Clinical Research Trials

Clinical Research Trials

Today, we have better and more effective drugs and therapies because of research. As a result of these newer treatments, survival rates have increased, quality of life has been improved, and there are fewer treatment side effects for thousands of people with cancer. Many of these drugs and therapies would not be available today if it were not for cancer research programs and cancer patients willing to participate in clinical trials. Some people feel that participating in a clinical trial gives them an opportunity to help other people with similar ailments through the knowledge gained from the study. Dr. Ricardo Pardo at Jacinto Medical Group was the highest recruiting investigator in all of North America and 5th worldwide among 135 sites for the Oxcarbazepine partial epilepsy trial.

We are committed to providing Baytown and its surrounding areas with top-notch clinical research trials. These research trials allow the local population a change to participate in ongoing medical research and access to latest medical drugs and treatments. Most of these trials are conducted at the Texas Medical Center. Currently, there are a number of trials available in Neurology for early onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Dementia, and Epilepsy.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study designed to answer one or more questions about how a certain drug, treatment or medical device affects a disease such as cancer. There are potential benefits to participating in a clinical trial, as well as potential risks. These benefits and risks are different for each clinical trial. You should discuss them with your own doctor, as well as with the clinical team of research trial.

Is participating in a clinical trial right for me?

The treatment you receive during a clinical trial may help you. Clinical trial participants receive either the most effective known treatment available or the new drug or treatment being considered. Newer therapies may lead to better results. On the other hand, they may not be any better, or even as good as, the standard treatment already available.

How do we enroll people in clinical trials?

Clinical trials usually evaluate very specific new treatments for very specific conditions. Therefore, they have very strict criteria about who is and who is not a candidate for each study. To ensure you have the broadest possible range of treatment options available, our research coordinator will review your case during the diagnosis stage to see if you may match any of the criteria for the clinical trials in which Jacinto Medical Group is participating.

 

If you are eligible for a current study, a research coordinator will provide the details of the study to your doctor, who will then ask you if you would be interested in learning more about participating in the clinical trial. Participating in a clinical trial will require some extra time on your part. The research team will want to monitor you closely during the trial and collect follow-up information. This care is in addition to the care you will continue to receive from your doctor and medical team.

If you are interested, steps you will need to take to enroll in a study
1. Receive a 1-2 page summarized information on the study recommended by your Neurologist to take home and review. If you are willing to participate, you will be contacted by the Study sponsor for the Informed consent which is critical for a good clinical trial, so even if you are sure that you would like to do the study, you must take the information review it before you can sign up. The Informed Consent Form will include answers to the following questions:

    • What is the purpose of the clinical trial?
    • How long will the trial last?
    • What is required of you to participate in this study?
    • What treatments or drugs will you receive during the trial?
    • What treatments, tests and/or procedures will be required during the study? How many and how often?
    • Which treatments, tests, medications and/or procedures will be paid for?
    • What are the risks and benefits of participating in the study?
    • What treatment would be recommended for you if you do not participate in the trial?


2. Discuss with the research sponsor nurse who will review the contents of the form with you and show you the areas on the form that you need to sign.

3. After the research nurse registers you with the study, you will be randomly selected for either a “control” group that receives the standard treatment or a “trial” group that receives the new treatment. Cancer patients are always given a treatment and never administered a placebo (sugar-pill). Instead, the tested treatment is compared to current treatments. In some instances, you will not know which group you are in, and neither will your doctors or the researchers, until the study is over. In other instances, you along with your doctors and the researchers will know exactly what you are receiving. Participation in clinical trials is always voluntary. You will never be enrolled in a clinical trial without your permission, and you can change your mind about participating in the clinical trial at any time after signing the informed consent forms. To stop participation in a study, simply talk to your research team. Results can vary for individuals involved in a clinical trial. Participants enrolled in clinical trials must have clear and realistic expectations based on their individual health status and diagnosis.

Active Trials

Our neurologists currently have recommended trial for the early onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Dementia, and Epilepsy.
Previously, we were among the few sites in the U.S. to provide our patients with the orphan drug Droxidopa as it awaits final FDA approval and commercial availability.
Various new and exciting clinical research trials are under review and will be added as we continually strive to bring to you the best and safest studies.

For more information, please call (281) 425-3805
Clinical Research Trials
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