A clinical trial is a research study measuring the effectiveness and safety of a new drug or a method of treatment. The purpose of each study is to find a new or better way to treat serious illnesses such as cancer. In the United States, new drugs must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be given to the general public. Conducting clinical trials are necessary for developing new FDA-approved treatments for cancer.

Clinical trials are basically grouped into two categories:
1. Trials that evaluate new drugs, compounds or biologic agents prior to FDA approval for public use. All these substances must undergo several phases of clinical trials to test their safety and effectiveness for standard cancer treatment. Once FDA approved, substances are available to the public. However, prior to FDA approval, these substances are available only through clinical trials.
2. Trials that evaluate FDA approved drugs, compounds, or biologic agents in one type of cancer but are tested in different doses, schedules, or combination of treatment. The rationale for this type of clinical trial is to determine the best use for many types of cancers.

Click here to view our current clinical trials. Please feel free to contact our research director, Sandra Dodd at 901-747-9081 for the most current listing.