Clinical Research
Advancing the standard of care through clinical trials.
Clinical Research includes all types of research involving human participants or their data to improve medical knowledge. This can include observational studies, epidemiological research, health outcomes studies, and clinical trials.
Increase in the number of clinical therapeutic trial accruals since 2024
clinical trials
patients enrolled in an interventional clinical trial
interventional, observational, and behavioral trial enrollments
New Clinical Trial for Liver Cancer Screening Available at UVM Medical Center
A new study at the UVMMC is offering a novel way to screen patients for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and the third worldwide. Called the ALTUS trial, and helmed at UVM Cancer Center by lead investigators Steven Lidofsky, M.D., Ph.D., and Nicholas Ferrentino, M.D., this international multicenter study will use a blood-based assay (“liquid biopsy”) to screen for HCC, providing easier access to potentially life-saving treatment for patients with this type of cancer.
Jessica Heath, M.D., Appointed Associate Director for Clinical and Translational Research
Jessica Heath, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Pediatrics, joined the Cancer Center as Associate Director for Clinical and Translational Research.
As Associate Director, Dr. Heath helps facilitate clinical research across the UVMCC, and connects fundamental and population scientists to clinical scientists for the development of investigator-initiated translational studies. She also mentors clinicians and scientists in the development of new studies, promotes collaborative research, and works with both program and component leaders and the UVMCC’s clinical trials office.
Jessica Heath, M.D., Associate Director for Clinical and Translational Research
From Bench to Bedside: Positive Data from a Phase 1 Clinical Trial of RSO-021
A novel therapy discovered in the Cunniff Lab, led by Brian Cunniff, Ph.D., at the University of Vermont Cancer Center is the foundation of a groundbreaking treatment developed by RS Oncology, a privately held biopharmaceutical company focusing on novel treatments for rare and aggressive cancers. Called RSO-021, that treatment received positive results from its Phase 1 study among patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM); with Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE); or with MPE associated with other solid tumors.
New Study in Nature Medicine Finds Risk of T-cell Lymphoma From CAR T-cell Therapy Minimal
Can CAR T-cell therapy lead to the possible development of T-cell lymphoma? An FDA statement and black box warning raised concerns that James Gerson, M.D., and colleagues addressed in a report published in Nature Medicine. Their findings suggest that the risk of T-cell lymphomas following CAR T-cell therapy is minute, with the risk benefit analysis for this potentially lifesaving therapy overwhelmingly favoring the positive benefit it can have on patients’ lives.
Clinical Trials Office
Clinical trials are a specific subset of clinical research. These are structured studies that test new drugs, treatments, devices, or interventions in human participants to assess their safety, efficacy, and side effects. Clinical trials follow strict protocols and often go through multiple phases (Phase I–IV) before a treatment is approved for widespread use.
The Clinical Trials Office aims to conduct and uphold the highest clinical and translational research standards while enhancing the lives of those at risk for and affected by cancer.
Right: An advocate for access to clinical trials, Dr. Alissa Thomas has helped advance the Cancer Center's research mission. In 2024, she enrolled more clinical trial participants than any other investigator at the center.
