Great strides have been made in creating effective cancer treatments due, in part, to new drug therapies researched through clinical trials. Compass Oncology participates in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research and one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. It has conducted more than 600 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today.
Compass Oncology is a leading referral source for cancer-specific clinical trials in the pacific northwest region. We offer clinical trials that are not available anywhere else in the Portland and Vancouver area. At Compass Oncology, we are cancer specialists that are deeply committed to advancing the science of oncology. Research trials are critical in expanding our knowledge and improving cancer care. They provide Compass patients with access to promising new cancer therapies that are not yet available to individuals outside the clinical trial. Cancer patients who participate expand their treatment options and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge that may help other cancer patients in the future.
Below is further information to help you better understand Clinical Trials:
Clinical trials are research studies designed to develop new and better cancer treatment therapies. Clinical trials are a critical component in expanding treatment options for people with all types of cancer. Because all new cancer treatment therapies must be evaluated through clinical trials, the greater the number of people who participate, the faster emerging anticancer therapies can be brought to patients. Clinical trials are also important because they offer hope to people with cancer by providing access to promising new therapies not yet available outside the study.
Clinical trials are designed by physicians and researchers and are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles. Before the study begins, a protocol is developed describing what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted, and why each part of the study is necessary. This research protocol is reviewed by third-party experts to make sure that study is conducted fairly and that patients are well-informed of their rights. Each study has eligibility criteria for who can or cannot participate in the study, which may include the type of cancer, age, gender, medical history, and current health status.
Patients considering participation in a clinical trial will receive important facts about the study’s purpose and what is involved, such as the tests and other procedures used, possible risks and benefits. Should a patient decide to participate, he or she will be asked to sign a written consent form that outlines the details of the study prior to beginning the trial. However, participation in the trial is completely voluntary and patients may stop at any time.
If you would like more information, you may speak to your oncologist about the available clinical trials.