Offering the Latest Clinical Trials

Research is a core focus at Eastern Connecticut Hematology & Oncology (ECHO). For over 35 years, we have excelled at bringing the latest advancements and treatments to patients across Eastern Connecticut. This includes offering our patients the possibility to participate in promising national clinical trials that adhere to rigorous safety standards and protocols.

The Benefits of Clinical Trials in a Community Setting 

Clinical trials are often performed at large academic centers, which not only limits the number of participants but adds the burden of travel for those who participate. Community-based clinical trials can help more patients access these trials than ever before. This increases diversity of participation, improves recruitment, and enables our patients to be matched with potentially life-saving research.

By offering leading clinical trials in our community, patients enjoy:

• Greater convenience, flexibility, and reduced costs by minimizing travel and logistical burdens.
• Easier participation for those with limited mobility, remote locations, or demanding schedules.
• Access to their support system, including family and friends.
• Care from a medical practice they know and trust.

Our Role in Clinical Trials

ECHO participates in many clinical trials including ECOG, NSABP, NCI, and pharmaceutical-sponsored studies. Patients are offered participation in Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV clinical studies. Other trials offered at ECHO include quality of life and prevention trials to reduce cancer risk, particularly for those at high-risk. Research treatments offered by ECHO are reviewed at a number of levels nationally and/or locally, to ensure both the protection of patients’ rights and the scientific merit of the research. 

Current Trials at ECHO

ECHO consistently adds clinical trials to our roster based on the needs of our patient population and the most promising research. We regularly update our website and inform the community of new trials.

Some of our current trials include:

• Phase I study evaluating the safety and efficacy of targeted therapies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
• A phase 1b study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of therapies in subjects with advanced thoracic tumors.
• A phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of subjects with certain subsets of previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
• A phase 3 study utilizing individualized neoantigen therapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
• A phase 3 study for patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer who have received prior chemotherapy.
• A phase 3 study for participants with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma.
• A phase 3 study evaluating the next generation BCL-2 drug to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Supporting Our Patients at Every Stage

We know enrolling in a clinical trial can be a difficult decision. We take the time to educate patients on benefits and risks and ensure they have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Our team is here for patients at every step to monitor progress. As an independent private practice, we deliver personalized care and provide all the services a patient needs in a comfortable setting.

For more information on clinical trials contact: Dr. Susan Johnson sjohnson@echoct.com or Dr. Spiro Curis scuris@echoct.com. Or call: (860) 886-8362