ITOR Clinical Research Unit Patient Enrollment

The ITOR Clinical Research Unit (CRU) offers many trials that were once only available in larger institutions geographically distant from Upstate South Carolina and the surrounding region.

Ultimately, the focus of the Institute for Translational Oncology Research (ITOR) of Greenville Health System (GHS) is on its patients - and one of our Institute's primary goals is to enable our patients to maintain the much needed support of family and friends as they battle their illness by providing innovative, advanced treatments closer to home.

We welcome your questions regarding participation in the clinical trials that are offered by the ITOR CRU at the Greenville Health System.

How the Process Works

Each trial has certain requirements, called inclusion and exclusion criteria, which must be met prior to patient enrollment. Typically, based on the specific language of the protocol, the patient must have first tried and failed standard of care treatments prior to enrollment in one of ITOR of GHS' clinical trials, and be in reasonably good physical condition (i.e. able to function independently). The other criteria are very trial specific and will need to be addressed with each individual.

If you are interested in a trial or have a family member that may be interested, please contact one of ITOR's highly experienced research nurses (listed below). They are prepared to answer your questions or clarify eligibility criteria. An appointment can then be set up with one of our physicians for a physical examination and to fully explore and discuss all possible options.

Contact Information - ITOR CRU Research Nurses:

Additional Information about the Process & Expectations Associated with Participation in an ITOR Clinical Research Unit Trial:

• A patient or referring physician may call one of our research nurses to provide information and ask questions.
• An appointment is scheduled with one of our physicians (see ITOR's physician leadership profiles).
• During the appointment, the ITOR physician, along with the patient and family, will determine the best treatment plan available.
• If it is determined that a clinical trial is the best course of treatment, the physician and nurse will talk with the patient and family about the protocol to include:
• The treatment plan and the investigational agent used
• The risks involved
• The schedule of events
• The voluntary nature of participation
• Alternatives
• If the patient qualifies and wishes to participate in a clinical trial, the patient will sign an informed consent; and, screening tests may be scheduled as determined by the physician and/or the study.
• The number and frequency of visits to our unit will vary depending on the trial requirements; however, early phase studies of this nature often involve lengthy stays in the clinic for monitoring and blood draws to analyze blood levels of the investigational therapy.

If you are from out of town and require an overnight stay, our staff will gladly provide you with information regarding discounted hotels and transportation options.

Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. For more information on clinical trials and a list of frequently asked questions please go to: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/info/understand/