TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The next generation of medicines and treatments are becoming a reality through research trials.
Twenty years ago, Stormont Vale established Cotton O’Neill Clinical Research, determined to be part of the process.
“The world of clinical research is very unique,” current director Carmen Burns RN said when explaining why the move was necessary to increase participation in Stormont’s clinical trials.
Cotton O’Neil Clinical Research began 20 years ago with three employees and some research. Burns said 30 employees currently manage about 100 active clinical trials.
“We’re currently doing research in the areas of digestive health, cancer, pediatrics, diabetes and endocrinology, or internal medicine,” Burns said.
The idea is to coordinate the participation of dispersed individual physicians in Stormont Vail Health System’s clinical trials and bring them together in one place with dedicated support. Our staff are specially trained to meet your specific requirements.
“Thousands of data points are being collected and provided to sponsors on the data management side, and it’s a huge undertaking,” Burns said.
Program manager Amy Christian, RN, says people have gone from viewing clinical trials as “guinea pigs” to now feeling like they’re contributing to the greater good. She said people are also aware that patients in clinical trials are receiving standard care, and some are receiving standard care.
“Patients[in clinical trials]will be closely monitored at all times. They will receive many hours of one-on-one treatment and care throughout the clinical trial. They will receive additional laboratory tests, procedures, and Depending on the situation, he will undergo a scan,” Christian said.
Of the estimated 500 clinical trials on the books over the past 20 years, about 100 have led to FDA-approved treatments, Burns and Christian said.
“A big part of what we do is about hope,” Christian said, especially in the areas of cancer treatment and memory care.
“For the first time, we have a treatment option proven to actually slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and we are very pleased to have participated in the many trials that have led to this opportunity,” she said.
All costs for trial participants will be covered. They will not pay for any treatments or tests performed, and your insurance will not be billed.
See currently available trials and if you are eligible, call 785-368-0744 or visit stormontvail.org/health-care-services/clinical-research/.
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