Types of Clinical Research Trials
When many people hear the term cancer research, they think only of new drug development. In reality, clinical research spans the full spectrum of care, from prevention and early detection to treatment, supportive care, and survivorship.
Types of Clinical Trials
Understanding Clinical Trial Phases
Patient Safety and Participation
Safety is the top priority through every phase in every clinical trial. All studies follow strict ethical and regulatory standards, and participation is always voluntary. Patients may withdraw at any time and are supported by our dedicated research team through every stage of the process.
Hearing from Patients Who Chose Research
For many patients, deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial comes with questions, concerns, and hope. The stories below share firsthand experiences from individuals who took part in clinical research at Illinois CancerCare, supported by their care teams and guided by their own values. These voices highlight the personal side of research and the importance of feeling informed, supported, and never alone.
Kelly Crawford-Jones
I feel incredibly lucky to have been accepted into a clinical research trial following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2018. I received great treatment under the care of Dr. Le-Lindqwister. Participating in research not only filled me with hope, but it also gave hope to thousands of other survivors as well.
Barbara Pittard
As a new Breast Cancer Survivor, I am most thankful for the ‘Research Heroes’ that came before me. Their willingness to participate in research contributed to the ongoing improvement of treatments over the years. That was my motivation to enter the research program and take part in a clinical trial! The research study correlated well with my physician’s treatment plan and resulted in very few additional requirements. Thank you for the opportunity to help make a difference for future breast cancer patients.
Dr. Edward Colloton
There is no doubt that I benefited from being part of this research study. It was comforting to know that we had experts from not only all over the country, but even from overseas who were very involved in my care.
Support Through Every Step
Illinois CancerCare offers supportive services to help patients and families navigate the emotional aspects of cancer care and clinical research. These services are available at no cost and are designed to support patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Nutrition Support During Research & Clinical Trials
Our oncology nutrition services support patients throughout cancer treatment and clinical research. One‑on‑one guidance helps patients maintain strength, manage side effects, and support healing during and after treatment.
For more information on nutritional support services or to schedule an appointment with our dietician, please visit here.
Counseling Services
We provide confidential counseling services at no cost to patients with a cancer diagnosis, as well as their caregivers and family members. Counseling offers emotional support and guidance throughout cancer care and participation in clinical research.
Formats Available:
For more information about our counseling services, please visit here.
SurvivorCare Program
Cancer SurvivorCare is designed for patients who have completed active cancer treatment and are transitioning into the next phase of their cancer journey. The program focuses on helping survivors navigate life after treatment with informed, individualized care that continues long after treatment ends.
Survivors continue to receive the same personalized, high‑quality care they experienced during treatment. Cancer SurvivorCare connects patients with clinical experts who specialize in post‑treatment concerns and long‑term health and well‑being.
For more information about our SurvivorCare program, please visit here.
Financial & Insurance Counselors
Insurance coverage for care related to clinical research can vary. Some insurance plans may not cover certain services associated with participation in a research study, and Medicare has specific guidelines regarding which types of studies are eligible for reimbursement.
Our Financial Counselors are available to help patients understand their coverage and navigate these details. We strongly encourage patients to work with our Financial Counselors to review insurance benefits or communicate with insurance providers about research participation, rather than contacting insurance carriers on their own.
Our goal is to help patients feel informed and supported when considering a clinical trial.
For Referring Providers
To refer a patient to Illinois CancerCare, please submit your referral using the New Patient Referral form.
View our list of ongoing clinical trials here.
To contact our Research Team with questions about active trials or patient eligibility, please call (309) 243-3605.