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Rheumatology Research at IBJI
The Rheumatology Division of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute maintains an active program of clinical trials (research). Our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of care by investigating new medications and innovative technologies in treatment of their rheumatologic diseases. Participation in clinical trials provides timely access to the newest therapies for arthritis and related rheumatic diseases. Many of our patients find active involvement in these trials to be a rewarding experience. New treatments for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other diseases are studied regularly.
We are currently involved in over 15 studies at our Morton Grove site. Our research staff includes 9 doctors, 2 nurses, two certified DEXA technologists and a research assistant (with over 125 years of combined clinical experience).
| Frequently-Asked Questions about Clinical Trials |
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What is a Clinical Trial? |
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Clinical trials (studies) are a multi-phase process of assessing whether a new, investigational, drug or treatment plan is safe and effective. Trials are conducted according to a protocol which is a detailed plan set up to answer specific health questions. Each protocol is different and will contain such information as: the procedures, drugs, dosages, schedules of tests, the length of the study, and what outcomes they are trying to measure. Comparisons are sometimes made against an established treatment or drug, if one exists, or a placebo ("sugar pill"). Clinical trials at Illinois Bone and Joint Institute are sponsored by a pharmaceutical company and are done to give our patients alternative treatment options and to advance medical knowledge. Clinical trials gather valuable information in finding treatment that works in people and new ways to improve patient health. This information leads to whether a new, investigational, treatment or drug should be recommended for widespread use. |
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What are the phases? |
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The entire clinical trial process is done over a period of time, in several phases, each phase involving a larger number of volunteers. Early phase studies assess basic safety issues while later phase studies test effectiveness. |
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- Phase 1 trials are not done at Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Although they are usually short in duration and involve a small number of volunteers they are used to determine side effects and safety of a new, investigational, drug or treatment plan. In this initial phase of testing pharmaceutical companies are able to determine how a drug affects the human body.
- Phase II trials enroll a larger number of volunteers and may test a medication at different doses. In this phase, drugs are primarily tested for their safety and preliminary effectiveness (efficacy). Volunteers may receive a placebo, alternate treatment or the investigational treatment as a way to compare the findings.
- Phase III trials enroll an even larger number of volunteers, hundreds to thousands. Clinical trials in this phase can last months or years as additional information in collected on the benefits of this investigational treatment, the drug's effectiveness and the range of possible side effects.
- Phase IV trials are sometimes referred to as "Late phase" or "Post-marketing" trials. These trials often compare a new drug to one that is already on the market and are done following a drugs approval by the FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
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Why should I participate in a clinical trial? |
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Some volunteers have exhausted standard (approved) treatments because they did not work for them or they had a side effect to the treatment. Some volunteers want access to promising new treatment options. As a volunteer patient (participant) you will be contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge and potential improvements in your own medical treatment. You will be helping others by potentially finding new therapies in the treatment of a disease you share. Volunteers may receive health benefits from potentially new treatments or drugs and generally there is no cost to participate in a clinical trial. |
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At Illinois Bone and Joint Institute volunteers are closely monitored by both a nurse and physician so you receive quality, compassionate, medical care. Your comfort and health are priorities of ours. You do not have to remain in a clinical trial and you can stop participating, for any reason, at any time. |
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Am I eligible to enroll in a clinical trial? |
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Each clinical trial is designed with a select group of patients in mind. Pharmaceutical companies are looking for the volunteers who would most likely benefit from their new, investigational, drug or treatment plan. To find those volunteers, inclusion criteria are created. Potential volunteers will be asked questions about their medical history and medications they are currently taking or have taken and laboratory tests may be performed. Not all volunteers are selected for a clinical trial as they may have a condition or be taking a medication that would prevent them from enrolling. Exclusion criteria are created to avoid any serious safety problems from a pre-existing condition that could put a volunteer at risk. |
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Why do IBJI rheumatologists participate in clinical trials? |
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Participation in clinical trials is the best way for physicians to keep abreast of, and have access to, the newest treatment options available in their field. Illinois Bone and Joint Institute rheumatologists are both caring and progressive and want to be able to offer patients the most effective clinical regimens that are available. |
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Physicians by specialty  Rheumatology |
Arnold, MD, Erin
Arnold, MD, FACP, FACR, William J.
Bello, MD, MHS, FACP, FACR, DABPM, A.
Broy, MD, FACP, FACR, Susan B.
Eisenberg, MD, Gerald M.
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Moran, MD, Mary L.
Myers, MD, Amanda
Schuette, MD, FACP, Patrick T.
Skosey, MD, PhD, FACR, FACP, John L.
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CV's provided upon request |
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