Research Type:
 Minimally Invasive Surgery
Pancreatic
Gastrointestinal Epithelial Biology
Clinical Effectiveness
Clinical Research
Clinical Research
The conduct of clinical research is an integral part of the mission of the Massachusetts General Hospital. The surgeons in the Division of General Surgery collaborate and engage in clinical research primarily of diseases/problems of the gastrointestinal tract. Involvement in clinical trials allows the members of the division to study new therapies, techniques, and procedures to prevent and treat illness. All clinical study trials are presented to the Institutional Review Board, which is responsible for assuring that these studies are scientifically sound and that they follow state and federal laws and codes of ethics to make sure that the rights and welfare of people taking part in the studies are protected.
Your physician may talk with you about participating in a clinical study trial. Each study has requirements that describe who can take part. For instance, you may need to have a specific health problem or be within a certain age group. Your surgeon will explain the study to you including any associated risks or discomforts so that you will be able to make a decision about whether or not to participate. A research nurse will also be available to further explain what the study involves and to answer your questions. Your surgeon or research nurse will give you a consent form to read that contains the complete information about the study trial. You will be asked to sign this form when you have made a decision about whether or not to participate. If you decide to participate in a clinical study trial, the research nurse will follow you throughout the trial and will meet you at study visits and/or while you are in the hospital. It is important for you know that participation in clinical study trials is completely voluntary. Your present or future care will not be affected should you choose not to participate.
Some of the past study trials in which the Division has participated are:
- Investigational drug studies to treat pancreatitis
- Investigational drug study to prevent a common complication (pancreatic fistula) in pancreatic surgery
- Investigational drug study neo-adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer
- Tumor tissue assessment of patients, under age 50, with colon cancer
For more information about current MGH General Surgery clinical trials, please contact Deb McGrath, RN at (617) 724-4091 or dmcgrath@partners.org.
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