Montana tribe collaborates on cancer study

Thursday, April 17, 2008  

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana are hosting an Indian cancer study.

Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, a tribal member who serves as medical adviser for the tribe's clinic, helped the Montana Cancer Institute Foundation develop the study. The goal is to find out how Indian cancer patients respond to drug treatment.

Muzquiz worked with the University of Montana and St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center to develop the study and conduct it in a way respectful of tribal culture. So far about 60 people -- including Muzquiz -- have provided blood samples for the project.

The study isn't just for the Salish and Kootenai tribes either. Members of the Blackfeet Nation and the Chippewa Cree Tribe have provided blood samples.

Get the Story:
Study looks at Indian cancer treatment (The Missoulian 4/17)