Today, Friday May 20th is International Clinical Trial Day.
On this day in 1747, Dr James Lind started the first clinical trial ever, of the use of citrus fruits to eliminate scurvy – it was much easier back then.
Thank you to our patients who participate in clinical research each year. Clinical trials play a very important role in improving the survival and quality of life of patients with many types of cancer. By participating in a research study or cancer clinical trial, individuals touched by cancer have an opportunity to help in the fight against cancer by making progress towards new and better treatments.
“The Virginia Cancer Specialists program is the largest oncology research program in the Mid-Atlantic region, and it’s only growing. Today we have over 60 people in the our research program, from a small program over 25 years ago with 3 people and a dream and has grown to where it is today.” Says Alex Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, Co-Director, VCS Research Institute Director, Thoracic and Phase I Program. “Our group has participated the development of many drugs that have been FDA approved and made real differences for patients, as well as those who travel far distances for better options, or options when they have none. Research is an integral part of how we care for patients with Cancer, and everyone at VCS, even if they don’t directly participate in the research program, plays a role as its integrated into the fabric of our practice.”
For more information see here: https://www.clinicaltrialsday.org/
