May 20 is Clinical Trials Day, an opportunity to celebrate the men and women who conduct ground-breaking research to improve patient experiences and outcomes.
At the Parkview Research Center, we have conducted more than 800 clinical trials since being established in 1993. Today we have about 150 open studies in the areas of oncology, cardiology, neurology and orthopedics, with a staff of more than 65 people assisting our physician investigators to conduct their clinical trials.
The history of the Parkview Research Center
Parkview Hospital, with the cooperation of physicians and hospital staff, established the Stucky Research Center in 1993 to bring the newest technology, procedures and medicines to area patients now, rather than years later when a clinical study ends. The center was named in memory of Parkview's first medical director, Jerry L. Stucky, MD. The Fort Wayne Cardiology Research Department, which has participated in clinical studies and new protocol development for more than 15 years, also played an integral part in the development of Stucky Research Center.
Through the center's work, Parkview Research Center provides an environment for physicians to offer patients new therapies not available outside the investigational setting. As the community leader involved with medical research for the past decade, the center has grown and expanded to a team of 65 members, which include leadership, research and support staff. The Center works with more than 500 area physicians from 40 specialties, and develops areas of specialization in cardiology, neurology, emergency medicine and critical care.
About the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation
The Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation has adopted a bold mission to provide opportunities that will open new doors and potentially revolutionize healthcare to save lives. This mission is an extension of the commitment that Parkview Health has made to the communities we serve throughout northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio and south-central Michigan. Individuals and families, healthcare providers and innovators will be better equipped to face the future as a result of the powerful vision, clinical expertise and medical investigation that takes place at the Mirro Center. The Parkview Research Center is currently conducting more than 150 clinical trials with work spanning cardiovascular science, neuroscience, oncology and the health services and informatics research group.
Improving treatment
One example of a current clinical trial is the trial “NanoPac® in Subjects With Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma”. This is a phase II a study with Neil Sharma, MD, PPG – Oncology, as our Principle Investigator. In this study, Dr. Sharma delivers nanoparticulate paclitaxel (a broad spectrum anticancer drug) directly to the tumor via endoscopy, which spares the patient the trauma of surgery and systemic chemotherapy side effects. To date, the team has enrolled three patients on this study and the results have been promising.
This is just one illustration of the powerful developments happening as a result of world class teamwork and collaboration between Parkview Research Center and our forward-thinking network of physicians.