Why Choose Us for Clinical Trials
Huntsman Cancer Institute is a leader in innovative cancer care and research, empowering patients with new possibilities and providing hope through groundbreaking clinical trials. Clinical trials test new ways to treat cancer or its side effects. All cancer treatments in use today began as a clinical trial.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, we provide cutting-edge options that are only available at selected hospitals. Through our leading theranostics program, we offer patients unique access to novel radioligand therapy trials that deliver highly targeted, personalized treatments. We also operate the largest and most comprehensive Phase 1 clinical trials program for all cancer types in the Mountain West, with deep expertise in first-in-human trials.
At any given time, we have more than 325 open clinical trials, giving patients access to cancer treatments that go beyond today’s standard of care. Through clinical trials, patients have access to more options to treat their unique cancer.
Breakthroughs That Begin Here
Clinical trials at Huntsman Cancer Institute continue to drive discoveries that are shaping the way we understand, detect, and treat cancer.
Whether it’s developing novel drug combinations for prostate cancer or pioneering methods for delivering care to rural communities, clinical trials at Huntsman Cancer Institute have a far-reaching impact for people with cancer throughout the Mountain West and beyond.
These critical endeavors are possible with federal funding from the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute and support from donors to Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Learn how you can support cancer research.
“Clinical trials help us find better cancer treatments
with fewer side effects. Those who are impacted by
cancer can have hope that their treatment is constantly
improving.”
— Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
Senior Director for Clinical Research
Huntsman Cancer Institute
How to Find a Clinical Trial
Clinical Trials Search for Patients
Looking for a cancer clinical trial? You can search for a clinical trial by disease, drug, or doctor. You can also look for a clinical trial in a specific phase.
Clinical Trials Search for Providers
Looking for a research study?
Research studies explore the different factors that affect health and lead to disease. Explore available research studies
Clinical Trial Phases
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of new cancer drugs and treatments. They help researchers find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Nearly all current cancer treatments started in a clinical trial.
Researchers design clinical trials to find new ways to do many things:
- Find and diagnose cancer
- Treat cancer
- Prevent cancer
- Manage cancer symptoms
- Manage side effects caused by cancer treatments
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve new treatments before they can be widely used. Clinical trials are part of the approval process for new drugs and treatments. Learn more about types of clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute.
Clinical trials test the effectiveness of new drugs or drug combinations. They provide important insight that cannot be found in a lab setting, helping researchers determine effective cancer treatments.
Clinical trials are research studies, so they may have benefits or risks, like other medical tests, treatments, or procedures. The risks are higher in Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical trials where fewer participants are involved. Clinical research is overseen by the FDA to ensure trials are designed, conducted, analyzed, and reported according to federal law and good clinical practice regulations.
Clinical trials at Huntsman Cancer Institute are run through a series of committees to determine safety, usefulness, and need prior to opening to patients.
Benefits
Patients in clinical trials may receive treatments not yet available to everyone. However, there is no guarantee that clinical trial treatments will help. Taking part in finding new and better cancer treatments can be personally satisfying, as you would be helping others.
Risks
Clinical trial treatments may cause side effects and other health risks. The risks depend on the type of treatment and your health. You always make the final decision about taking part in a clinical trial. You will not start treatment until you fully understand all of the potential benefits and risks. You have the right to stop participating in a clinical trial at any time and for any reason.
The clinical research team will discuss the potential benefits and risks of the clinical trial with you. You will then determine if the possible benefits outweigh the risks. You may want to take part in a clinical trial to help find treatments that could help future patients.
Your doctors may recommend clinical trials to you, depending on the treatment you have previously received and your type of cancer. You can also look for clinical trials you might want to take part in by reviewing the clinical trials available at Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Patient participants are essential to clinical trials. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is right for you. Each clinical trial accepts patients with a specific type and stage of cancer. In general, you must meet these conditions:
- Doctors have diagnosed and checked the stage of your cancer.
- A doctor has reviewed your general health, and your health meets study requirements.
- We have answered all your questions about the clinical trial.
- You understand the possible benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial.
- You have signed and submitted your informed consent form.
Before you decide to take part in a clinical trial, doctors and research teams will tell you all of the known benefits and risks. The research team closely watches the health and safety of every patient who participates.
Informed Consent Form
An informed consent form tells you the purpose, steps, and the benefits and risks of taking part in the clinical trial. These are included to inform you of the details of the clinical trial so you can decide if it is right for you.
A variety of treatments are used in clinical trials. Some are designed to help your immune system. Others target specific genetic changes that cause cancer. The type of treatments or therapies you get will depend on your cancer type and any treatments you have received. You may receive new therapy alone or in combination with treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Other clinical trials may use surgery or radiation to see if these treatments are more effective or have fewer side effects.
Your doctors and clinical research team will let you know about the possible benefits of each treatment and any known risks before you begin.
Clinical trials are for anyone who meets the trial’s eligibility criteria, regardless of treatment options. You and your care team can talk about whether you would need to adjust your current treatment plan to consider a clinical trial.
When you take part in a clinical trial, much of the care is the same as if you were receiving a standard treatment. You will continue to see a doctor, have regular lab tests, and get imaging scans as needed. Health insurance often covers these costs, along with any approved treatments that you receive while taking part in the trial.
A clinical trial may require extra tests and procedures to ensure your safety and to gather important information. These research costs are usually not covered by insurance. However, they may be paid for by the study sponsor.
Your doctor or clinical research team will discuss any additional costs with you and answer your questions before you begin treatment. You can also speak with Huntsman Cancer Institute’s financial advocates about insurance or billing concerns.
It depends on the phase of the study. You may get a specific number of treatments, or you may stay on the new therapy as long as it is working.
You should always tell your health care team if you have any side effects from the clinical trial. They can treat your symptoms and make sure it is safe for you to continue.
All clinical trials have a research team that includes physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and clinical coordinators. The research study team is available to help answer questions, treat side effects, and assist you.
Taking part in a clinical trial is always your choice. You can tell your doctor if you want to stop at any time and for any reason.
