Clinical research is done to find out if a new medication is safe and effective. Researchers first develop a new drug in the laboratory. If it looks promising, it is evaluated in people in clinical trials. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find new treatments that work. Patients who agree to participate in clinical research receive the new medication free of charge, are very carefully monitored and often are compensated for their time and travel expenses.
What can I expect if I choose to become involved in a clinical trial?
First you will be carefully screened to make sure that the study drug is appropriate for your health problem and that it would be safe for you. Then the study would be explained to you in detail and a consent form signed.
You are always free to stop participating at any time. A thorough medical history and physical would be done as well as blood work. You would be asked to come back to the office regularly so your response to the medication could be monitored. At the end of the study you would discuss with your doctor what further treatments you may need.
What are the benefits in participating in clinical research?
- To be on a new and hopefully better treatment for your health condition that is not available to the general public
- Regular monitoring of your health
- Most studies provide compensation for your time and travel as well as the free medication and medical care while you are in the study
- You are helping to bring new and better treatments for people who need them
Our current studies:
THE CHARMM STUDY
Our research center is a part of a multi-center study to develop a blood test to find out if a pregnant woman will have a baby with Down syndrome. Right now, invasive tests such as amniocentesis or CVS have to be done to determine if a baby has Down syndrome. Those tests carry a very small risk of miscarriage. This test would be much safer. Women who are 8 to 32 weeks pregnant and who are at a higher risk because of their age, family history, or abnormal screening tests and who are planning to have CVS or amniocentesis are invited to participate. A small amount of blood would be collected prior to the CVS or amniocentesis.
ENDOMETRIOSIS STUDY
A CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY FOR WOMEN NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH CERVICAL INTRAEPITHELIAL NEOPLASIA (CIN; PRE-CANCEROUS CHANGES ON THE CERVIX) GRADE 2 OR 3 DUE TO HIGH-RISK HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) INFECTION
This clinical research study will involve an investigational agent that is designed to help the immune system recognize and destroy the abnormal cells caused by the high-risk HPV infection in the cervix. If the investigational treatment is shown to be safe and effective, it could provide women with another treatment alternative to the surgical procedure that is now being used.
BD SUREPATH PLUS STUDY
The purpose of this study is to compare the results from an experimental diagnostic test with results of the currently used Pap test. Cervical samples will be used to evaluate and determine the accuracy of the new test for the detection of possible cervical cancer.
HIGH RISK HPV STUDY
The purpose of this study is to evaluate an investigational agent in patients who have abnormal cells in their cervix. If untreated, these cells can sometimes lead to the development of cervical cancer in some women. The investigational agent is being studied for treating abnormal cervical cells caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
We will have several new studies starting in the near future so check our website regularly. Many of our studies offer free health evaluations, free treatments and payments for participation.
Please contact our clinical research nurse/ coordinator, Karen Keaton, RN, MPH at 843-449-0803 with any questions about our studies or research center.
LOCATION
Magnolia OB/GYN Research Center is located on the second floor (Suite 203) of Magnolia OB/GYN office at 8203 Nigels Drive in Myrtle Beach, minutes from Grand Strand Medical Center off 82nd Parkway.