The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders has been conducting research since 1998. During this time we have enrolled over 420 patients in over 65 clinical trials. By participating in these studies, The Center is able to offer innovative treatments to our patients that might not otherwise be available.

Currently, The Center participates in phase II, phase III, and phase IV industry sponsored clinical trials. The research department employs a Director, a Clinical Research Coordinator, one Clinical Research Associate, and a Research Assistant.

The Center is faithfully dedicated to advancing cancer education and research. We will continually strive to provide innovative, revolutionary treatments that will increase survival rates and improve the lives of patients everywhere. Our mission is to eliminate cancer.

Understanding Clinical Trials

1. What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials, also called cancer treatment or research studies, test new treatment in people with cancer. The goal of this research is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Clinical trials test many types of treatment such as new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combination of treatments, or new methods, such as gene therapy.

A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process.

2. Why are clinical trials important?
First, cancer affects us all, whether we have it, care about someone who does or worry about getting it in the future. Clinical trials contribute to knowledge and progress against cancer. If a new treatment proves to be effective in a study, it may become a new standard treatment that can help many patients. Many of today’s most effective standard treatments are based on previous study results. Because of progress made through clinical trials, many people treated for cancer are now living longer.

Second, the patients who take part may be helped personally by the treatment(s) they receive. They get up-to-date care from cancer experts, and they receive either a new treatment being tested or the best available standard treatment for their cancer. In the past, clinical trials were sometimes seen as a last resort for people who had no other treatment choices. Today, many patients choose to receive their first treatment in a clinical trial.

For more information about our research department, please call (817) 759-7018 or contact your physician or any member of our staff.

_1. ”Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need to Know” – NCI Publication 1998