As knowledge of cancer's mechanisms increases, new therapies, protocols, and technologies are constantly evolving. That is why research is important to today's cancer patients. Clinical trials may offer access to potentially lifesaving therapies weeks, months and even years before they are available to the general public. For example, at Stony Brook, hematology and medical oncology clinical studies are open for every major cancer site and include treatment for prostate, breast, and colon cancers; glioblastoma multiforma; and aggressive malignant astrocytomas.  Research includes development of a system for detecting new cancer cell markers and for isolating cancer cells circulating in the blood.

Stony Brook University Medical Center has a Cancer Clinical Trials Office dedicated to helping provide patients with the most effective treatments for cancer with maximum safety and comfort. The office assists physician investigators in developing and completing scientifically valid clinical trials and coordinating in-house therapeutic research as well as phases I, II, and III pharmaceutical research trials. For more information, call (631) 638-0846.

Most clinical trials evaluate new treatments, but prevention trials also are conducted. Clinical trials typically enlist volunteers in efforts to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and toxicities of new drugs, devices, or surgical protocols. Trials have played a critical role in advancing patient care.