Neuroscience Institute

What is a clinical trial?

Although there are many definitions of clinical trials, they are generally considered to be biomedical or health-related research studies in human beings that follow a pre-defined protocol.

Why participate in a clinical trial?

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research.

Who can participate in a clinical trial?

All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria is an important principle of medical research that helps to produce reliable results.

What happens during a clinical trial?

The clinical trial process depends upon what kind of trial is being conducted. The clinical team includes doctors and nurses as well as other healthcare professionals (research team). They check the health of the individual a the beginning of the trial, then give specific instructions for participating in the trial, monitor the participant carefully during the trial, and stay in touch with the participant after the trial is completed.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial before deciding whether or not to participate. It is also a continuing process throughout the study to provide information for participants.

How is the safety of a participant protected?

The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. In addition, most clinical research is federally regulated with built in safeguards to protect the participants. The trial follows a carefully controlled protocol, a study plan which details what researchers will do in a study.

For further information visit: clinicaltrials.gov

Active Clinical Trials in Stroke at AGH

All of the following trials at AGH Comprehensive Stroke Center are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
 

IRIS
Insulin Resistance Intervention After Stroke Trial 

CLEAR III
Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage

POINT
Platelet-Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and minor ischemic stroke trial

DIAS 4
Efficacy and safety of Desmoteplase to Treat Acute Ischemic Stroke

SHINE
The Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort Trial