Research & Clinical Trials

Giving Our Patients Access To Innovative Treatments

At HOAF, we proudly offer the latest innovations in blood disorder and cancer treatments for our patients. By having access to leading-edge therapies, it enhances our patients’ healing and empowers them in their wellness journey. Our team is committed to educating patients about the most recent advancements and how they may benefit from these treatments, such as clinical trials. Clinical trials give our patients a chance to take advantage of well-researched, scientific-backed data and a front row seat to better care.

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What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that are designed to test new medical treatments, surgeries or behavioral interventions in people. This is the main way researchers decide if a new treatment or prevention, such as a new cancer drug or medical device, is safe and effective for individuals. Clinical trials, in general, aim to discover if a new treatment option is more effective or has less side effects than the others currently on the market. The clinical trials at HOAF are handpicked by our physicians and staff to address the immediate needs of our community and our patients. Here are some other goals for them:

  • Discovering ways to achieve early diagnosis before symptoms even develop
  • Proactively preventing health problems, especially in people who are at a higher risk for certain medical conditions
  • Finding new ways to use existing treatments
  • Developing new combinations of drugs

Who Is A Candidate For Clinical Trials?

Our available clinical trials focus on treatment interventions for many different types of cancer. This includes trials that target specific tumor mutations identified during testing, with the potential of offering a tailored approach to treatment. There are also supportive care options for trials. Supportive care options are to help patients manage the side effects of their diagnosis and treatment.

Patients who are interested in participating in a clinical trial must meet specific criteria, and our qualified team of nurse coordinators will work with each patient individually to ensure that a trial is an appropriate option for them. If you are interested in a clinical trial as an option for care, please reach out to the Research team at re******@***************rg.com, and we will be happy to discuss current options available at HOAF.

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The Phases Of Clinical Trials

There are four phases of clinical trials that drugs and medical devices must go through to determine their safety and effectiveness before being approved by the FDA. More often than not, the FDA requires the treatment to go through Phases 1-3 to determine whether the drug or product is able to be approved for further use. The phases are designed to do the following:

The main goal of the first phase is to test the safety and efficacy of the experimental drug, including side effects. This is the first time the drug is being tested using people, with usually a small group of about 20-80 individuals.

Once the safety is determined in the previous phase, the drug progresses to Phase II, where doctors determine if it works in certain types of cancer. They also increase the number of people it is tested in to about 25 to 100. Usually, every participant gets the same dosage and placebos are not used.

Now the mission is to discover if this new treatment is better than what is already available. It involves a large number of patients—at least several hundred—and occurs in hospitals or doctors’ offices nationwide. This is the last phase of the clinical trials before the drug or medical device is approved for general use.

After the FDA has approved the new drug, its safety is now monitored in the general public. Researchers continue to learn more about the drug or medical device including its benefits, side effects and optimal use.

Protecting Our Patients’ Safety

There are many steps to making sure our patients’ safety is protected throughout the course of their involvement during clinical trials. At HOAF, our practice follows several rigorous guidelines and safeguards to ensure your safety and well-being.

  • Informed Consent: Informed consent is when you are given all the key facts about the clinical trial before even deciding whether you would like to participate or not. A member of the research team will help explain the purpose of the study, how long it will take, what is required, tests or procedures and who to contact if you have any questions. The potential risks and benefits are also outlined during the informed consent session. If you decide to take part, you will need to sign the informed consent document. It is important to note that you are allowed to leave the study at any time without repercussion.

  • IRB Review: A majority of the clinical trials in the United States are approved and watched by an Institution Review Board (IRB). This ensures the benefits outweigh the risks. The IRB is a committee of physicians, healthcare providers and also general community members who serve as checks and balances to make sure clinical trials are ethical and the rights of those participating are protected. You are always welcome to ask our research coordinator if the study you are thinking about participating in was reviewed by an IRB.

HOAF Means Hope

Where Healing Begins, Strength Prevails

At HOAF, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for cancer and blood disorders to the Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding communities. Our practice integrates advanced treatments with a personalized approach, delivering the highest quality care. As an independent practice, we focus on individualized attention, ensuring each patient receives compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Our cutting-edge facility, equipped with an on-site pharmacy, offers convenience and a seamless treatment experience.

Blue pathway
Patient holding hands with loved one during infusion
Patient holding hands with loved one during infusion
Hematology oncology associates of fredericksburg logo featuring pine trees, a river graphic, and the acronym hoaf representing cancer and blood disorder care in fredericksburg, virginia.

Compassionate Care In A Courageous Fight

The Lodge | 4501 Empire Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

The Pines | 4545 Empire Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Woodstream | 125 Woodstream Boulevard, Suite 205, Stafford, VA 22556

(540) 371-0079

The Lodge | 4501 Empire Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

The Pines | 4545 Empire Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Woodstream | 125 Woodstream Boulevard, Suite 205, Stafford, VA 22556

(540) 371-0079