| Spring 2010 | | ASK THE EXPERTS: Clinical Trials |
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ASK THE EXPERTS: Clinical Trials
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Q: What is a clinical trial?
Surgeon Andrew Kenler, MD, responds:
A: Major medical advances are
developed thanks to the willingness
of people who participate
in clinical trials. Clinical trials
are research studies that measure
the effectiveness of new drugs or
treatments not yet available to
the general public. These studies provide some participants
with new medications, surgical or medical procedures
and/or medical devices. At any given time, there are 60 to
75 ongoing clinical trials at Bridgeport Hospital, primarily
in oncology (cancer) and cardiovascular (heart) research.
Most often in a clinical trial, a new drug or a new combination
of existing drugs is tested to evaluate its actual results on
people with the disease, or to determine the best dosage. A
trial is begun only after a drug has gone through many tests
for effectiveness and has received governmental approval to
be used for humans. Bridgeport Hospital’s Institutional
Review Board (IRB), a committee of dedicated scientists
and non-scientists, reviews every clinical trial to ensure that
safety is maximized and risks are minimized.
Whether or not to participate in a clinical trial is a personal
decision that should be weighed with a physician
who knows the health history of the person considering
participation. Some questions to consider are: What is the
main purpose of the trial? What treatments will be used
and how? Are there any risks? How long will the trial last?
Can I choose to remain on this treatment, even after the
end of the trial?
There are no guarantees that a new drug will work for a
particular patient. But by participating in a clinical trial,
the participant may be able to benefit today from a new
treatment that won’t be widely available for some time.
More importantly, the study may reveal a discovery that
will help future generations of patients.
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Clinical Trials at Bridgeport Hospital
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For information about clinical trials at Bridgeport Hospital, please visit ClinicalTrials. Or, for specific information:
- Cancer Clinical Trials: Call the Dr. Richard W. Kmetzo Cancer Resource Center at
Bridgeport Hospital at 203-384-3904 or e-mail cancerresources@bpthosp.org
- Cardiovascular Clinical Trials: Call Tina Cullen, RN, at
203-384-4849
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 A Clearer Vision of Cancer Care
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- Outpatient Chemotherapy Infusion Suite with expansive views of Long Island Sound
- The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center Mammography Suite with stereotactic biopsy and state-of-the-art digital mammography
- Dr. Richard W. Kmetzo Cancer Resource Center providing patients and families with access to a broad range of diagnostic, treatment and support services
For more information, please visit The Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute
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