A clinical trial is a research study that involves people. It is usually the last in a series of steps leading to widespread approval of a new drug or treatment method. After observing a successful response in the lab, researchers write an outline of how the same process could be repeated in humans. This outline, called a protocol, is the first step in developing a clinical research trial. Medical centers with strong research components are able to offer patients the newest treatments as soon as they become available.
Clinical trials expand patients' options for medical care.
Mayo's GCRC is one of 78 clinical research centers in the United States. Mayo's GCRC often enlists the help of healthy volunteers, as well as patients with a certain medical condition. Mayo's program is highly regarded both for the quality and diversity of its studies and for the number of patients it involves. Approximately 150 research studies are active at the GCRC each year. Studies of diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, cancer, sleep disorders and many other diseases and conditions involve more than 5,000 patients annually.