Local clinical trials: Groundbreaking research on familiar ground

You don’t need to travel to a big city to be part of cutting-edge medical research.

At Geisinger, clinical trials are happening every day — right here in our communities — offering hope, innovation and personalized care to patients across Pennsylvania.

“We’ve been part of the National Cancer Institute’s clinical trial network for over 30 years,” says Heather Albertson, associate director of oncology research operations. “You don’t have to look elsewhere. It’s here at Geisinger.”

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, devices or approaches to care. They’re essential for advancing medicine. In fact, many of the standard cancer treatment available today started as a clinical trial. Geisinger offers dozens of trials, including Phase II and III studies that test new therapies against the current standard of care.

Patient Paul Wasavage talks with Ann Webster and Jenifer Olszyk.

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And clinical trials at Geisinger aren’t just for cancer. Patients with disorders such as heart conditions, high triglycerides, liver disease and even acute kidney injury can participate. For example:

• The ATTR-CM trial is testing a new drug for heart conditions caused by protein buildup.
• The Shasta 4 and Muir 3 trials are exploring RNA-based treatments for high triglycerides (a type of fat found in the blood).
• The Shear Wave trial is evaluating a new ultrasound technology for liver stiffness — and Geisinger was the first in the U.S. to use it on a patient in the trial.

“Patients often think they have to go to Philadelphia or New York for this kind of care,” says Ann Webster, clinical research coordinator. “But we have it here. And we’re opening trials wherever there’s a need across the Geisinger footprint.”

Patients are carefully screened for eligibility, and coordinators like Ms. Webster and Jenifer Olszyk guide them through every step, from consent to follow-up. “We’re not just monitoring treatment,” says Ms. Olszyk. “We’re helping patients navigate the entire journey, sometimes for years after their treatment ends.”

And the impact is real. One uterine cancer trial showed such promising results with immunotherapy that all participants were switched to the new treatment. Another trial for metastatic melanoma helped push a new therapy to become the standard of care — just after Ms. Olszyk’s father died from the disease.

“Every day I meet patients who are brave, hopeful and selfless,” says Ms. Webster. “Their strength inspires me. When someone joins a trial, they’re giving a gift to others they’ll never meet.”

You don’t need to be Geisinger-insured to participate. Costs are often covered by insurance or the trial sponsor, and you can opt out at any time. “It’s always what’s best for the patient,” Ms. Webster emphasizes. “Their health comes first.”

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or simply curious, clinical trials offer more than just treatment — they offer a chance to be part of something bigger. “Our philosophy is to screen all new patients for eligibility,” says Mark Wojtowicz, administrative director of oncology research. “If they qualify, we talk to them about it. It’s about giving patients options.”