At the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center we are committed to advancing the field of cancer treatment and prevention through research. Here you can participate in highly respected clinical trials conducted by the National Cancer Institute in a community setting, as well as in trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies. If we don’t offer the clinical trial you need, our staff will help you find the right study and refer you to it.

Our clinical trials focus on developing new treatment strategies and controlling symptoms. This helps us provide innovative treatments that lead to better understanding and treatment of cancer.

Because of cancer research, we have better and more effective cancer drugs today. Cancer survival rates have increased, and patients’ quality of life has improved. Many of these new treatments would not be available today if it were not for cancer research programs and cancer patients willing to participate in clinical trials.

You may be asked to participate in clinical trials that track, assess, and compare treatment outcomes. This is voluntary, and you may choose to participate or decline. 

Deciding to take part in a clinical trial may be a difficult decision. Make sure to educate yourself fully before participating in a clinical trial. 

Not everyone is eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Criteria may include factors such as age, type and stage of disease and previous medical history. 

Benefits of clinical trials include:

• Access to new treatment before it is widely available
• Regular and careful attention from a qualified research team
• The chance to possibly help others who have the same condition in the future

Risks may include the following:

• New drugs or procedures are not always better than the traditional approach
• Inconveniences such as additional testing or doctor’s visits
• Unknown side effects

For more information about our clinical trials, call (650) 696-4487.

For general information on cancer clinical trials, visit the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute.