Oregon Urology Institute

Clinical Trials

Better treatment begins with better research.

Oregon Urology Institute has a full-time research department, giving our physicians and specialists first-hand information of how medications and treatments help patients, as well as up-to-the-minute data they can use to dramatically enhance success rates.

What is a clinical trial?

Before a new medication or device is made available to the public, it must undergo a clinical trial. These strictly monitored and carefully evaluated trials test the therapy's safety and efficacy.

Clinical research consists of four phases:

Phase I trials involve small groups of people, as few as a dozen, but not more than 50 or 60. These trials help determine the best way to give a new treatment and the most appropriate dosage, as well as establish whether a treatment has any potentially harmful side effects.

Phase II trials are conducted to evaluate whether a new treatment has a positive effect on the intended disease or condition, and usually involve fewer than 100 participants.

Phase III trials compare a new treatment to the best existing treatment for a particular disease or condition. These trials can be quite large, involving hundreds or even thousands of participants.

Phase IV trials are usually conducted after a drug has already been through the full trial process and has already been approved by the FDA for prescription use. Often the purpose of Phase IV trials is to compare two or more existing treatments.

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are important for two reasons:

First, patients who take part may be helped by the treatment they receive. Trial participants have access to the latest drugs, procedures and other types of treatment. Although there is no guarantee that a new treatment will be effective, many trial participants conclude that the possible benefits outweigh the risks.

Second, clinical trials contribute to the overall knowledge and progress of the disease or condition being studied.

Where are clinical trials conducted?

Many people may believe that clinical trials are only available at large teaching hospitals or in major cities. This is not the case. In fact, thousands of physicians throughout the United States and Canada take part in clinical trials. Depending on the type of treatment, patients enrolled in clinical trials receive care at teaching hospitals, outpatient clinics, community hospitals, and physicians' offices.

Who sponsors clinical trials?

The pharmaceutical industry sponsors clinical trials that are conducted by thousands of physicians and investigators at sites throughout the United States.

Why should I volunteer for a clinical trial?

As a volunteer, you will:

Receive all medical visits related to the study at no cost. This includes physical examinations, doctor visits, study medications, and laboratory tests.

Be closely monitored by the study coordinator and physician.

Have the opportunity to receive a new medication to treat your condition.

Learn more about your disease or condition.

Learn about the latest advances in treating your condition.

Contribute to the advancement of medical care.