When conducting clinical trials, FirstHealth’s first responsibility is to protect patients through well-designed protocols, a dedicated Institutional Review Board (IRB) and a careful informed consent process.

Before any is undertaken the study protocol is first reviewed and approved by the Sandhills Multi-Institutional Review Board.

Once approved, the clinical trials research nurse notifies the appropriate doctors that the clinical trial is open so that the doctors may identify potential study participants when they see patients.

Patient eligibility is verified by the doctor and the research nurse. If the patient is eligible, they will receive the study informed consent to review and consider for participation

If the patient agrees to participate in the study they must sign the informed consent and HIPPA documentation. Then they will meet with the research nurse and begin the study where he or she will receive the study treatment from his or her physician or if the patient chooses not to participate, he or she will receive the standard of care for the particular type of cancer from his or her physician

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial being offered at FirstHealth of the Carolinas, please contact us or call the clinical trials office at (910) 715-2200 or (910) 715-7841.