Cancer Clinical Trials at RMCC

Clinical Research Trials for Cancer at RMCC

As the largest community-based cancer care provider in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) is focused on combining compassionate, personalized care with the most advanced treatment options available. As part of that commitment, we offer a wide range of clinical research trials, giving you access to promising new therapies while helping advance the future of cancer care.

Our partnership with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) allows us to offer many of the same innovative clinical trials available at major academic cancer centers, while allowing patients to receive care at convenient RMCC locations throughout Colorado. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last thirty years, SCRI has contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past decade.

RMCC’s partnership with SCRI enables us to offer a wide range of clinical research trials. At any given time, we have > 90 active studies investigating new treatments for all different types and stages of cancer, with opportunities available at convenient locations throughout Colorado.

What Is a Clinical Trial and Why Should I Consider Participation?

What is a clinical trial for cancer?

A cancer clinical trial is a medical research study specifically designed to answer scientific questions that can improve the treatment and care of people with cancer. Trials are conducted for many reasons, including to:

Test new and better ways to prevent, screen, diagnose, or treat cancer
Test an existing cancer treatment on a different type of cancer
Determine if a new therapy or procedure is more effective in treating a particular type of cancer than what is available today
Understand how to use approved treatments in new combinations for better results

RMCC oncologists carefully evaluate available clinical trials and select studies they believe may benefit patients. Individuals who meet specific criteria and choose to participate in a study as a volunteer are known as study participants.

Each clinical trial is conducted under strict safety and regulatory guidelines, with oversight from the FDA and other review organizations. These studies are made available at RMCC locations throughout Colorado.

RMCC's Involvement in Clinical Research Trials

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Why Should I Consider Participating in a Clinical Trial?

Participating in a clinical trial at RMCC offers you the opportunity to access promising investigational therapies before they become widely available. It also helps advance potentially life-saving cancer research, helping others with the same condition in the future.

Every RMCC study participant receives ongoing evaluation before, during, and after the clinical trial. Along with the same personalized, compassionate care provided to everyone treated at RMCC, participants receive additional follow-up and assessments from their cancer care team. With this close oversight, study participants may have additional appointments, screenings, or tests throughout the study.

RMCC makes it as easy as possible to participate in a clinical trial. As one of the world’s leading community-based oncology research organizations, we bring advanced clinical research studies close to home. Instead of traveling to large cancer facilities, you can access a clinical trial in your hometown at one of our physician offices. This provides convenient access to advanced therapies without added time or stress.

How Clinical Trials are Structured

To ensure safety, every clinical trial is carefully planned and monitored, starting with the purpose and design of the study to how patients are informed and participate in the trial.

Protocol

Every clinical trial includes a protocol. This outlines the purpose of the trial and includes details such as who is eligible to participate, how many people will be enrolled, and how the data will be collected. The protocol is carefully developed and reviewed by the lead investigators and sponsoring organizations, such as a pharmaceutical company. It is then reviewed and approved by an institutional review board (IRB) to ensure trial procedures are consistently carried out.

The protocol is followed by every physician whose patient is taking part in the trial to ensure that the research is carried out in the same way at every location.

Trial Phases

There are four main phases of clinical trials, each with its own goals and purpose. RMCC offers trials in the first three phases. When discussing a clinical trial that may be an option for you, ask your oncologist which phase the study is in and how that affects your care.

Phase 1 is a study’s initial phase. During this phase, a promising new treatment is often studied across different types of cancer. Researchers may focus on pinpointing a dosage that is safe, tolerable, and effective.

Because Phase 1 trials may involve more extensive monitoring, they are only offered at RMCC cancer centers in Denver-Midtown, Aurora, and Lone Tree locations.

Phase 2 clinical trials study a treatment in a larger group of people with specific types of cancer. Researchers continue to evaluate safety and effectiveness of the treatment in fighting cancer.
Phase 3 clinical trials directly compare a new treatment with the current standard of care in a large group of people. These studies help researchers determine whether the new treatment provides benefits compared with existing options.
Phase 4 clinical trials take place after a treatment has been approved and is available for use. They continue to monitor results of the treatment over time.

