Clinical research is an important part of our medical practice. More than 7,500 Illinois CancerCare patients have participated in research studies through the Illinois Oncology Research Association. Since 1983, most of that research participation has been coordinated through a federal program called the Community Clinical Oncology Program. This program offers the benefits of clinical research conducted at the Mayo Clinic and other similar facilities to cancer patients in their own communities.

As our patient, you may have an opportunity to be a part of a clinical trial using cutting-edge drugs or treatment options. Participation in clinical trials is safe and benefits not only you, but future cancer patients as well.

Research should not be considered a "last resort" as specific clinical trials are often available for a variety of cancers: surgically removed or not, previously treated or not, localized or spread. Please ask your physician if there is a clinical trial available for you. If so, a clinical research professional may spend time discussing research participation with you. Participation in research is always voluntary.