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 cancer research / clinical trials program primarily serving a five-county area in Northwest Georgia. Since 1990, the Georgia cancer research program has grown through the dedication of our cancer doctors. Acting as clinical investigators, all NGOC cancer doctors offer patients access to cutting edge cancer treatment and support. Services are provided at NGOC?s cancer centers and coordinated by dedicated clinical cancer research associates.
What is clinical research?
Clinical research studies involve patients working with cancer doctors to find ways to improve cancer care. Clinical studies, also called clinical trials, seek to find safe and effective approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They also consider screening advancements and quality of life issues.
How is cancer research studies developed?
Researchers 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.
