Clinical Trials
Clinical research touches every person’s life on a regular basis. It plays an important role in moving medical science and improving the public’s health. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of all Americans are taking prescription medications at the present time. Most Americans report routinely using over-the-counter medications. All medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, have gone through clinical testing, involving people who have volunteered to take part in a clinical trial, also known as a research study. All of today’s successful treatments for cancer are based on results of past clinical trials. Because of progress made through clinical trials, people treated for cancer are living longer.
As one of the National Cancer Institute’s designated cancer centers, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is able to provide access to clinical trials not available at other hospitals, clinics or doctor’s offices. CINJ currently enrolls more than 2,000 patients in clinical trials or approximately 15 percent of all its new adult cancer patients and approximately 70 percent of all pediatric cancer patients on clinical trials. Enrollment in clinical trials nationwide is fewer than five percent of all adult cancer patients. CINJ is committed to finding the latest and best treatment options for cancer patients through clinical trials.
For more information about CINJ clinical trials call 732-235-8675, email cinjclinicaltrials@umdnj.edu or search for a clinical trial.
Resources
Clinical Trials News
Prevention Clinical Trial Studies the Role of the Mineral Selenium in Reducing One's Risk for Prostate Cancer
CINJ researchers are trying to see if selenium yeast or selenomethionine lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and prevent other markers related to the development of prostate cancer in healthy men of different age groups. Participants will be asked to take over-the-counter selenium supplements or a placebo for
twelve months. Healthy male volunteers age 20 - 79 are needed for the study.
Clinical Trial Studies Combination of ALS and Kidney Cancer Drugs for Melanoma Use
Research is underway that aims to determine safe dosing levels for the drugs known as riluzole and sorafenib when used together in the treatment of patients with melanoma. CINJ studies of riluzole, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ALS -- or Lou Gehrig's disease -- have shown evidence of tumor shrinkage in melanoma patients. Sorafenib, an FDA-approved drug used to treat kidney cancer and a form of liver cancer, is considered a "targeted therapy" that has been shown to slow the spread of cancer cells. Recent laboratory studies at CINJ have shown a more positive effect in the treatment of melanoma with riluzole and sorafenib together than if either drug were given by itself.
Clinical Trial Looks to Harness Body’s Own Immune System to Tackle Pancreatic Cancer
It has been known for a number of years based on studies by scientists at CINJ and elsewhere, that the presence of a tumor in the body can actively inhibit the immune system from recognizing and destroying these same tumors. Studies at CINJ have shown this blockade of immunity also prevents traditional cancer vaccines from producing a good response. As part of these studies at CINJ, investigators have shown that injecting a vaccine and other immunity-producing drugs into the tumor itself -- rather than the traditional site of the skin -- can result in a reversal of the immune blockade and the development of specific immunity to the tumor.
Clinical Trial Focuses on New Immune Therapy in Combination with Standard Treatment for Common Form of Kidney Cancer
Researchers at CINJ are evaluating whether the standard treatment for a common form of kidney cancer works better by itself or when combined with a certain type of blood cell that comes from a patient’s relative. The Sunitinib Plus Extended Courses of Irradiated Allogeneic Lymphocytes for Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma -- or SPECIAL -- trial is sponsored by the United States Food and Drug Administration, which also will monitor the study.
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