahas is seeking to recruit up to 100 patients to participate in this study.

If I live outside of Ottawa, am I still eligible to participate in the trial?

Yes. Patients are being recruited from as far as Kingston, Brockville, Pembroke, Renfrew and Casselman, as well as all parts of the National Capital Region. Enlisted patients must be committed to visiting the Seekers Centre on a weekly and/or bi-weekly basis, as needed, throughout a 28-month course of treatment.

When is recruitment for the Ottawa site starting and ending?

Recruitment has already started and will continue on an ongoing basis until the Summer of 2008.

Do I have to discontinue my current medication?

No. All study participants will be encouraged to take all the medications typically used after heart attack, since they are the best treatment currently supported by research evidence.

Who will administer chelation treatment within the Seekers Centre?

The treatment will be administered under the supervision of Dr. Nahas by his staff.

Where are the other TACT study sites in Canada located?

There are a total of 21 TACT study sites in Canada, located in six provinces. To see a full listing of sites visit: http://nccam.nih.gov/chelation/studysitecan.htm.

How can I enroll in the Ottawa site study?

If you are interested in learning more about the study and finding out if you are eligible to participate, please call 613-727-7246