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Clinical Trials

Mission & Values

Clinical Research has been at the heart of our mission from the very beginning. At Illinois CancerCare, it represents opportunity, access, and hope. Here, patients play an essential role in shaping the future of cancer care. Through today’s clinical trials and survivorship studies, we advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer for generations to come.

Our award-winning research program is a direct reflection of this mission. Having enrolled over 14,000 patients in our carefully curated, world-class studies, our team of physicians and researchers are committed to providing their communities with the most promising advances in cancer therapy and supportive care.

Research by the Numbers

Years of research experience

Of new cancer patients screen for trials

Active clinical trials available at any given time

Patients enrolled in trials since 1978

Average number of patients enrolled in cancer clinical trials yearly

Research Partnerships

At Illinois CancerCare, we understand that today’s lifesaving therapies exist because of decades of innovative, patient‑focused research. Since 1977, our mission has remained constant: to elevate the standard of care and advance cancer treatment through cutting‑edge clinical research. It’s truly at the core of who we are.

In 2014, that commitment deepened when Illinois CancerCare became a founding member of the Heartland Cancer Research NCI Community Oncology Research Program (Heartland NCORP), helping bring state‑of‑the‑art clinical trials directly to community practices across the Midwest.

Alongside our long‑standing NCORP partnership, we have expanded our capabilities through a collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), one of the world’s leading community‑based oncology research organizations. Together, these partnerships significantly broaden our research portfolio, allowing us to offer an exceptional range of emerging clinical trials. From early‑phase pharmaceutical studies to NCI‑funded symptom management and cancer care delivery research, our patient-focused collaborations help redefine what’s possible in cancer care.

Cutting-Edge Clinical Trial Access

Awards & Publications

Publications

Maintaining our commitment to exceptional patient care begins with research. More than 14,000 patients have been enrolled in clinical trials at Illinois CancerCare, with the majority of this work conducted through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). Participation in NCORP allows us to deliver world‑class research and clinical trials close to home, ensuring patients have access to cutting‑edge therapies without leaving their community.

Publishing research findings is a critical responsibility of physicians and investigators. These publications help advance scientific knowledge, contribute to the development of new drugs and therapies, and support ongoing efforts to improve cancer care and outcomes.

View a complete list of Heartland NCORP publications here. This list includes publications from Illinois CancerCare physicians (bolded) and other Heartland NCORP investigators, spanning April 2019 through December 2025.

Awards

  • Top 10 NCI Community Oncology Research Program (Heartland NCORP)
  • 2019-2025 NCI Platinum, Gold, & Silver Awards for Clinical Trial Accrual
  • 2025 NCI Platinum Certificate of Excellence (2024-2025 – Heartland NCORP)
  • 2024 NCI Platinum Certificate of Excellence (2023-2024 – Heartland NCORP)
  • 2023 NCI Platinum Certificate of Excellence (2022-2023 – Heartland NCORP)
  • 2022 NCI Platinum Certificate of Excellence (2022-2023 – Heartland NCORP)
  • 2019 NCI Platinum Certificate of Excellence for Exceptional Achievement in Patient Enrollments in NCI Treatment and Cancer Control Trials
  • 2019-2020 NCI Certificate of Excellence for Exceptional Patient Enrollment for Cancer Care Deliver Trials
  • 2007 ASCO Clinical Trials Participation Award

Stories of Success

Our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Hear firsthand how participating in a clinical trial at Illinois CancerCare made a difference in their journey — offering hope, healing, and the possibility of a brighter future. Hear from Illinois CancerCare patients about their experience on a clinical research trial.

View Testimonials

Clinical Trials 101

Clinical trials offer access to innovative treatments and play a vital role in advancing cancer care — for you and future patients.

Learn About Trials

Active Clinical Trials

Access cutting-edge cancer treatments close to home through clinical trials backed by decades of research and 14,000+ participants.

Search by Trial

Research Resource Center

Learn about types of clinical trials, supportive services that we provide, and hear from Illinois CancerCare patients about their experience.

View Our Resources

Research in the News

Stay informed with the latest updates and breakthroughs from our clinical research program.

Read Latest News

Research Leadership Team

Meet the expert team leading our groundbreaking cancer research efforts.

Meet Our Team

Ask a Researcher

Have a question about our research? Submit it and hear directly from our team.

Contact Us Today

Financial Conflict of Interest Disclosures & Policy

Learn how Illinois CancerCare handles financial conflicts of interest for all key research personnel.

Read Our Policy

Understanding Clinical Research

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Trials

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out to our team if you’d like more information about clinical trials or need guidance on where to start.

Contact Us

A clinical trial is a research study in which people volunteer to help evaluate new approaches to cancer care. Trials may study new treatments, new ways to use existing treatments, or improved methods for prevention, diagnosis, symptom management, and survivorship.

All clinical trials follow strict safety and ethical guidelines and are closely monitored by national regulatory organizations.

Clinical trials help advance cancer care for current and future patients. Participation may provide access to new treatment options while contributing to research that improves outcomes and quality of life.

Participation is always voluntary, and your care team will help you decide whether a trial may be right for you.

No. This is a common misconception!

Many trials are available at the time of an initial cancer diagnosis, while others are desifned for later stages of care. Clinical trials may be considered at many points during a patient’s cancer journey.

In some clinical trials, participants are assigned to different treatment groups by chance. This process, called randomization, helps researchers fairly compare treatments.

All treatment options in a randomized trial are carefully selected and provided with the same high standard of care. Studies are regularly reviewed, and trials may stop early if one treatment is shown to be clearly more effective.

A placebo is an inactive substance that looks like the study medication but does not contain active treatment. Placebos help researchers determine whether the study treatment works better than standard care or no additional treatment.

If a clinical trial includes a placebo, this will always be explained to you in advance during the informed consent process, before you decide whether to participate.

As with standard medical care, there may be risks associated with participating in a clinical trial. These risks vary depending on the study.

Before enrolling, your physician and research team will review the potential risks and benefits with you during the informed consent process and provide written information for your review.

Coverage varies depending on the study and your insurance plan. Some costs may be covered by the trial sponsor, while others—such as routine medical care—may be billed to insurance.

Illinois CancerCare Financial Counselors are available to help review coverage and answer questions. We recommend speaking with them rather than contacting your insurance provider directly.

Yes. Your primary oncology team at Illinois CancerCare will continue to manage your care. You will also be supported by a research team that works closely with your physician to ensure coordinated care.

Coverage varies depending on the study and your insurance plan. Some costs may be covered by the trial sponsor, while others—such as routine medical care—may be billed to insurance.

A full list of current clinical trials at Illinois CancerCare is available here.