Our goal is to provide access to the most cutting edge treatment options available in the communities where our patients live. We not only participate in clinical trials to provide our patients with the latest treatments available, but also in an effort to advance cancer care for everyone.

WHAT ARE CLINICAL TRIALS?

Clinical trials help us develop and improve treatments for people with cancer.

Clinical trials are research studies that involve people and are aimed at evaluating whether treatments are safe and effective. Every standard cancer treatment we have today went through a clinical trial to become the standard. Clinical trials are designed to answer a scientific question and are carefully written to ensure patient safety. In addition to determining whether a treatment is effective, clinical trials collect data about the side effects of treatments. Anyone in your care team can discuss potential clinical trials with you or your family and can help explain the possible risks and benefits.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN A CLINICAL TRIAL?

Our community-based research program strives to provide cancer research opportunities for patients with the goal of delivering the latest cancer care to patients closer to the community in which they live. By doing this, we believe we can help reduce disparities in cancer care, increase participation in clinical trials and overall improve the quality of cancer care. Often, specific socioeconomic, geographic and racial groups are under-represented in clinical trials which ultimately reflect disparities in care. By creating awareness and expanding research capacity and participation locally, Northern New Mexico can be a part of the advancements made in cancer care for future generations.

WHAT CLINICAL TRIALS ARE AVAILABLE?

Currently, we offer treatment trials for breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers, many of which include treatment using novel approaches such as targeted and immunotherapies. In addition to treatment trials, the Cancer Center also conducts observational studies, molecular registries and nursing research aimed at improving quality of life and symptom management. Our trial menu includes studies sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, pharmaceutical companies and our own nurse investigators. The research team is continually reviewing the list of available trials in order to best serve the community, so inquire with us for the most current opportunities.

TESTIMONIALS

From the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): “NCCN believes that the best management for any cancer patient is in a clinical trial. Participation in clinical trials is especially encouraged.”

From patient DKH: “Getting involved in a clinical trial was one of the best things I could have done on my journey to recovery from breast cancer. Once I received the frightening diagnosis, I quickly learned that it was going to take a team of healthcare professionals to get me through the battle I was facing. When I became a participant in the clinical trial, two more exceptional healthcare professionals were added to my team, research nurses Olivia Sloan and Doreen Padilla. These nurses were readily available to answer any and all of my questions. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they responded to all my calls. Their empathy and compassion at my appointments and during my surgery was a great comfort to me. I have no doubt that being involved in the clinical trial has benefited my recovery from breast cancer.”