Research Around the Corner

NCH's clinical trials today may help shape medicine tomorrow

Today's treatments are the result of yesterday's research. Clinical trials help researchers determine the safety and effectiveness of emerging medicines, treatments and technologies.

And they're happening right here at Northwest Community Healthcare. For more than 30 years, doctors and clinicians have been conducting clinical trials and research studies at NCH. In fact, NCH and the NCH Medical Group clinical research department conduct dozens of trials throughout the year.

If you thought medical research happens only at big academic centers, think again. Here's what we're up to:

Clinical Trials Close to Home

Clinical trials are studies that involve patients who volunteer to participate in medical care that is not widely available. While there are risks, participants gain access to emerging medical treatments while contributing to medical research and possible breakthroughs in treatment of disease. Depending on the trial, the study might even pay for related medical expenses, such as labs, imaging and prescriptions.

Many clinical trials are conducted at NCH, creating research opportunities right here in Arlington Heights in areas that include cancer, cardiology, neurology and stroke care. Northwest Suburban patients can remain close to home and have access to progressive interventions—interventions that may one day be the standard of care.

Current Clinical Trials

These clinical trials are currently under way and accepting new patients who meet predefined criteria at NCH:

• Studies examining eight different types of cancer, including a study on cryoablation (freezing) therapy to treat breast cancer and a study on the effectiveness of various radiation therapies in the treatment of prostate cancer.
• A study to assess a prevention program for its potential to reduce depression and negative health outcomes in teens with Type I diabetes.
• Neurointerventional studies assessing stents, catheters and other devices for optimal treatment of aneurysm, stroke and atherosclerotic disease.
• Additional studies in pediatrics and orthopedics.

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