Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are strictly controlled studies of new and emerging therapies. These studies test whether a new drug, prevention strategy or a new screening test is safe and effective in people. There are also studies that look at Quality of Life impact on side effects such as fatigue, skin care, and psychosocial distress.

Our oncology experts conduct investigational studies, clinical trials and prevention studies, all of which gather critical information that will strengthen our ability to treat cancer, and better yet, prevent it. We can also provide patients with drugs and other treatment options that are not available elsewhere.

We are the only cancer center in the region to have a direct affiliation with Duke Medicine as part of the Duke Oncology Network, allowing us to expand our research capabilities even further. For our patients, this means they have access to even more clinical expertise and to the latest drugs and research trials available.

Participants in clinical trials receive the highest standard of care. Cancer clinical trials are approved by the National Cancer Institute. Patients volunteer to take part in clinical trials for a number of reasons, but most hope they will help themselves today and others in the future.