Clinical Research Protocols
As a major cancer research institution, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute conducts hundreds of clinical studies on an ongoing basis to determine the safety and effectiveness of possible new therapies for cancer and related diseases. Outcomes of these studies are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and contribute to innovations in cancer treatment and prevention worldwide.
Our list of available clinical trials is constantly changing as new trials open and completed studies close; therefore, this Scientific Report no longer publishes that list. The most up-to-date information on DFCI clinical trials is available on our website at www.dana-farber.org/ClinicalTrials, where trials can be viewed by diagnosis or phase. Anyone seeking printed information about clinical trials can contact DFCI toll-free at (866) 790-4500.
Trials Study Cancer in Adults and Children, Evaluate Prevention Techniques
Approximately 405 therapeutic clinical trials for adults with cancer are currently being conducted through Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, a collaboration of Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, DFCI, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Active clinical trials for children with cancer are conducted in collaboration with Children's Hospital Boston and currently number 75. Eleven trials are also open to both adult and pediatric patients. Some clinical trials at DFCI study the effects of various prevention techniques in at-risk and normal populations. Information about prevention clinical trials is available by calling the Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Risk and Prevention Center at (617) 632-2178.
DFCI's Online Matching and Referral Service for Patients
DFCI maintains a patient-friendly website that provides information about each of the actively accruing (open) clinical trials available at DFCI and collaborating institutions. In addition, we offer a free computerized matching system on our website at www.dana-farber.org/ClinicalTrials and also via our toll-free call center at (866) 790-4500. The system allows patients to answer a few simple questions and know within seconds whether their profile matches an open trial. The matching service also assists in connecting patients to the doctors and nurses conducting these trials.
Entering a Clinical Trial: Is it Right for You?
Patients often have misconceptions about clinical trials that could influence their decision to participate. To dispel these misconceptions, Dana-Farber - in collaboration with BWH, MGH, and BIDMC - has produced an audiovisual program and educational booklet. Using their own words, patients and clinicians explain what clinical trials are and offer suggestions to help patients decide whether or not to enroll in a study. The award-winning program "Entering a Clinical Trial: Is it Right for You?" can be viewed or ordered online at www.dana-farber.org/res/clinical/trials-info, or requested by e-mail: oprs@dfci.harvard.edu or by telephone: (617) 632-3029.
