CURRENTLY RECRUITING:
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Clinical Trials in Victoria, TX

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus or another type of Arthritis? Dr. Olvera is currently conducting clinical research studies investigating a new treatment for controlling the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and other types of arthritis. Qualified participants will receive study-related medical care and study medication at no cost. Insurance is not required.

Are you one of the millions of individuals living with lupus? Read about the ILLUMINATE Research Studies.

For more information please call our study coordinator, Stacey Schendel at 361-574-7800.
Stacey Schendel
Research Director
Crossroads Clinical Research, LLC
361-574-7800 (office)
361-574-7801 (fax)
sschendel@crossroadscr.net

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Trials

Q: What are clinical trials?
A: A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful arthritis research process. Studies are done with arthritis patients to find out whether promising approaches to arthritis treatment are safe and effective.

Q: What are the phases of clinical trials?
A: >> Phase I trials: These first studies in people evaluate how a new drug should be given (by mouth, injected into the blood, or injected into the muscle), how often, and what dose is safe. A phase I trial usually enrolls only a small number of patients, sometimes as few as a dozen.

>> Phase II trials: A phase II trial continues to test the safety of the drug, and begins to evaluate how well the new drug works. Phase II studies usually focus on a particular type of arthritis.

>>Phase III trials: These studies test a new drug or a new combination of drugs in comparison to the current standard. A participant will usually be assigned to the standard group or the new group at random (called randomization). Phase III trials often enroll large numbers of people and may be conducted at many doctors' offices, clinics, and research centers nationwide.

Q: Where are clinical trials carried out?
A: Depending on the type of trial, patients may be treated at one or hundreds of clinical sites at the same time. Clinical sites can include large specialty treatment centers, university hospitals, local medical centers or a doctor's office. Each patient takes part in the trial under the guidance of a team including his/her own doctor and other health care professionals, who report the patient's experience back to the center responsible for the trials' overall coordination. Experts then use the information from all participants to see if the treatment being tested is safe and effective.

Q: Who pays for these clinical trials?
A: Usually the company creating and marketing the drug pays for the cost of the clinical trial in order to achieve FDA approval. Once a medication is FDA approved, it can be prescribed by any licensed practitioner.

Q: Why should I participate in clinical trials?
A: The health of millions has been improved because of advances in science and technology, and the willingness of thousands of individuals like you to take part in clinical research. The role of volunteer subjects as partners in clinical research is crucial in the quest for knowledge that will improve the health of future generations.

Q: What are the benefits of participating in clinical trials?
A: There are several benefits. First of all, you get free medication to treat your arthritis. Second, if blood work is required as part of the study, that is also free. Sometimes study patients receive a small monetary compensation for their time and/or gas money to get to their appointment.

Q: Will I still be able to see Dr. Olvera outside of the study?
A: Yes, but visits not pertaining to the study drug will be billed to your insurance, not the drug company.

Q: How safe are clinical trials?
A: The U.S. government has a system designed to protect people who take part in clinical trials. Before a clinical trial can begin, the trial plan (also called a protocol) must be approved. During the trial, review committees such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), make sure that the plan is being followed and participants are being protected. Researchers performing studies are required by law to inform patients about a study's treatment and their possible benefits and risks before a patient decides whether to take part in the study. This process is called informed consent and continues as long as you are in the study. You will also be told of any new information discovered during the study that might affect your willingness to stay in the study.