• Overview
• What is Cancer?
• Cancer Types
• Testing for Cancer
• Diagnosis and Staging
• Treating Cancer
• Treatment Administration Devices
• Side Effect Management
• Alternative Therapies
• Second Opinions
• Clinical Research
• Genetic Testing
• Glossary
• Recommended Links

Services

• Chemotherapy
• Injection Clinic
• Lab Services
• Pharmacy
• Clinical Research
• Education
• CAT Imaging Services
• Oncology Social Work
• Behavioral Oncology
• Genetic Testing and Counseling
• Inpatient Care During Hospitalizations

Clinical Research

Research studies offer important treatment options for many people with cancer.  To stay on top of developments, we have a research coordinator who specializes in clinical research activities. Our research coordinator gathers information from prominent hospitals, universities, study groups and lectures to provide a knowledge base of promising clinical research protocols.

Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan also offers participation in industry and national sponsored research studies. Deciding to participate in an experimental treatment is a highly personal decision, and we can offer you a wealth of information to help assist you in that choice.

What is a clinical trial?
Research studies evaluate promising new therapies and answer scientific questions. The goal of such trials is to find treatments that are more effective in controlling cancer with fewer side effects.

How do I qualify and participate?
All clinical trials have different guidelines for who can qualify and participate, depending on their area of study. Your age, gender, disease stage, medical condition and more will be considered. To find out if you qualify for a selected study, contact our research coordinator or your nurse for more information.

What are the risks of participating?
While participating in a clinical trial can give you access to breakthrough treatments before they are available to others, there also are certain risks. These treatments are experimental, and therefore can cause unpleasant or even serious side effects or complications. Also, the treatment may not be effective, and the time spent participating in the trial might be seen as a setback. Finally, there are travel and time commitment factors to consider. Before deciding to participate in a trial, be sure to carefully consider your reaction to these and other potential risks.

Where can I learn more?
To learn more about ongoing research studies, or to explore participating in one, please contact our research coordinator at (616) 954-9800, or visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.