On May 20, Lawson Health Research Institute celebrates International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD) by thanking all those who participate in clinical trials and who are involved in the delivery of clinical research.
The first recorded clinical trial occurred in 1747 when Dr. James Lind, a Scottish naval surgeon, investigated treatments for sailors with scurvy. He divided sailors into pairs and gave each pair a different treatment. Dr. Lind observed that the sailors who received two oranges and a lemon every day recovered remarkably well. After the findings were published, the British Navy began to send its sailors out to sea with a supply of limes to prevent scurvy.
As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Lawson takes a “bench to bedside” approach to health research. “Researchers focus their efforts on the development of new knowledge that can be applied directly to patient care within hospitals,” says Dr. David Hill, Scientific Director. “Through collaboration and the sharing of discoveries, Lawson researchers are making a difference in the lives of patients every day.”
Clinical research plays a crucial role in this work and is a key factor to continuously improve health and quality of life. A clinical trial is any research study that prospectively assigns human participants or groups of humans to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.
Successful studies lead to new and improved treatments, cutting-edge approaches and novel disease-prevention strategies – and clinical trials are only made possible by individuals who are willing to participate. Learn more about clinical research and how to get involved.
Lawson conducts all types and phases of clinical trials, as well as chart reviews, observational studies, registries and more. Across LHSC and St. Joseph’s, Lawson currently has 2488 active clinical studies with 549 new clinical studies approved in 2015.
Read some examples of how Lawson is working to make Ontario healthier through clinical studies:
- New research study benefits patients waiting for liver transplants – demonstrating that we can create room on the liver transplant waiting list with the use of a new treatment strategy for patients with Hepatitis C who need a transplant.
- Small box holds big promise in cardiac care – showing how “AngioDefender” device is being used as a novel tool for personalized screening and treatment for people with heart disease.
- Dr. Arsh Jain awarded $1.5 million over three years – assessing the use of new eHealth technology to improve the patient experience of in-home dialysis.
- Promising Alzheimer’s study offers hope – patients are participating in clinical trial that’s taking new approach on trying to stop or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease before symptoms emerge.
Will you help shape the treatments of tomorrow? Watch this video from It Starts With Me to learn more about clinical trials.
CURRENT CLINICAL TRIALS
Visit the following registries to find current clinical trials being conducted by Lawson Health Research Institute:
- For all types of clinical trials: www.clinicaltrials.gov
- For cancer clinical trials: www.ontariocancertrials.ca
