US Oncology Research recruits 2,000th patient for Phase I clinical trial

US Oncology Research announced recently that it has found and recruited its 2,000th patient to take part in a Phase I clinical trial through its Translational Oncology Program (TOP).

US Oncology Research is among the largest community-based oncology research programs in the nation and focuses on clinical trials dealing with oncology.

The special challenge of a Phase I trial to patients and treatment centers is that they do not usually take place in a community setting. The goal of the TOP program is to provide direction, resources and support to community-based cancer centers and their physicians so they can offer their patients these cutting-edge research studies. With the advanced clinical trials being provided close to the patients’ homes, they can be in familiar settings close to family and friends, where they can receive multiple types of support.

Phase I clinical trials explore new drugs and treatments that have been proven to be safe when used in animals and might also be safe for human use. Those who participate in the Phase I trials are usually the first to receive the experimental medicines or therapies. The trials are only conducted at locations that are proven to be qualified.