Personal Perspectives from the Dedicated Teams of the University of Kansas Clinical Research Center

At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, progress in cancer care begins with clinical trial participants and the teams who support them every step of the way.

Clinical trials are essential to bringing new therapies from the lab to the clinic. At the center of this work is the Clinical Research Center, a dedicated space designed to support early-phase and complex trials, where clinical trial participants receive highly specialized care while contributing to discoveries that shape the future of medicine. The center itself is a direct result of the JCERT tax, which contributes more than $8 million annually to make this level of innovation and patient-centered research possible.

Every day, clinicians, researchers and staff witness the extraordinary commitment of individuals who choose to take part in clinical trials.

The people who make progress possible
At the cancer center, admiration for clinical trial participants begins with their selflessness.

“Clinical trial participants are remarkably selfless and deeply invested in the well-being of the broader population. Early-phase research requires significant time, commitment and hope, and these patients choose to dedicate themselves not only to their own care but also to advancing treatments for future patients,” said Natalie, assistant vice chancellor, clinical research, strategy and operations. “The Clinical Research Center offers cutting-edge studies that complement comprehensive care. It also allows The University of Kansas Cancer Center to access promising treatments before they are widely available, giving our clinical team early expertise in these novel therapies.”

Sandy, executive director of clinical operations for cancer clinical trials, highlights both the courage and partnership involved.

“What I admire most about patients who choose to participate in clinical trials, especially early-phase clinical trials at the Clinical Research Center, is their exceptional courage and generosity. Early-phase trials often involve testing new therapies for the first time, and participants step forward knowing there is uncertainty, more intensive monitoring and a strong time commitment. Their willingness to partner so closely with research and care teams not only drives innovation forward but also lays the foundation for future treatments and hope for others. Every advancement we make begins with patients who are willing to take that first step.”

Reaching beyond individual contributions
Participation in clinical research takes many forms. In research labs, contributions translate into insights that may one day shape entirely new therapies.

For example, at the Biospecimen Repository Core Facility, patients can contribute human tissues and fluids that are critical to discovery.

“For patients who consent to participate, I deeply admire their commitment to advancing research and helping future patients,” said Lauren, project manager for the Biospecimen Repository Core Facility. “They generously give their time and provide samples without any direct personal benefit, motivated by the hope that their contributions will support discoveries that improve disease prevention and treatment for others.”

Stacey, a senior research associate studying the BRCA1 gene and breast cancer metabolism, keeps patients top of mind as she conducts her work.

“I am continually inspired by the bravery it takes to join a clinical trial. It is not an easy decision to make when the outcome is uncertain,” she said. “However, advancements in cancer treatments would not be where they are today without that bravery.”

From operational support to life-changing outcomes
Behind every clinical trial is a complex network of teams ensuring the safety and effectiveness of studies. The work impacts the research teams in deeply personal ways.

“I met a woman newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her liver and bones,” said Program Director Christy. “I helped to enroll her in a clinical trial, and despite challenging side effects early on, her scans after two months showed no detectable cancer. She remained on trial, and more than eight years later, she is still cancer free.”

Moments like these reinforce the purpose behind the work, as well as the importance of having a dedicated clinical research infrastructure to support it.

A center that supports discoveries
The KU Clinical Research Center provides a specialized environment to carry out its clinical trials work, ensuring patients have access to leading-edge therapies and expert care in one place.

That level of innovation is made possible through long-term investment in research infrastructure, including reliable, multi-million-dollar annual funding from JCERT. JCERT’s commitment creates a space where science moves forward, and patients have access to new possibilities.

Clinical trial participants are shaping the future of cancer treatments. In partnership with dedicated research teams and within a leading-edge clinical research center, their courage continues to transform cancer care for future generations.