Pioneering Cancer Treatment Through Clinical Trials in Southeastern MA & RI
Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis for patients to have to experience. Clinical trials offer patients access to the latest in technology and new treatments. We are pleased to be able to offer such advances to our patients at Southcoast.
The clinical trials program at the Southcoast Cancer Center gives patients local access to cutting-edge treatments for cancer. The trials that are available at Southcoast include new therapies, studies aimed at improving the supportive care in cancer patients and those sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Participants are monitored carefully throughout the trial and can be the first to benefit from new treatments before they are available to everyone.
Southcoast partners with Boston Medical Center (BMC) to offer a clinical trials program as part of their National Cancer Institute (NCI) Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program (MB-CCOP). This allows our oncologists to participate in NCI-sponsored cancer prevention, control and treatment clinical trials with special efforts to raise awareness and participation by minorities. Southcoast also partners with Brown University Oncology Group (BrUOG) to be able to expand the numbers and types of trials we can offer.
If you would like to learn more or apply to be a part of a clinical trial for cancer in Fall River or Fairhaven, please call 508-973-3152.
Types of Cancer Clinical Trials
- Treatment trials test the effectiveness of a new treatment or a new way of using a current treatment in people who have cancer
- Prevention trials test a new intervention that may lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer
- Screening trials test a new way of finding cancer early
- Diagnostic trials study a new test or procedure that may help identify or diagnose cancer more accurately
- Quality of life or supportive care trials focus on the comfort and quality of life for cancer patients and cancer survivors
What Does a Trial’s “Phase” Mean?
- Phase I trials test for safety and side effects
- Phase II trials test for safety and effectiveness
- Phase III trials compare intervention to standard care
- Phase IV trials further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drugs or other interventions
How is the Safety of Clinical Trial Participants Protected?
The rights and interests of people who enroll in clinical trials are carefully protected by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In a process called informed consent, you learn important information about the clinical trial that can help you decide whether to take part.
Before you sign an informed consent, a member of the research team will explain the trial’s:
- Purpose
- Tests and procedures
- Treatment
- Risks and benefits
They will also discuss your rights, including your right to make a decision about participating or leave the study at any time. If you decide to leave the study, your doctor will discuss other treatment options with you.
Southcoast Cancer Center provides many clinical trial opportunities for cancer patients across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.