The role of the nurse in clinical cancer research

Although advances have been made in the treatment of a number of cancers, no standard effective treatment exists for many forms of the disease. To answer remaining questions about cancer therapy, patients are encouraged to enter clinical trials that test new therapies or combinations of therapies. These trials take place not only in cancer centers and large university hospitals, but also in community hospitals and private offices throughout the country. The nurse can be an active participant in these trials as both the patient advocate and the liaison between the patient and the physician or the nurse researcher responsible for conducting the clinical investigation. Each protocol contains specific guidelines that include eligibility requirements, detailed treatment regimens, patient evaluations, and data collection schedules. The regulatory issues or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, informed consent, toxicity reporting, and maintenance of accurate records for investigational drug accountability are also part of the research process. A nurse who is well informed on these issues is an asset to the successful completion of any clinical study.