Clinical Trials

At the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center, our goal is always to deliver the very best patient care by providing our highly skilled and specialized physicians with the newest technology, techniques and therapies available. Our Division of Experimental Oncology works to discover, develop and test new and innovative drug therapies to aid in the battle against cancer.

Giving patients drug therapy options

We believe that cancer treatments should be as unique as each of our patients. Everyone's body metabolizes, uses and reacts to drug therapies differently. We are developing as many highly effective therapies as possible, giving patients enough options to determine the right drug — or combination of drugs — for their individual situation.

Montefiore is actively involved in a number of intriguing Phase I pharmacology clinical studies affecting a large number of cancers. Phase I studies allow us to examine how the body responds to the drug and investigate side effects. Often, we are exploring new forms of clinical therapy where common drugs fail.

Offering treatments not available anywhere else

These studies are early stage initiatives and give patients a first-chance opportunity to see if the therapies work for them. The trials are preceded by intensive and extensive laboratory research, and the potential benefits of participating in these clinical studies are numerous. They provide opportunities for our patients to receive the latest treatments long before they are available anywhere else.

At present, our Phase I studies include examining the use of Taxol® — already approved by the FDA for use in fighting breast and ovarian cancer — to tackle a number of different cancers. In addition, we are working with new drug therapies or using existing drug therapies in novel ways, sometimes in combination with other courses of treatment.

Putting the patient firmly in control

Montefiore focuses on the needs and concerns of our patients, and so we understand that trying experimental therapies can be both exciting and a little frightening. We offer every assurance that each of our patients is completely in control of the process. We are careful about ensuring that each participant is qualified and approved to join a study. And each patient takes part voluntarily and can choose to stop treatment at any time.

At Montefiore, we are making strides in the field of oncology and, ultimately, helping our patients live longer, healthier lives. Our untiring efforts in experimental oncology are key to our success.