Research at CancerCare of Maine
Research is a vital aspect of the CancerCare program. Active research is integral to excellence in cancer care. Moreover, it creates opportunities for patients to take part in important and innovative nationwide cancer studies, and gives patients early access to new cancer-fighting therapies while staying close to home. Our physicians participate with nationally recognized research programs such as the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) as well as industry trials. Before talking with your physician, if you want to learn more about the importance of participating in a clinical trial you’ll find information at NCI’s website - and at the American Cancer Society’s website. If you’d like to learn more about clinical research in general, click here.
Our physicians work closely with CancerCare’s Clinical Research team – specially trained nurses and research associates. In preparation for each new patient visit our Clinical Research staff reviews all available protocols. They then advise the physician of any that might be appropriate along with the eligibility criteria. If you are offered the opportunity to participate and you are interested, your physician will invite one of our Research Team members to meet with you, review your responsibility as a participant and our obligations to you. After complete discussion, you will be asked to sign consent. If you’re interested in learning more about what is available for you, please talk with your physician or call our research staff at 207-973-4274 or toll free at 1-888-987-3005.
If you are a provider interested in learning more about your patient’s potential eligibility for a prevention or treatment trial, please call us at 207-973-4274 or toll free at 1-888-987-3005. We welcome calls from physicians regarding current protocols and partnering in bringing additional clinical trials to the region.
Currently CancerCare’s Clinical Research staff is actively working in collaboration with the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health in the development of a tissue bank funded by grant from the Department of Defense. It will be utilized by researchers looking for answers to the most basic questions surrounding cancer – how does it start, why is one person diagnosed and not another in the same family, how can we treat it effectively. The project is very exciting for both the region and the state, for more information go to the Institute’s website.