William S. Gibbons Cancer Research Institute
340 Kennestone Hospital Blvd. Suite 200
Marietta, GA  30060

The William S. Gibbons Cancer Research Institute of Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, PC (NGOC) is a community practice-based clinical trials program serving a primary service area of five counties in Northwest Georgia. Since 1990, the program has grown through the dedication of the physician investigators of the NGOC practice to provide patient access to clinical trials in cancer treatment and support. Services are provided at private physician offices, coordinated by a dedicated staff of clinical research associates. All NGOC physicians participate as clinical investigators for the program.

What is clinical research?
Clinical research studies involve patients working with physicians to find ways to improve cancer care.  Clinical studies, also called clinical trials, seek to find safe and effective approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They also consider screening advancements and quality of life issues.

How are studies developed?
Researchers, working in the lab, identify a new drug, or combination of drugs, that hold promise.  Research organizations or individuals who are seeking better treatment options may elect to sponsor a study.  A principal investigator oversees the plan for the study, called a protocol.  The protocol includes:

  • The reason for doing the study
  • How many people will be in the study
  • Who is eligible to participate
  • What study drugs and doses will be used
  • What medical tests will be necessary and how often they are done

Clinical Trial Cooperative Groups
The William S. Gibbons Cancer Research Institute of Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers, PC is affiliated with the Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network (ACORN), Translational Oncology Research International (TORI), Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (GA-CORE), Atlanta Regional Community Clinical Oncology Program (ARCCOP), and the Minnie Pearl Research Network (MPRN). ACORN is a unique clinical trials network utilizing new technology to accelerate the implementation and completion of clinical trials, industry sponsored and investigator sponsored. The ARCCOP provides access to trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), North Central Cancer Trials Group (NCCTG) and the NCI Clinical Trials Support Unit (CTSU). The Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network provides access to Investigator-initiated trials sponsored by the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. Affiliation with TORI and GA-CORE provides access to academic investigator-sponsored trials from UCLA and Emory University, as well as additional industry-sponsored trials.

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Participation in Clinical Trials

Active Clinical Trials at NGOC

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William S. Gibbons Cancer Research Institute