Placebos

Every patient receives the standard of care observation or treatment while on a clinical trial. When a placebo is required as part of the trial’s process for testing how well a new therapy works, some participants receive the current standard treatment for their cancer while others receive the new therapy.

You may not know if you are receiving the current standard treatment or the new treatment. This is called a blind study. It helps researchers compare the treatments as fairly and accurately as possible.

If both you and your doctor don’t know which treatment you’re receiving, the study is considered double-blind. The purpose is to remove any bias the patient or physician may have about the current therapy or the new one being tested. Regardless of the treatment group, all clinical trial participants at RMCC receive care under carefully supervised study protocols.

Patient Consent

Your informed consent is required before participating in a clinical trial. You will never be added to a trial without your knowledge and permission. If you’re interested in joining a clinical trial, a trained research coordinator will review the consent process with you and explain details about the study.

Choosing to participate in a study is always your decision. You can change your mind and withdraw from a clinical trial at any time for any reason. If you decide to leave a study, notify the research team so they can ensure you continue to receive appropriate care.

Safety Oversight

Clinical research trials are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles, and groups of experts at the national and local level approve research studies before they begin. One important group that evaluates clinical trials is the IRB of the research organization implementing the trial. An IRB is made up of doctors, researchers, community leaders, and other members of the community. This board is focused on protecting the safety of the participants by reviewing the protocol to make sure the study is conducted fairly and that participants are well-informed of their rights during the study.

What to Expect When Participating in a Cancer Research Trial at RMCC

RMCC offers clinical trial opportunities for many different types of cancer. Your oncologist will discuss the option of participating in a trial when reviewing your personalized treatment plan options. If you are interested, the doctor will identify studies that fit your type of cancer, stage, and previous treatments (if any).

The RMCC research coordinator located at the cancer center will then conduct assessments or testing to ensure you fit the study criteria. If you are a good fit for the clinical trial, the coordinator will go over the informed consent process, provide study details, and answer any questions.

Most clinical studies offered through RMCC are conducted at your local cancer center. Your oncologist will oversee your treatment, evaluate how you're responding, and adjust your care as needed.

If your cancer is not positively responding to the treatment, your doctor will monitor your response closely and determine whether continuing the study is appropriate. Keep in mind, your oncologist will discuss whether remaining on the study is appropriate based on how your cancer responds. At all times, your individual health and wellbeing are our top priority.

Clinical Trials FAQs

Your oncologist may recommend a clinical trial if it matches your diagnosis, stage of cancer, previous treatments, and overall health. Many patients are surprised to learn that clinical trials aren't just a last option, they're often available as part of an initial treatment plan.

If you participate in a clinical trial at RMCC, you will always receive carefully supervised cancer care. Every clinical trial undergoes extensive scientific and ethical review before enrolling participants, and investigational therapies are evaluated for safety before they are studied in people. Throughout the study, your care team closely monitors your health and response to treatment.

Participating in a clinical trial does not usually increase the cost of your care. Research-related costs, including the study drug and procedures required by the clinical trial, are generally covered by the study sponsor. Routine care costs — the care you would receive whether or not you participate in a clinical trial — are billed to you or your insurance. Before you enroll, your care team will review any potential costs with you.

No. Being offered a clinical trial does not necessarily mean you've run out of treatment options. Many people who participate in a clinical trial still have standard cancer treatments available. Your oncologist may recommend a clinical trial because they believe it could be an appropriate option based on your diagnosis, stage of cancer, previous treatments, and overall treatment goals. For some patients whose cancer has not responded to FDA-approved therapies, a clinical trial may also provide access to promising new treatments that would not otherwise be available.

Yes. Participating in a clinical trial is always your choice. You may decide to leave a clinical trial at any time, even after signing the informed consent form or beginning treatment. If you choose to withdraw, your RMCC care team will discuss your next treatment options and help ensure your care continues safely.

After your participation in a clinical trial, your care does not stop. Your RMCC care team will discuss the next steps in your survivorship plan and continue to monitor your health. Depending on the study, the research team may also follow up with you for months or even years to better understand the long-term safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Information collected from all study participants helps researchers evaluate new therapies and may contribute to future FDA approvals, improved treatment options, and better outcomes for people with cancer.

Ask your care team today if a clinical trial is right for you.

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Clinical Trials