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The JFK Comprehensive Cancer Institute has become an Affiliate Member of Cleveland Clinic Foundation for the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Being a participating member of the RTOG is both a great honor and responsibility. This membership will provide our patients access to national clinical trials not available via any other source, and it is hoped this will enhance the opportunity for our Cancer Institute to provide our patients the very best in clinical research opportunities.

Current open RTOG trials:

• RTOG 1005: Randomizing patients with stage 0. I, II breast cancer to standard fractionated RT (6 1/2 weeks) vs. hypofractionated RT (3 weeks)
• RTOG 0631: Determine whether SBRT (single dose of 16 Gy) improves pain control as compared to conventional external beam radiotherapy (single dose of 8 Gy) for localized vertebral metastases.

Clinical trials (or studies) involve human volunteers to help conduct research to answer specific health questions. All trials are carefully conducted, and are the fastest and safest way to find treatments and new ways to improve health.

Clinical trials are conducted according to a plan called a protocol. A protocol describes what types of patients may enter the study; schedules of tests and procedures, drugs/devices, dosages, and length of study, as well as outcomes to be measured. Each person participating in the study must agree to follow the protocol.

It is always your choice to participate in clinical trials, without affecting your standard care. You are also allowed to change your mind at any time, once you are involved a study. The trials that we participate in predominantly require a hospitalization for the disease being studied; during your hospital stay, your physician determines if there is a study that would enhance your care.

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