Clinical Trials at the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center

What are Clinical Trials? 

The safety and effectiveness of new treatments must be assessed and well-documented in a certain number of patients, before the new treatments are made widely available.  Clinical trials are the final stage of a lengthy and carefully implemented research process.  They enable researchers and clinicians to extend the boundaries of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and make it possible for patients to profit from the latest and most promising therapies.

How are Participants Protected?

At the University of chicago Cancer Research Center (UCCRC), our clinical trials are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles. Each trial is carefully designed to show how a particular anti-cancer treatment will affect the people who choose to participate.  Each person who enrolls in a clinical trial is informed about all aspects of a study’s treatments and tests, including why each portion of the study is necessary, as well as its possible benefits and risks, prior to their decision to participate.    

Who is Eligible to Participate in a Clinical Trial? 

Each study has its own guidelines outlining who is eligible to participate.  Participants are typically chosen because they are alike in key ways, such as the type and stage of cancer, age or gender. UCCRC clinical trials are designed to benefit a broad scope of participants, with a variety of different symptoms and treatment histories.

What are the Benefits of Enrolling for a Clinical Trail at UCCRC? 

Recognized as the leader in cancer clinical trials in Illinois, the UCCRC has earned a reputation for excellence and innovation.

The UCCRC:

  • Receives more than 40 percent of all peer-reviewed funding awarded to the Biological Sciences Division and Hospitals;
  • Performs more cancer clinical trials than at any other facility in Illinois;
  • Provides access to clinical trials to community oncologists and minority populations via a network of affiliated hospitals.
  • Is one of only two institutions in the country that have both the leaders, and the capacity to conduct all three phases of clinical trials. 

If you are interested in learning more about the UCCRC clinical trials program and the trials currently underway or planned, we invite you to visit our Clinical Trials Listing webpage or call the Section of Hematology/Oncology (773) 834-7424 for adults or the Pediatric Section of Hematology/Oncology at 773-702-6808 for children.

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Watch "The Importance of Clinical Trials" hosted by Joy Philbin and featuring Dr. Richard Schilsky of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center and the CALGB national cooperative cancer clinical trials group; (recommended for fast internet connections only; requires QuickTime).