Nearly all the treatments that are currently available to treat cancers have been developed through the process of clinical research. This process starts when pharmaceutical companies, universities or the National Cancer Institute discovers a new chemical compound or treatment that seems promising in treating cancers. Each year, over 100,000 chemicals are tested in this country alone for possible anti-cancer activity. When a substance looks promising in the laboratory, it is initially tested in humans to verify its safety. This is called a Phase One study. If the drug is found to be safe, a phase two study is performed for anti-cancer activity at the 'tested safe' dose.

Today it is possible to combine Phase One and Phase Two studies together to speed drug development. If a new drug is found to be safe and effective it is tested in a Phase Three study to compare its activity against the best conventional therapy available.

The Exeter Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center is actively involved in Phase Three clinical research projects. At times during your treatment at the Cancer Center you may be asked to participate in a research program. These programs are completely voluntary; no patient is required to participate in clinical research. Whether or not you choose to participate in a research project will have no effect on the care you receive at the Cancer Center.