Cancer Clinical Trials and Research

For eligible patients, we offer access to early-stage cancer trials and research initiatives typically found at major academic centers. Our program’s strengths include:

Prominent Cancer Clinical Trials

Nuvance Health’s cancer clinical trials provide a strong pipeline for new approaches to treating advanced cancer. These treatments are available to our patients years before they’re offered to the public.

Our trials come from a variety of sources, including:

• The National Cancer Institute
• Biotech and pharmaceutical companies
• “Home-grown” studies available only in our network and authored by our physicians

Cancer Prevention Research

Nuvance Health has a strong cancer prevention research program, particularly in pancreatic cancer. We’re running a significant study on the early detection of pancreatic cancer. This study focuses on people with a family history of pancreatic cancer or those over 50 years old with new-onset diabetes.

Early Access to Innovative Cancer Therapies

Nuvance Health provides the full range of clinical trials, from Phase I (the earliest level of testing) through Phase III. Phase I trials offer eligible patients early access to innovative therapies such as drugs and vaccines. For instance, we recently administered a trial for an antibody therapy to treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, which was key to its earning FDA approval.

Convenient Cancer Care

You don’t have to travel far to get advanced cancer care. Our access to groundbreaking cancer research is uncommon among community hospitals, bringing medical innovation to your local area.

Applied Research

We conduct translational research at the Rudy L. Ruggles Biomedical Research Institute and integrate research findings into how we care for patients. Tumor boards and specialized clinics provide a natural avenue to bring evidence-based medicine and best practices to the bedside.

Types of Clinical Trials and Research

Different types of trials exist depending on the type of cancer we’re exploring. Our clinical studies explore diverse research questions:

• Cancer treatment trials: We test new treatments or new ways of using current treatments, such as drugs, vaccines, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. For instance, we may explore a treatment’s effectiveness, side effects, and ability to prevent cancer from returning.
• Cancer prevention trials: These trials assess cancer risk and ways to reduce that risk. We focus on the safety and effectiveness of prevention approaches, such as certain medicines, diets, and exercise routines.
• Screening trials: We explore new ways to detect disease early so that we can treat it more easily.
• Supportive care trials: Researchers explore new ways to improve the quality of life for people with cancer, such as reducing side effects.
• Natural history studies: We follow people with cancer, or those at high risk, over time. Some of our research questions focus on genetic causes of cancer and how specific cancers affect certain families.

How to Apply for Clinical Trials and Research

We take a personalized approach to cancer care. If your doctor thinks you may qualify for a clinical trial or research initiative, we discuss your participation options.

If you qualify for our clinical trials, you will undergo a thorough intake process. Your doctors will work closely with the research team to streamline your clinical research admission.

Learn more about research and innovation at Nuvance Health.