Busting Clinical Trials Myths
Teri Grand has been a clinical research coordinator for the Virtua Cancer Program at Virtua Memorial for 25 years. Over that span, she has seen how medical treatments and procedures have advanced through clinical trials.
“Research studies perfect treatment, reduce side effects and save lives,” says Teri. “Our patients who participate in clinical trials are the first to receive the newest options for screening, diagnosis and treatment.”
Here's what you need to know:
- Virtua has been participating in clinical trials for more than 40 years, helping patients while striving to improve quality of care.
- All studies are closely monitored to ensure patient safety while providing the highest quality of care.
- Federal organizations such as the National Cancer Institute review all studies to protect research participants.
- Virtua has two Institutional Review Boards (IRB), one for oncology and a second for general medicine. Members include physicians, nurses and scientists.
“Patient safety is our primary priority,” says Eileen Morris, IRB coordinator at Virtua. “We review all studies to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. We also make sure patients’ consent forms offer clear and comprehensive information about the trial and possible side effects. Patients need to be well-informed.”
To learn more about clinical trials at Virtua, call 1-888-VIRTUA-3.
Updated December 29, 2017
