Article written by Joseph Potz, M.D.
Stay Close to Home with Community-Based Cancer Clinical Trials at Alliance
At Alliance Cancer Specialists, we are committed to expanding access to clinical research by bringing cutting-edge cancer trials directly into the community setting. While many patients traditionally associate clinical trials with large academic centers, our program makes it possible for patients to access innovative therapies without the burden of extensive travel, allowing them to remain close to family, support systems, and trusted providers.
What Are The Benefits?
Through clinical trials, eligible patients have the opportunity to receive promising new treatments years before they become widely available. Approximately 60% of all new cancer drugs approved by the FDA were first studied in clinical trials. Participation today is directly linked to the therapies that will define the future of cancer care. Despite these benefits, enrollment remains critically low: only about 3–5% of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. This shortage of participants has real consequences — more than half of clinical trials are delayed or cancelled altogether due to insufficient enrollment, significantly slowing the progress of advancing cancer treatments. Patients who do participate often experience improved outcomes, benefitting from more frequent imaging, regular office visits, and closer monitoring. Trials may also offer financial support, helping to ease the often-significant costs associated with cancer care.
A common misconception is that trial participants are exposed to unproven or unsafe treatments, noted as the ‘guinea pig misconception’. This is far from the truth. All therapies offered through clinical trials at Alliance reflect the highest standards of care. Patients either receive standard-of-care therapies or promising new options that have already demonstrated safety in earlier phases. Patient safety remains our highest priority at every stage. By offering clinical trials within the community, we broaden access to tomorrow’s therapies today, delivering leading-edge cancer care in a setting that feels personal, accessible, and familiar.
We recognize that clinical research can be administratively complex, with extensive paperwork, frequent revisions, and strict protocol adherence. However, at Alliance, our experienced team is dedicated to managing these requirements efficiently, ensuring that patients and referring physicians are fully supported throughout the process. We work closely with each participant to make trial enrollment and participation as smooth and stress-free as possible.
When Kim was diagnosed with stage 4 serous carcinoma ovarian cancer on August 9, 2022, she was hospitalized at St. Mary’s—an overwhelming start to a life-changing journey. But from the very beginning, one constant stood out: her connection with Dr. Krista Isaac. “She’s been more than just my oncologist,” Kim said. “She’s been a constant source of comfort, someone who listens to my fears, answers every question, and truly looks out for me.”