The Phase I Clinical Trials Unit at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is dedicated to advancing cancer research through a singular focus on caring for patients enrolled on groundbreaking early phase clinical trials.
Phase I clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people and are usually the initial testing of a new treatment.
At Winship, Phase I clinical trials are critical to advancing cancer care. These studies validate the best way to administer a new treatment and the best dose.
Each study answers scientific questions focused on finding better methods to prevent, screen, diagnose or treat cancer. Medications used as standard of care today, such as pembrolizumab, nivolumab, belantamab mafodotin, selpercatinib and many others, were all first evaluated in phase I clinical trials.
Our Phase I Unit at Winship enrolls patients into clinical trials for a variety of different cancer types. Learn about eligibility by searching trials now available.
Located on the fourth floor of the Emory University Hospital Tower, our facility was expanded in 2018 and triples the size of our original unit, opened in 2009.
Patient Consultation Directions
The current unit is designed to be both patient-focused and able to support the painstaking demands of rigorous clinical research. It features 15 private treatment bays, four clinic rooms, plus many key support resources, including a dedicated lab for processing patient blood work, a dedicated secure medication room and a "fast track" bay with three chairs for rapid use by patients who might only require a short visit such as a research lab draw. The design of the space was guided by a team of patients, nurses, physicians and research staff.
The Phase I Unit is a resource for the entire state and represents a strengthening of our commitment to patients throughout Georgia by developing options for advanced treatment.
Since 2009, we have annually enrolled 200+ patients on our trials, and we reflect the population we serve. Our program offers trials for a variety of cancer types, with representation from each specific group. As examples, 20% or more of patients enrolled are African-American, and 30% have multiple myeloma.
Our goals are to open trials quickly to offer novel treatments to patients, advance the science and technology developed at Emory and conduct trials in a safe, welcoming environment.
