Clinical trials are research studies conducted with patients. Clinical trials are used to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancers. They can also be used to study the psychological impact of cancer and help to improve patient comfort and quality of life. The National Cancer Institute supports many trials designed to improve current cancer treatments. Before any treatment can be recommended for general use, it must be tested to determine if it is safe and effective.

As more patients take part in clinical trials, new approaches are tested more quickly, making better treatments available to cancer patients sooner.

Patients who take part in clinical trials have a unique opportunity to receive the most advanced care available - either with a new treatment or with the best standard therapy (which the new approach is compared with). Patients interested in clinical trials are encouraged to discuss this option with their doctors.

Rapid City Regional Hospital's Cancer Care Institute's physicians are members of the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the Gynecologic Oncology Group. These memberships, and our affiliations with other major study groups, give area patients the chance to participate in research funded by the National Cancer Institute. Additional clinical trial research opportunities are available through partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies.