Available Clinical Trials at OLBH
Through studies known as "clinical trials," Cancer Care at Bellefonte's
healthcare team gains valued research toward the cure and prevention of
cancer. These studies often are designed to determine if a new drug or treatment
will work to cure a particular disease or if it will potentially be beneficial
to patients. As a result, the medical community may be able to determine
new, more efficient ways to detect, diagnose and control clinical factors
responsible for certain diseases.
After a study's design is established, it becomes regulated by a number
of governing groups and processes to help protect patient safety and the
integrity of the scientific research. OLBH is affiliated with organizations
such as the Southwest Oncology Group and the Gynecologic Oncology Group
that approve the criteria of clinical trials. Once the study is approved,
the information is forwarded to the hospital's Institutional Review Board
(IRB).
The board oversees actions and literature related to the clinical trial
process. IRB is comprised of medical specialists, nurses, patient advocates
and clergy, who have no special interest in any specific clinical trial.
IRB ensures all OLBH studies are conducted safely, fairly, ethically and
with full patient consent and involvement.
There are a several key factors as to why clinical trials are an important
part of successful cancer treatment. The most important reason is that the
patient may have a positive response to the study and their disease or condition
may improve. Some studies also provide free laboratory and medical tests
to participants. In the best case scenarios, information received from patients
who participate in a clinical trial may help make an exciting new cancer
treatment therapy available, ultimately increasing the success of their
own and other's condition.
Above are links to available clinical trials at OLBH. For more information,
please contact the Clinical Trials department at (606)
833-3253.
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