Many of the trials at the Center are conducted with patients who have no hope for cure with standard therapy. These patients courageously volunteer for clinical trials, even though the outcomes are uncertain. Based on the pioneering work done at the Center over the past 25 years, thousands of transplants are conducted annually, saving tens of thousands of lives around the world. These successes are the result of carefully controlled clinical trials. We want to reassure you that the Seattle Times portrayal of the Center is distorted and is misleading.
Patient safety is a top priority.
We welcome open conversation with patients enrolled on clinical trials. Patients and family members are encouraged to ask questions about their treatment options as well as about issues that may be related to the research. Eligibility criteria for a study is very specific and study participants are carefully evaluated before involvement in a study. Study participants are screened and counseled prior to enrollment of a study. The consent process is handled by a study coordinator who is very familiar with the study and its objectives and the maintaining of a safe environment.