Clinical Trials
Clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute
The Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center participates in the Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The program supports clinical research studies of new cancer treatments that may improve the quality of life for patients today and the standard of cancer care in the future.
Our access to NCI clinical trials is bolstered by our unique affiliation with the University of California, San Francisco, one of just three NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the state of California.
Benefits of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness of new cancer drugs, diagnostic procedures and various cancer therapies. There are several benefits to participation, including:
- Close monitoring by clinical staff
- Participation in a trial could help future cancer patients
- Potential early access to new treatment therapies
Types of Clinical Trials
- Treatment trials test new cancer drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, or new combinations of these therapies.
- Screening and Prevention trials test the best way to detect cancer early and study lifestyle choices that may lower the risk of cancer.
- Quality of life trials investigate ways to improve patient comfort and quality of life for patients currently receiving treatment as well as cancer survivors.