CLINICAL TRIALS

 

A clinical trial or research study is a treatment program designed to ask specific questions that will help define ways to improve therapy for breast cancer patients. These are carefully designed and conducted in order to provide the fastest and safest way to answer important questions about the best way to treat breast cancer. Because thousands of women over many decades have participated in clinical trials, we have made great advances in the treatment of breast cancer.

Participation on a clinical trial provides many benefits including access to the newest and latest advances in cancer treatments - often before these are generally available - enhanced clinical monitoring, expert medical care which is being supervised by a comprehensive, dedicated team, and contributing to medical research which will hopefully benefit not only the individual - but many other women in the future.

Women with breast cancer who participate in clinical trials are taking an active role in their own care, and are helping others through their participation. Participation is always voluntary. The process of informed consent insures that you understand all of the aspects of the treatment program including the risks as well as the benefits. Learn more about clinical trials from the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Oratz and The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice provide access to a broad range of clinical trials for women with all stage of breast cancer and those at risk. Her faculty position and affiliation with the NYU School of Medicine and NYU Cancer Institute brings the cooperative group/NCI sponsored studies to her patients, as well as the NYU sponsored studies. NYU and Dr. Oratz are members of the Eastern Oncology Cooperative Group (ECOG). Her affiliation with the national US Oncology Research Network and membership on the US Oncology Breast Cancer Research Committee adds another set of clinical trials to the practice - which are not otherwise available in the greater New York City area. A detailed list of clinical trials which are open in The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice is provided.