Clinical Trials

Overview

Dr. Kaplan and our team of physicians have several decades of combined experience in Hematology/Oncology clinical research, and we are dedicated to providing the latest treatments to our patients to improve their outcomes and quality of life through participation in Clinical Trials. We conduct our Clinical Trials with major Pharmaceutical Companies and Clinical Research Organizations that share our vision to provide the most innovative and effective cancer treatments to our patients. You will never be placed in a clinical trial without your knowledge and permission. All patients participating in clinical trials at Queens Medical Associates sign informed consent documents before a study begins.

Clinical Research Staff

Under the supervision of Dr. Kaplan, the Clinical Research department at Queens Medical Associates is coordinated by Karen Eisenberg, RN, MPS, Clinical Research Associate.  Karen is an accomplished nurse who has over 25 years of combined research experience in Hematology/Oncology, Trauma and Surgical Intensive Care studies. She has coordinated clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health. Karen has co-authored over 30 research publications. She earned her diploma in Nursing in 1973, a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976 and a Masters Degree in Professional Studies in 1977. She is certified by the National Institute of Health in the Protection of Human Subjects in Research and serves as a member of two oversight committees for the SELECT Study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.

What is Clinical Research?

Improvements in medical care result from research.  A clinical trial is a carefully controlled evaluation of a medical test, drug or treatment.  The trial must meet government guidelines and scientific requirements for safety of patients and have acceptable side effects.  The researchers must follow strict guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Institutional Review Boards (IRB, ethics committee),  who oversee clinical trials assuring participants rights are protected and that the studies are scientifically sound without any bias.

How do I decide to participate?

The decision to participate in a clinical trial is made by each person who decides to participate after reviewing, discussing and then signing an informed consent document for a specified clinical trial.

What happens if I agree to participate in a Clinical Trial?

A study team member will thoroughly review an informed consent document approved by an ethics committee with each potential participant. The informed consent document describes all aspects of the clinical trial including an explanation of why the study is being conducted, detailed information of what will happen if you join the study, risks and benefits, other available treatments should you decide not to participate in the trial, information about how to withdraw from the trial at any time, explanation of how your personal information is protected and contact information for study personnel.   There must be enough information to allow a potential participant to make an informed choice whether or not to participate in the study.

Summary

We provide our patients with approved translated informed consent documents in five different languages. The Staff at Queens Medical Associates speaks six different languages to meet the needs of our patients. Our study participants along with all of our patients continually inspire us, as we work to eliminate disease.