Discoveries made in the basic scientific research laboratories translate into treatments available to patients through the conduct of research studies or clinical trials. Cancer treatments available to patients today are derived directly from the willingness of patients to participate in clinical trials. Goals of clinical trials include testing of the new drugs safety and efficacy; evaluation of newly developed methods and regimens of treatmentand new approaches to the use of existing treatments.

The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute  at LifeBridge Health's mission is to provide patients with access to advanced treatment options in the community setting.  We conduct clinical trials for prevention and treatment of various cancers including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, melanoma and hematologic diseases.  Additionally, we participate in supportive care studies for treatment of conditions associated with cancer and cancer treatments, such as anemia, mucositis and cachexia (a weak emaciated condition often caused by cancer), that greatly affect patients' quality of life. Clinical trials offered at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute are sponsored by various pharmaceutical companies and national institutions such as the National Cancer Institute, or initiated by the Sinai Hospital physicians. 

The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute is a member of the following national cooperative groups: Southwest Oncology Group, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Clinical Trials Support Unit, and American College of Surgeons Oncology Group. We work in close collaboration with the other departments of Sinai Hospital; and our investigative team includes renowned experts in hematology and medical oncology, gynecologic oncology, surgical oncology, orthopedic oncology, and radiation oncology. Dedicated clinical research staff provide investigators with the resources they need to conduct clinical research.

Investigator Team:

Fouad Abbas, M.D.
Albert Aboulafia, M.D.
Mark Brenner, M.D.
Mukund Didolkar, M.D.
Rodrigo Erlich, M.D.
Jack Feldman, M.D.
Alan Levine, M.D.
Stephen Noga, M.D.
Nancy VanderVelde, M.D.

Clinical Research Program staff:

Judy Bosley and Lynn Crawford, Clinical Research Nurses
Jennifer Hertsch, Clinical Research Associate
Yana Rachinskaya, Clinical Research Program Coordinator

For more information, call 410-601-6120