Lung Cancer Clinical Trials and Research

At Virginia Oncology Associates, our approach to treating lung cancer starts with personalized care. This is why our cancer specialists are committed to exploring new treatment therapies and innovative diagnostic tools for creating the best treatment for you, which may include a lung cancer clinical trial.

Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer

Clinical trials are a big part of improving treatments against both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The goal of cancer researchers is to learn whether or not new lung cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment protocols currently available to patients. Clinical trials are what help them gather this information.

Many clinical trials focus on new treatment options or different combinations of existing treatments and therapies, including drug therapies (which may or may not be chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and others) that show promise for improving survivorship. The primary purpose of cancer research is to help determine if there are new and better treatment options for patients based on their type of cancer and its stage. Watch the video below to find out why clinical trials for cancer are important.

Virginia Oncology Associates plays a key role in advancing lung cancer treatment through participation in the MYLUNG clinical research trial. Clinical trials like this one help VOA contribute to improving lung cancer treatment, not just for our patients but for patients across the country. 

Would I Benefit From a Clinical Trial?

For some patients, your oncologist may recommend a clinical trial because they feel it’s the right cancer treatment for you and your diagnosis. It is important to understand, however, that clinical not everyone can participate. Certain guidelines are set in place to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. Criteria are based on factors such as age, gender, previous treatment history, and the stage or types of your lung cancer. Before joining a clinical trial, the participant must qualify for the study. A member of the VOA research team will be able to tell you if you qualify for a particular trial.

While there are possible benefits with clinical trials, there is the possibility of more appointments and tests required as well. If a cancer research trial is suggested for you, feel free to discuss the pros and cons with your oncologist and also with your family or support partner(s). If you are considering a clinical trial for lung cancer, here is some information that may help you understand more about clinical trials. Before making your final decision, be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your cancer care team.

Leading Edge Research, Better Results

Virginia Oncology Associates also participates in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research and one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. It has conducted more than 600 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today.

Participating in clinical trials also allows us to provide valuable access to new investigational cancer agents to people right here in our community. Our patients are able to access state-of-the-art investigational therapies while their cancer care team directs and closely monitors their care. Patients are able to remain at home near family and loved ones.

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials Available at Virginia Oncology Associates

Currently, lung clinical trials are available at select Virginia Oncology Associates locations throughout Hampton Roads and Eastern North Carolina. For more information on participating in these lung cancer trials or if you would like to learn more about our other clinical trials, please find a location near you or consult with your oncologist. A complete list of all of the trials available through VOA can be found on our Available Cancer Research Trials page.