Investigational Therapeutics
The Phase I program aims to bring novel cutting-edge therapeutics and technologies to patients who seek treatment at NVCI. Since the field of novel cancer therapies is primarily driven by better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for cancer initiation and progression, this program seeks to incorporate this understanding into clinical trials. In order to achieve this objective, the Phase I program seeks to works closely with the Drug Development program at the NVCI and also with other preclinical programs at pharmaceutical industries and other academic institutions around the world. Early phase clinical trials provide an opportunity for cancer patients to get access to novel treatments that are not ordinarily available in the community. In addition, these trials also lay the groundwork for better understanding of mechanisms by which novel therapies interact with the human body and the cancer cells. In order to achieve these goals and to ensure safety of patients who are enrolled in early phase clinical trials, patients are monitored closely by physicians and other health care providers. In addition, various innovative tests e.g. special imaging techniques, molecular biology-based tests on blood and tumors of patients are incorporated into these trials.
The Phase I (Investigational Therapeutics) program is headed by Mark H. Kirschbaum, M.D.
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