Clinical Trials
Thank you for your interest in our clinical trials. At the Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, we have access to many national cancer trials through the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) as well as pharmaceutical trials. This allows us to bring the latest treatments and technology to our patients with different types of cancers, offering groundbreaking options for improved patient outcomes. At Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s, our experts in precision medicine lead trials that are not offered elsewhere in our state.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that involves people. Clinical trials are important as they aim to find and treat cancers and other conditions in more effective ways.
Keeping patients safe while they are taking part in a cancer clinical trial is Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s research team’s chief goal. We work very closely with you to make sure any study treatment you receive is safe and that any side effects are managed quickly. And we are not the only ones looking out for your safety. All trials must be approved by a human subjects review board who is charged with protecting your rights as a ‘subject’ in research. The Board monitors the progress of a trial at least yearly and wants to know about any safety concerns.
Helpful resources on clinical trials
See the links below for helpful information about cancer clinical trials. The first one explains in detail what clinical trials are, why they are important, their phases, and patient safety. It also guides you with things to consider and questions to ask when you are trying to decide whether or not you want take part in research. The second one tells about who pays for research treatments.
- Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
- Who Pays for Research Study Treatments?
- Learn about Donating Tissue for Research.
- Get Familiar with Common Clinical Research Terms.
At Dignity Health – Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s, our studies may use new drugs, or already approved drugs that are now being used in a new way or for a different type of cancer. We also have studies about new procedures, like new scans or blood tests, radiation delivered in a new way or dose; or other procedures that we call ‘novel’ treatments for cancer.
Want to know if a clinical trial may be an option for you?
Please call us at (602) 825-2039 or email us at [email protected] to learn more.