Oncology Research Program

The Department of Oncology has conducted clinical trials at Niagara Health for more than 35 years. We have completed trials with the Canadian Clinical Trials Group (CCTG), with the Ontario Clinical Oncology Group (OCOG) as well as investigator-initiated and pharmaceutical industry sponsored studies. 

Though these international and provincial collaborations, our research has helped develop many practice changing treatments for cancer. Our active involvement in trials enables patients to be treated close to home while participating in research and potentially benefitting from earlier access to novel treatments or tests for their cancer. Our team consists of a full time Research Coordinator and a full time Clinical Trials Nurse. All Walker Family Cancer Centre physicians are engaged as investigators. 

We were recognized with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Clinical Trials Participation Award in 2005 for high clinical trial accrual rates and for our commitment to research in a community-based practice. We maintain a high-quality program with excellent audit reports. 

Our program has completed 85 trials and currently, we have 9 trials open to accrual. A total of 782 patients have participated in our trials to date. Our program is committed to research that improves patient care and that contributes to scientific advancements in oncology.