Cancer Research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center

Search for Clinical Trials

The University of Colorado Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Rocky Mountain Region, and one of just 39 in the country. Nearly 400 physicians and scientists are working to eradicate cancer.

University of Colorado Cancer Center researchers may:

• Work in a laboratory to better understand how cancer works in the body, to design new drugs and therapies and test them in lab and animal studies
• Conduct clinical research studies-testing the newest drugs and therapies in people or define the next standard of care
• Do population-based research to look at behaviors and lifestyle decisions that may play a role in cancer
• Educate physicians and other health care workers in the state-of-the-art knowledge of particular rare and not-so-rare cancers.
• Care for patients afflicted with cancer, of all ages, whether on a clinical trial, or just receiving the best standard care possible.
• Do all of the above

Because we are part of the NCI's most elite group of cancer centers, we offer most of the same cancer studies and therapies-in-testing found in other major centers. Also, because we are a comprehensive cancer center, we offer all phases of cancer studies. We have one of the best Phase I trial programs in the world-the studies of the newest, most cutting-edge treatments available.

Learn more about UCCC's Research and Education Enterprise

Learn more about research underway in specific types of cancer

Clinical Research Trials

Call the University of Colorado Cancer Center Clinical Trials Hotline: (720) 848-0018

According to the National Cancer Institute, clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They are the final step in a long process that begins with research in a lab and animal testing. Many treatments used today are the result of past clinical trials.

In cancer research, clinical trials are designed to answer questions about new ways to:

• Treat cancer
• Find and diagnose cancer
• Prevent cancer
• Manage symptoms of cancer or its treatment
• Improve survivorship

Research studies are designed to answer questions about new treatments or new ways of using an old treatment and how well they work. These trials test many types of treatments, such as new:

• Drugs or vaccines
• Ways to do surgery or give radiation therapy
• Combinations of treatments

Research trials follow very strict rules, called protocols, that are overseen by a governing scientific and ethical body. The protocol will determine who can participate in the trial, and help make sure the trial is safe and has accurate and meaningful results.

Clinical Research Trial Phases

Cancer treatments are tested in three to four phases before they become standard treatment.

Questions Answered

Phase I

• How does the new treatment affect the human body?
• How should the new treatment be given?
• What is the safe dose for the new treatment?
• About 15-30 people participate
• UCCC is the only place in the Rocky Mountain region that offers Phase I trials

Phase II

• Does the new treatment affect a certain cancer?
• How does the new treatment affect the human body?
• Fewer than 100 people participate
• UCCC has more Phase II trials than any other center in the region

Phase III

• How does the new treatment compare to the current or standard treatment?
• 100 to thousands of people participate
• Phase IV
• How safe and effective is the new treatment in the long term?
• Several hundred to thousands of people participate

For more information about participating in clinical research trials, please read the NCI online booklet, Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies.