The Essentia Health Cancer Center, formerly SMDC Cancer Center, has been a national leader in clinical trials research for more than 25 years.
Our research is conducted using nationally recognized clinical trials, which offer cancer patients and high-risk populations opportunities to participate in research on cancer treatment and prevention. We have access to these trials through the
Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP). Created in 1983 by the
National Cancer Institute (NCI), the CCOP network allows patients and physicians to participate in state-of-the-art clinical trials and remain in their local communities.
Our participation in the
Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) network means that our oncologists have access to the very latest cancer prevention and treatment research and can use this knowledge to help patients.
Patients benefit from:
- Quality and choice
The Duluth CCOP offers many of the same trials available at other leading facilities in the Twin Cities and at the Mayo Clinic. We run more than 100 clinical trials, including prevention, cancer control and treatment trials, which are reviewed by experts at the national level and are sponsored by either the National Cancer Institute or leading pharmaceutical companies.
- Experience
Experience in clinical trials makes for better results. In 1984, SMDC Cancer Center (now part of Essentia Health) pioneered cooperative group clinical trials in the Northland by joining the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) as a founding member at the invitation of Mayo Clinic.
- Convenience
Participants in our clinical trials can stay close to their families while receiving the best care available. The Duluth CCOP research team also works closely with staff at Essentia Health clinics to ensure study participants receive the same treatments at all our facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.
