Through Ohio State’s clinical trials program, patients and researchers work together to develop the future of cancer care, saving lives today and for years to come. “Clinical trials are the foundation of cancer research and lead to better treatment options and outcomes for patients,” says John Hays, MD, PhD, medical oncologist and a leader of the clinical trials office at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). As a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the OSUCCC – James connects many patients with innovative treatments not yet available nationwide or globally. These new therapies can provide benefits for the individual patients involved in the studies, as well as countless others if they end up gaining federal approval. “At any given time we have between 500 to 600 clinical trials open involving approximately 1000 patients a year,” Hays says. “Those are among the largest numbers in the country.” Click here to learn all about cancer clinical trials at The Ohio State University. OSUCCC – James patients who qualify for trials are presented with the opportunity to participate, but the choice is ultimately theirs. “In most cases it’s adding something to the standard of care to make it work better, but I never present to a patient that they have to do a trial,” Hays says. “It’s always their decision, and my goal is to help them understand everything, answer their questions and allow them to make the best-informed decision.” Those who do participate represent the full spectrum of cancer treatment, despite the common misconception that clinical trials are always last resorts for patients. “They can occur at any phase during treatment, at a front-line setting or a later stage,” Hays says. Hays provides more details about the OSUCCC – James’ clinical trials program on our Cancer-Free World Podcast. Watch on the video player above, or listen on SoundCloud. Hays and his colleagues are working to connect more cancer patients with clinical trials by decentralizing their administration, allowing more patients to access studies at locations outside of The James Cancer Hospital’s main facility. “We’re developing clinical trials for patients all over the state and beyond,” Hays says. “We utilize telehealth and work with patients’ local oncologists. COVID opened our eyes about what we can do from a distance.” While fewer than one percent of Phase 1 clinical trials go on to receive full approval, all studies contribute to the improvement of cancer care, and one day, could help build a cancer-free world. “Even if a study isn’t successful, we can learn something we can apply to the next trial,” Hays says. “We always want to be there for our patients and bring them the newest and best options.” Click here for a list of cancer clinical trials underway at the OSUCCC – James.