Clinical trials are studies that evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs or treatment strategies. The development of more effective cancer treatments requires that new and Innovative therapies be evaluated with cancer patients. Each clinical trial is designed to find new or better ways to treat cancer patients. In oncology, clinical trials are especially important because, in the absence of high cure rates, nearly all therapeutic approaches are developmental in nature. Currently, there are hundreds of ongoing clinical trials in the United States. Although clinical trials are an important component of cancer care and are crucial for improving cancer treatment, fewer than 5% of cancer patients currently participate in clinical trials because they are uninterested or unaware that they exist, have difficulty finding an appropriate clinical trial that may be of benefit to them, or are ineligible to participate. It is extremely important to decide whether or not to participate in a clinical trial before receiving any treatment from a physician. Once treatment has been initiated, this almost always excludes patients form participating in a clinical trial designed for patients in their circumstance.

Carolina Oncology Specialist offers the opportunity for patients to participate in clinical trials. If your condition qualifies you for participation in an open study, you will be given information and opportunity for participation by one of our nurses from the Clinical Trials Department. The nurses will monitor and guide you throughout the course for your treatment and the duration of the study. We have participated in a large number of studies and were instrumental in the eventual approval and usage of some new drugs today.

Clinical \ Research Nurses:

Sylvia McLendon RN, BSN, OCN, CCRP - Research Coordinator 828-324-9550 x222

Lisa Van de Klashorst RN, OCN 828-324-9550 x252

Kathy Gray, 828-324-9550 CCRC 828-324-9550 x230