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Research & Clinical Trials

Mills-Peninsula participates in clinical trial research with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and pharmaceutical companies. This allows our patients to enroll in a variety of prevention and treatment studies leading to the most current treatment options.

Understanding Research & Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that use human volunteers in an attempt to better diagnose, treat and prevent diseases. These trials are efficient ways for health professionals to decide how to safely and effectively treat diseases such as cancer.

Trials are broken up into four phases:

Phase I -- studies decide if the new treatment is safe.

Phase II -- studies determine if the new treatment works.

Phase III -- test the new treatment against current standard treatment

Phase IV -- determine if there are better ways to use certain treatments.

The majority of the clinical trials at the Cancer Center are Phase II or Phase III studies.

Deciding to take part in a clinical trial may be a difficult decision. Make sure to educate yourself fully before participating in a clinical trial.

Not everyone is eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Criteria for each study varies and may include factors such as age, type and stage of disease and previous medical history.

Benefits of clinical trials include:

Access to new treatment before it is widely available

Regular and careful attention from a qualified research team

The chance to possibly help others who have the same condition in the future

Risks may include the following:

New drugs or procedures are not always better than the traditional approach

Inconveniences such as additional testing or doctor’s visits

Unknown side effects

For general information on cancer clinical trials, visit the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute.

Research to Improve Treatment & Detection

Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis Study – The Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center is the only location in the Bay Area and one of only four in California chosen to participate in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP) using helical CT scanning. The study provides annual CT screenings and follow-up. Participants must be age 55+ and have smoked 30-pack years. (30-pack years means smoking one pack per day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years or any equivalent.) Read the flyer

For information on current Mills-Peninsula clinical trials, visit the Robert C. Siegel Library at Mills Health Center (100 S. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401) or contact Eddie Paz, Cancer Research Coordinator at 650-696-4487. Email Eddie Paz at PazE@sutterhealth.org