Blue Ridge Cancer Care launches Phase I clinical trials

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Blue Ridge Cancer Care has announced the launch of Phase I clinical trials in southwest Virginia.

BRCC, which is the largest and most active clinical cancer research program in the region, conducts clinical trials through US Oncology Research, one of the largest community-based cancer research programs in the country that has played a role in more than 95 FDA-approved cancer therapies.

Phase I clinical trials help determine the best way to administer new treatments, as well as optimal doses, according to BRCC. The trials are used to find better methods of treating, diagnosing, screening and preventing cancer. BRCC’s new Phase I unit will have a private infusion area, a laboratory for specimen processing and a specially trained team. It is the only Phase 1 unit in Southwest Virginia.

“BRCC provides access to resources typically found only in major academic medical centers and large hospital systems,” said Jerry Goldschmidt, M.D., medical oncologist. “We offer compassionate, high-quality care with the personal touch you would expect to find from your community physician. Now we’re set to enroll patients in Phase I trials, expanding on our already substantial clinical research. We’re dedicated to providing our patients with cutting-edge cancer treatment, close to home.”

BRCC currently has a Phase 1 trial focusing on non0small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. A number of other trials will open by the end of 2020.

The center is looking to enroll patients in these trials. Anyone who has been recently diagnosed with, or suspects they may have, cancer can visit their website to request an appointment.