To Physicians/Clinical Investigators

The benefits and challenges of conducting clinical trials
Sharon Jameson, RN, BSN, MBA | International Oncology Network, Baltimore, MD
     This is the first in a series of articles Community Oncology will publish about conducting clinical trials in your community-based oncology practice. No matter what stage you are at—whether you are just thinking of dipping your toe into this revenue stream, or you are looking for ways to better manage your trials already under way—this series will provide practical information to help you more effectively care for patients and more efficiently run the business end of your research program. In this first article of the series the author weighs the benefits versus the potential difficulties of running clinical trials—an enterprise not to be taken lightly.

     Currently, there are more than 650 anticancer drugs being studied in clinical trials. Traditionally, such trials have been conducted in academic settings. But over the past 20 years, community-based oncology practices have leapt ahead, with more than 3,100 investigators in over 800 practices recruiting more than 60% of all cancer patients. One advantage of this trend is that community practices can offer a much more realistic picture of the efficacy and safety of a drug. An institution, with all its support systems, may not present a real-world view of how these drugs actually work in patient populations. Another advantage is for the patients themselves, allowing them easy access to the latest clinical trials within their own community under the supervision of their local physician.
Among the benefits for practices:
     ■ Clinical trials offer access to the latest in cancer therapy, thus providing your patients with state-of-the-art quality care.
     ■ Private practitioners have the opportunity to learn about the latest therapies before they come to market. This experience provides you first-hand knowledge of safety concerns, raising your level of confidence in treating your patients.
     ■ Clinical trials give you a competitive edge, serving as a marketing tool, not only for increasing referrals but also for maintaining your patient base. Read More »