Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new, promising cancer treatments. Patients who participate in clinical trials are the first to benefit from these treatments. They also help physicians and researchers collect important information that will be useful for treating others.
The oncology clinical trials program at St. Francis is affiliated with the Greenville Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), which is funded by the National Institute of Health.
An institutional review board of physicians, community members and cancer survivors meets monthly to review research studies available to St. Francis patients. St. Francis currently is involved with multiple clinical trials, about 90 percent of those being cancer related. Clinical trials aimed at preventing cancer also are available to some people who are high risk for developing certain forms of the disease.
Most people who participate in clinical trials may stay at home throughout the
process. In a few cases, clinical trials may require a participant to be admitted
to the hospital. Patients interested in learning more about clinical trials at
St. Francis should talk to their physician.