Clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health and health care.

They can help answer scientific questions and find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. Many of today's treatments for cancer are based on the results of past clinical trials. Because of progress made through clinical trials, many people treated for cancer now live longer, and some are even cured from their disease.

Patients who are interested in joining a research study, or who would like to see if there are any ongoing trials that might be appropriate for their condition, can talk to their doctor or nurse, or call the Clinical Trials Office directly at 617.638.8265 to speak with research nurses and assistants.

Clinical Trials

The Clinical Trials Office of the Cancer Research Center coordinates BMC’s participation in several national cancer cooperative trials, directed not only at new therapies but also at prevention, education, and screening for early detection. A key component is the team’s active participation in the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), a national clinical trials cooperative established with National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding. BMC is the only full-member institution in New England, and is also a member of NSBBP (National Surgical Breast and Bowel program). Participation in SWOG and NSBBP clinical trials affords access to many investigational drugs and protocols sponsored by the NCI that would be unavailable otherwise. In addition, the team comprises the principal investigators for a series of clinical trials at Boston Medical Center.

Learn more about ongoing trials. Physicians who are interested in referring a patient for possible inclusion in one of these trials, should contact the Clinical Trials Office directly at 617.638.8265.

Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program

The Hematology and Oncology fellowship program at Boston Medical Center is a combined teaching program with the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the Boston Veterans Administration Medical Center. The fellowship is an ACGME accredited three year program, and offers three separate tracks: Hematology and Oncology; Geriatric Oncology (with fourth year Hematology option); and Hematology research training. For more information, click here.