Research

Clinical Trials
Clinical trials, also called research studies, are treatments in which the goal is to find better ways to treat a disease. In our practice, we focus on studies related not only to treating breast cancer but also preventing, detecting, and identifying individuals who may be at greater risk for developing breast cancer.

We participate in clinical trials because we are interested in providing our patients with the most up-to-date information and opportunities to treat their breast cancer. Clinical trials not only look at new treatments but sometimes look at the way we are providing current treatment in an effort to improve the quality of care. Because of clinical trials, many people with cancer are now living longer. Sometimes participating in a clinical trial may not help you directly but may help others by gaining information to improve cancer treatment.

If you choose to participate in a clinical trial, you will be fully informed of all the facts about a study, and the possible benefits and risks of the program. This process is called informed consent. If you agree to participate, you will be given a consent to read and sign. Of course, signing a consent form does not mean you must stay in a study - you can leave at any time. It just means we have told you everything you need to know before participating.

Some of the research initiatives we have participated in include:

• The North American Fareston versus Tamoxifen Adjuvant Trial
• Adjuvant Tamoxifen – Longer Against Shorter
• Breast Cancer Sentinel Lymph Node Registry
• National Registry of Image-Guided Biopsy
• The GELLMARK ULTRA Biopsy Evaluation by Sonography Test (Best) Registry
• The MammoSite Registry

Click here for more information about the SEDE Study of women at high-risk for breast cancer, click here.