You can play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge that could benefit millions of people. Clinical trials offer you a chance to contribute to the future of cancer medicine—and potentially benefit your own health.

Clinical trials, often called clinical or research studies, are the front lines of cancer science. By investigating new drugs, devices and therapies, medical researchers discover better ways to treat this pervasive and varied disease. Most of today’s standard cancer treatments got their start in clinical trials.

Since the 1950s, research centers within the Sutter Health network have conducted hundreds of groundbreaking studies leading to medical innovations in cancer treatment. Sutter Cancer Centers, Sutter Institute for Medical Research (SIMR) and Sutter Neuroscience Institute (SNI) offer clinical trials backed by a supportive research department.

We pursue discovery through partnerships with federal agencies such as the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We also partner with local entities, as well as pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.

Is Participation Right for You?

When you join a cancer trial, you’ll receive either the standard of care (what physicians and researchers consider the most effective known treatment right now) or the new drug or procedure being studied. That means you may have access to new, investigational cancer treatments before they are widely available and therefore may have the first chance to benefit from them. In addition to the high-quality care provided by your oncologists, you’ll be carefully monitored by clinical trial staff. In many cases, the study sponsor covers the cost of drugs, medical devices, more frequent interaction with medical professionals and additional tests to monitor your overall health.

Keep in mind there is no guarantee a research treatment will provide better results than current care methods. Ask questions and read all information provided before deciding to join a trial. Even after you’ve enrolled, there is no obligation to stay in a clinical trial—you have the right to leave a study at any time.

Remember that participation is an act of service. By taking part, you can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients everywhere.