Clinical trials are medical research studies involving people. Cancer clinical trials are designed to find new and better ways to help prevent, detect or treat cancer. Scientists determine if new treatments are safe and effective, and if they are more effective than standard treatments.

Physicians who offer National Cancer Institute (NCI) studies have access to the newest, most advanced treatment protocols available in the country. In order for NROC to give patients the option to participate in such state-of-the-science research, we must meet very high standards not demanded in non-participating institutions. Patients who wish to benefit from these cancer clinical trials may do so only in an institution accredited by the NCI.

Yes. In addition to NCI, NROC is affiliated with the NRG Oncology Foundation, which conducts oncologic clinical research and broadly disseminates study results. This affects clinical decision making and healthcare policy. Our patients, their families, and our physician colleagues can be assured that striving to improve outcomes for cancer patients is what we do every day, and have done for decades. By excelling in clinical research and evaluating new capabilities, cutting-edge techniques are born and survival outcomes for cancer patients continue to improve.

• Our physicians launched a clinical research study in conjunction with NRCI, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in Scranton, addressing why there is a 40% higher than national incidence of thyroid cancer in Northeast Pennsylvania. It confirmed the continuing and growing disparity in thyroid cancer incidence in these counties: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming. The study documented the feasibility of conducting a larger epidemiologic investigation of risk factors for thyroid cancer in this high-risk community.
• Other innovations include two clinical trials we initiated specifically for NEPA residents. NROC teamed with The Commonwealth Medical College (now Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine) in a trial that studied the molecular mechanisms of cancer development in both colorectal and prostate cancer. This not only furthered clinical research; it contributed to our doctors’ ongoing mentoring of local medical students.

Clinical trials are available for most types and stages of cancer. Patients are offered participation in a clinical trial only if their oncologist finds they meet the eligibility criteria. For those patients, the decision to participate in a trial ultimately rests with the patient. People participate after they have received comprehensive information about the trial and have decided voluntarily to be part of the study.