As part of the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute’s pioneering membership in the Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Alliance, a new, dedicated clinical trials unit has officially opened at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Peter Yu is the physician-in-chief at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute.

Q: This is Phase I of the clinical trials unit. What are the benefits to people here in Connecticut? 

A: Over the last decade, the number of new drugs approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) through clinical trials has greatly increased. We have opened this new Phase 1 Unit so that we can access these breakthrough therapies at the earliest possible moment in their development, allowing patients fresh options for cancer therapy.

The Phase I studies also allow us to bring to Connecticut the newest and earliest cancer drugs being designed in modern laboratories based on our rapidly expanding discoveries in precision medicine. That means we are bringing new and better treatments for patients with cancer – and we’re doing it faster.

Q: The Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute became the charter member of the MSK Cancer alliance four years ago. Aside from the clinical trials unit, how has this relationship evolved in other ways over the years? 

A: The Phase 1 Unit is just one example of how our MSK partnership has invigorated cancer care in Connecticut. Every week our physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other staff are engaging with their counterparts in New York to further advances in cancer care. We have hosted numerous educational events, started a telemedicine program and begun collaboration on geriatric oncology.

With most cancer patients over the age of 65, special attention to the needs of seniors with cancer, who often have other non-cancer health problems. This addresses a critical unmet need among our patient population.

Q: What can patients expect from the clinical trials unit in “Phase II” and beyond? 

A: This six-patient unit is an important step forward in advancing our clinical trials portfolio through our MSK partnership, and we expect that we will need to expand it in the near future as well as bring more clinical trial options to patients at other Hartford HealthCare locations.

This is a landmark event that shows we have reached a critical mass in our resources and capabilities that will allow us to move at an ever faster pace to improve the lives of patients with cancer and their families and loved ones.

If you would like to learn more about the clinical trials unit at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, call Cancer Connect at 1-855-255-6181.