Clinical research studies
Some Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center patients may have the opportunity to participate in clinical research studies while being treated for their illness. This research leads to improvements in treating and caring for cancer patients worldwide.
The Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborates with Fort Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology to provide the latest clinical research in the area of medical oncology.
In 2008, Fort Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology was one of 10 community oncology practices in the country to receive the prestigious American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Clinical Trials Participation Award for Outstanding Contributions in Cancer Research.
More about Fort Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology:
- Clinical trials are made available through the Cancer Trials Support Unit, a service of the National Cancer Institute
- A member of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B for at least 15 years through an affiliation with the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center
- A member of the Hoosier Oncology Group based at Indiana University Medical Center
- Offers research sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry
In support of these research efforts, Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center provides dedicated and trained oncology nurses. The center has been able to participate in many landmark clinical trials that have changed practice standards and guidelines in medical oncology.
Clinical research and RTOG
Under the direction of Radiation Oncology Associates physicians, the cancer center also participates in clinical research sponsored by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). RTOG is a recognized leader in working to increase survival and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Through this partnership, Parkview is able to offer individuals with cancer the opportunity to participate in the latest national trials through the Parkview Research Center. RTOG is a multi-institutional cooperative organization committed to increasing patient survival of the most common types of cancer through the effective integration of radiation, surgical and medical therapy.
RTOG clinical trials evaluate the latest methods of delivering radiation therapy, including:
- 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3-DRT)
- Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
- Stereotactic radiotherapy
- Brachytherapy, including Mammosite®
Institutional Review Board
The Parkview Health Institutional Review Board (IRB) provides support for investigators conducting clinical research under the auspices of Parkview Health. Its purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects by reviewing all research regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the Office for Human Research Protections. The Parkview Health IRB provides ongoing oversight for more than 200 clinical studies.