About the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah stands at the forefront of innovative cancer research and treatment. Phase 1 clinical trials are key to finding better ways to treat cancer safely and effectively.
Nearly all cancer treatments used today began as a clinical trial. The Phase 1 team at Huntsman Cancer Institute conducts clinical trials to test the safe dosages given for potential cancer treatments. As the largest Phase 1 clinical trials program offering cancer care in the Mountain West, our early phase program sets us apart from other health systems. We are committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving outcomes through our comprehensive and patient-centered approach to cancer treatment.
Making Innovation Accessible
The Phase 1 clinical trials program increases patients’ access to novel research by bringing it closer to their homes. Distance should never stand between you and the latest medical breakthroughs. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, we have reimagined cancer care. We serve patients throughout Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and beyond, bringing groundbreaking cancer treatments closer to you.
Expertise in First-in-Human Clinical Trials
Clinical trials in early phases (Phase 1 and Phase 2) give patients a chance to access some of the newest cancer therapies before they are widely available. Our dedicated team of cancer doctors and researchers have direct experience in first-in-human clinical trials. Our goal is to improve cancer treatment options for all through research, innovation, and discovery.
A Network of Excellence
In addition to being a world-class comprehensive cancer center, we are also an integral part of University of Utah Health—a robust health care system. Cancer treatment requires a team approach, and our patients benefit from collaboration between oncologists, surgeons, researchers, and more. We tailor your care to address your unique needs—treating you, not just the cancer.
From the Lab to the Bedside
The Phase 1 clinical trials program brings scientific discoveries to our patients through a dynamic partnership between doctors and scientists. Our researchers study how to best diagnose, treat, and cure cancer in labs right here on our campus in Salt Lake City. These discoveries benefit patients by becoming new therapies and cancer treatments. Our cancer experts are committed to offering patients the latest advancements in cancer care.
Training the Next Generation
We take pride in being a teaching institution, serving as a training ground for the next generation of doctors and researchers. Our dedication to education ensures that innovation continues on the path to a cancer-free frontier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Phase 1 clinical trial?
Phase 1 clinical trials are the first tests that include people to assess new drugs or treatments. The purpose of Phase 1 trials is to determine a safe dose of the treatment. Phase 1 trials also help to see how the drug affects the body. These studies may include newly developed drugs or new combinations of existing therapies.
Phase 1 trials typically include a small number of people with different types of cancer. Some patients might benefit from the new therapy. The main goal of the trial is to monitor patients for serious side effects. Inactive treatments known as placebos are rarely used in Phase 1 trials.
What is a Phase 2 clinical trial?
Once Phase 1 trials establish a safe dose of the new drug, a Phase 2 clinical trial is done to confirm its safety in larger groups of people. The primary goal for Phase 2 trials is to determine the therapy’s efficacy. Blood and tissue samples may be collected to help determine how well the cancer responds to the treatment.
Are Phase 1 clinical trials safe?
Phase 1 trials include a small number of patients at a time. Our team monitors each participant very closely to make sure the doses they receive are safe. Patients in Phase 1 trials are seen more often than patients receiving standard treatments, and we conduct tests to evaluate the safety of the treatment. The process is carefully monitored to ensure patient safety.
How long are patients enrolled in Phase 1 clinical trials?
Phase 1 trials typically last about two years. All phases of clinical trials are voluntary. Patients can stay in the clinical trial as long as they benefit and tolerate the therapy, but they can leave the trial at any time.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions about cancer clinical trials.
Available Clinical Trials
Patients with a variety of cancer types can take part in our Phase 1 program. Learn more about open clinical trials and eligibility.
Find a Phase 1 Clinical Trials Doctor
Phase 1 Research Care Team
Your care is tailored to you and includes a team of medical professionals in addition to your oncologist. From compassionate nurses to skilled clinical trial coordinators, your doctor works hand in hand with many dedicated experts to provide support during your treatment.
Leadership
Ignacio Garrido-Laguna, MD, PhD, Executive MBA
Director, Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program
Vaia Florou, MD
Associate Director, Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program
Susan Sharry, CCRP
Associate Director of Operations
Clinical Research Program Manager
Cherie Peterson, RN, MS
Project Administrator
Clinical Trials Navigator
Clinical Research Nurses
Clinical research nurses (CRN) specialize in oncology and have analytical skills and expertise for the clinical trials they are working on. They explain the details about the clinical trial to the patients. CRNs work closely with the treating physician, assisting and providing care for their patients during visits in clinic. CRNs also work closely with the study team to share important information about how patients respond to the study drug and the care they are receiving.
Phase 1 Clinical Research Coordinators
Clinical research coordinators (CRC) work closely with the principal investigator (PI), the expert who is conducting the clinical trial. The CRC is a liaison between clinical staff and study staff. They ensure everyone is properly trained on the protocol for the clinical trial. CRCs screen patients to determine who might be eligible to participate and collect pertinent safety information while the patient is on trial. They have administrative duties and work closely with the sponsor to ensure proper documentation is obtained to remain complaint.
Research Data Coordinators
Research data coordinators (RDC) oversee the clinical data obtained for trials. RDCs have thorough knowledge of the clinical trial’s protocols and regulatory rules such as patient treatment procedures, reactions to therapy, lab procedures, and results. They specialize in information gathering and share findings with study sponsors, PIs, and regulatory authorities.
Clinical Trials Navigator
Navigators assist the patient by explaining complex clinical trial protocols and health care systems. This role is focused on helping clinical trial patients by establishing and maintaining communication between their health care teams. They can work out eligibility concerns and offer essential information to patients when they face important choices about their treatment and care.
Clinical Research Program Manager
The clinical research program manager oversees the clinical research study team. They work closely with all PIs, sub-investigators, and study staff to ensure the protocols are being followed. Program managers also focus on maintaining patient safety, providing quality care, collecting needed documents, and communicating with other program managers and leadership.
Featured Team Members
Taryn
Clinical Research Coordinator
“The most rewarding aspect of working with Phase 1 clinical trials is not only supplying a possible or perhaps better solution to patients who may have limited options but also being on the cusp of innovation. Many of the trials are new industrial drugs and being a coordinator of these trials allows me to walk hand-in-hand with patients, collaborate with sponsors, and learn from clinic teams. There is so much satisfaction from working on a trial and with a dedicated study team with shared goals—caring for the patient and facilitating new treatment options.”
Allie
Research Data Coordinator
“I love doing work that changes lives for the better. Working in Phase 1 clinical trials has not only allowed me to strengthen my knowledge and skills in the research field, but has given me the opportunity to do work that improves cancer treatment for our patients day by day. It is extremely rewarding to work on cancer trials that are very new and cutting-edge and to see all the help we can provide to cancer patients.”
Contact Us
Contact the Cancer Learning Center to learn more about clinical trials.
1-888-424-2100
cancerinfo@hci.utah.edu
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