The CTRC Institute for Drug Development's clinical research division is involved in the development and implementation of clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. Jointly with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the CTRC's IDD is one of only 16 institutions in the United States to receive funding from the National Cancer Institute to conduct Phase I clinical trials using new anticancer drugs. The purpose of these trials is to learn more about the new anticancer drugs, which have been extensively studied in the laboratory but are only just beginning to be used to treat human beings. These clinical trials are designed to answer important questions about both the effectiveness and side effects of these agents when they are administered as a treatment for cancer. In the Phase I evaluation of a new anticancer drug, the appropriate dose of the drug is determined.
Physicians also discover if the drug is effective in treating cancer.
In Phase II investigations, drugs are evaluated for their effectiveness in treating specific types of cancer. Phase I and II clinical trials are for patients whose tumors have progressed or recurred in spite of standard treatment programs. Candidates for the drug development program can anticipate a three to four week interval between receiving their last therapy and starting treatment on a Phase I or II clinical trial. At the initial appointment, the patient will undergo a complete physical exam after a review of records. The oncologist will then discuss treatment recommendations and the details of those treatment options.