title: Clinical trials: bringing research to the bedside.
abstract: Over the years, clinical trials with their structured treatment plans and multicenter involvement have been instrumental in developing new treatments and establishing standard of care therapy. While clinical trials strive to advance medical knowledge, they provide scientifically sound, state of the art care and their use should be increased. The Brain Tumor Cooperative Group, one such NCI-sponsored cooperative group, has been the primary group for the treatment of malignant gliomas. As the field of neuro-oncology expands, the neuroscience nurse needs to develop an understanding of clinical trials and their operation. The nurse is in an optimal position to support medical research and the research participant.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neuro-oncology, at West Penn, Pittsburgh Hospital, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Arvay
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans