Capital Health has a long history of participating in clinical research and there are many protocols available at both Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell and Capital Health Regional Medical Center. We have a strong reputation in providing excellent care to our patients as well as offering the latest technology. At Capital Health's CyberKnife Center, furthering clinical care through research is important to our mission. We not only provide the most current treatment options in radiotherapy and CyberKnife radiosurgery but also participate in several clinical trials initiated at leading academic medical centers throughout the country.
Clinical trials and physician participation
Information from the American Society of Clinical Oncologists revealed that only three percent of adults with cancer participate in clinical trials–far fewer than the number needed to answer the most immediately pressing cancer questions. As physicians in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania region, your participation in the clinical trials program here at Capital Health is vital to academic and cancer care development, especially in the emerging field of CyberKnife Radiosurgery.
Capital Health participates in nationwide clinical trial studies, allowing our patients access to novel cancer prevention or treatment studies available at larger academic centers. Our oncology program offers important National Cancer Institute clinical trials sponsored by RTOG, ECOG, NSAPB. And now at Capital Health, we are also developing and initiating our own Phase II and III protocols for our CyberKnife patients.
How do clinical trials benefit medical care?
Studies of new treatment approaches may lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects. This may not only benefit the trial participants, but can also develop into a new standard of care that may benefit future generations. These research trials are designed to detect, prevent, or delay cancer, which can make an important impact on the patient's quality of life. The results from these studies can help physicians identify cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Note for referring physicians:
Please remember that the best way for a patient to enter into a clinical trial is probably through you, his or her personal physician. You can act as an intermediary and source of expert knowledge, which will be all the more reassuring in that it comes from a trusted source. We encourage you to call us at 609-303-4565 to discuss your patient's situation and answer any questions you may have.