Cancer Research & Clinical Trials

What's a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials are research studies that test how a drug, medical device, or treatment approach works in people. Conducting clinical trials is the only way to improve cancer care. The team at Pardee Cancer Center is committed to providing clinical trials as an option for our patients.

There are different types of cancer clinical trials:

• Treatment trials test new treatment options. The trial may test a new drug or different ways of using a drug combination. New radiation therapy techniques or treatment plans may be studied. New surgical protocols or targeted/immune therapies may be tested.
• Prevention trials look for ways to prevent the occurrence of cancer in people who have never had the disease, or ways to lower risk of cancer recurrence.
• Quality of Life or Supportive Care trials study ways to improve the comfort and life quality of people with a cancer diagnosis. The study may look at new ways to manage side effects of cancer or its treatment, or how cancer affects a person’s everyday life.

Current Trials at Pardee Cancer Center

Pardee Cancer Center participates in trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, university cancer centers, foundations, and industry. We currently have over 50 clinical trials open for enrollment. Pardee Cancer Center is a member of the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research Consortium (SCOR). SCOR is a group of community physicians located throughout the southeastern United States who are committed to conducting cancer research.

UNC Health has an extensive cancer research program that leads and participates in hundreds of federally approved studies designed to develop and test new cancer treatments. We only offer experimental treatments as part of approved clinical trials that are closely monitored by experts. Your safety is our top priority.

Cancer Research Office

Pardee's Cancer Research office is staffed with nurses who have extensive experience and are certified in oncology nursing or research. These nurses work side by side with our physicians to closely monitor patients who are enrolled on a clinical trial.

About Research Participation

Learning about research participation can be challenging. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed and compiled resources to help you make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. They answer some common questions and suggest other questions you may want to ask if you are considering participating in research. These materials include informational videos, infographics, a list of questions to ask researchers, and additional resources for folks considering participating in research. Click here to view these materials.