Treating cancer with proven clinical trials
At Kaiser Permanente, we carefully consider all cancer treatment options. Although not suitable for all cancer patients, doctors may recommend relevant, proven clinical trials to tackle cancer. Kaiser Permanente oncologists often choose later-phase trials of treatments that have already shown both patient safety and benefit in earlier phases. Patient participation is always voluntary, thoroughly discussed, and consented to in advance.
Our patients have a unique advantage. Our integrated electronic health record system maps a patient’s treatment history with relevant, ongoing internal and external trials that may offer better results.* Our KPStudySearch website informs patients, caregivers, and investigators about ongoing clinical research opportunities being conducted through Kaiser Permanente.
Clinical trials matter to us. We belong to 3 of the largest cancer clinical trial cooperative groups in the United States (Southwest Oncology Group, National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project, and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group).
Groundbreaking Research
The Kaiser Foundation Research Institute is a national program that directly affects health care in this country by influencing the way doctors care for patients.
Jeffrey Harris, MD, MPH, MBA
Former division director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; chair of Health Services, University of Washington
If you look at who the leaders in research are and who the folks are that have been doing research to improve care, it’s a very short list. And Kaiser Permanente is clearly at the top of that list.
In most of the areas we serve, we conduct active research that benefits both our members and the community. At our 8 regional research centers and 1 national research center, more than 1,200 staff are working on epidemiological and health services studies, including cancer-related research. Knowledge gained from this research has the potential to lead to new diagnoses, treatment, and even prevention of some conditions.
Our clinical cancer research program is one of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Research Programs, which provides our members direct access to cancer research treatments supported and developed by the NCI.
And we continue to conduct one of the largest research projects in the United States — the Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health. The program focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of how genetic and environmental factors affect health and disease — all in the hope of developing better treatments and cures.
Stay informed
For more information about cancer care, visit kp.org/cancer . . external page
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- *Some features discussed on this website are available only to members receiving care at Kaiser Permanente medical facilities.
