Phase I Clinical Trials Unit

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.

Patient Consultation Directions

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.

Search Phase I Trials at Winship

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 for patients with cancer.

About our facility and program

Located on the fourth floor of the Emory University Hospital Tower, our facility was recently expanded in 2018 and tripled the size of our old unit, originally opened in 2009.

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 multi-disciplinary 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 throughout 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.

Return to Clinical Trials at Winship

Clinical Trials at Winship

At Winship, our patients have access to clinical trials for virtually every cancer type. In 2021, we enrolled more than 900 patients in over 300 clinical trials.

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Your Treatment Team

R. Donald Harvey PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA

  • Oncology Pharmacist
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R. Donald Harvey PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA

R. Donald Harvey PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA

  • At Winship Cancer Institute, Dr. Harvey serves as director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, and as medical director of the Clinical Trials Office.
  • Director, Phase I Clinical Trials Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-4381

Ludimila Cavalcante MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Ludimila Cavalcante MD

Ludimila Cavalcante MD

  • Dr. Cavalcante is actively involved in clinical trials and early drug development in the Phase I Clinical Trials Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Medical Director, Early Phase I Developmental Therapeutics, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Olatunji B. Alese MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Olatunji B. Alese MD

Olatunji B. Alese MD

Manali Bhave MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Manali Bhave MD

Manali Bhave MD

  • Dr. Bhave is passionate about women’s health and is a board certified medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Mehmet Asim Bilen MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Mehmet Asim Bilen MD

Mehmet Asim Bilen MD

Gehan R. Botrus MD, PhD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Gehan R. Botrus MD, PhD

Gehan R. Botrus MD, PhD

  • Dr. Botrus specializes in treating patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and is an active investigator in early drug development clinical trials.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0032

Jacqueline Brown MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Jacqueline Brown MD

Jacqueline Brown MD

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

  • Nutrition Advisor
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Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD

  • A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Buckley provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
  • Clinical Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0296

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC

  • Ms. Caprara serves as lead nurse practitioner and co-investigator on early drug development trials in the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit at Winship.
  • Lead Nurse Practitioner, Phase I Unit, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Jennifer W. Carlisle MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Jennifer W. Carlisle MD

Jennifer W. Carlisle MD

  • A medical oncologist, Dr. Carlisle specializes in the care of patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Jonathon B. Cohen MD, MS

  • Hematologist
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Jonathon B. Cohen MD, MS

Jonathon B. Cohen MD, MS

  • Dr. Cohen's clinical focus is on the treatment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, where he manages both newly diagnosed patients as well as those requiring stem cell transplantation and treatment for relapsed disease.
  • Co-Director, Lymphoma Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Hannah H. Collins NP

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Hannah H. Collins NP

Hannah H. Collins NP

Maria Diab MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Maria Diab MD

Maria Diab MD

  • Dr. Diab is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0032

Badi El Osta MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Badi El Osta MD

Badi El Osta MD

  • Dr. El Osta's clinical expertise includes head and neck, and thoracic medical oncology and early phase clinical trials.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc

  • Medical Oncologist
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Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc

Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc

  • Dr. Gbolahan specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly biliary tract, liver and pancreatic malignancies.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0032

Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD

  • Hematologist
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Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD

Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

  • Nurse Practitioner
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Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C

Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH

  • Hematologist
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Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH

Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH

  • Dr. Hofmeister's practice focuses on plasma cell cancers, including plasmacytomas, multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, smoldering myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathies of renal significance.
  • Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0519

Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS

  • Medical Oncologist
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Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS

Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS

  • A breast medical oncologist and researcher, Dr. Kalinsky treats patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Winship Cancer Institute.
  • Director, Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-1900

Jonathan L. Kaufman MD

  • Hematologist
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Jonathan L. Kaufman MD

Jonathan L. Kaufman MD

  • Dr. Kaufman's practice includes treating multiple myeloma and amyloidosis patients at Emory University Hospital.
  • Medical Director and Section Chief, Ambulatory Infusion Centers, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

David H. Lawson MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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David H. Lawson MD

David H. Lawson MD

  • Dr. Lawson's leads a program that incorporates the best of basic and clinical science with the goal of improving the care of patients with melanoma.
  • Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-0680

Ticiana Leal MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Ticiana Leal MD

Ticiana Leal MD

  • Dr. Leal specializes in the care of patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma and thymic malignancies.
  • Director, Thoracic Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
  • (404) 778-1900

Sagar Lonial MD, FACP

  • Hematologist
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Sagar Lonial MD, FACP

Sagar Lonial MD, FACP

  • Internationally recognized as a leading authority in multiple myeloma treatment and research, Dr. Lonial collaborates with leadership as Chief Medical Officer to coordinate and enhance clinical services and patient care throughout Winship.
  • Chief Medical Officer, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Anthony James Maynard

  • Certified Educator Candidate
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Anthony James Maynard

Anthony James Maynard

  • An educator in training, Anthony provides spiritual health support for patients and staff in the Phase I Clinical Trials Unit at Winship cancer Institute.
  • Certified Educator Candidate, Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (470) 580-8390

Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP

  • Hematologist
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Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP

Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP

  • As part of the hematology care team at Winship, Dr. Nooka specializes in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma.
  • Scientific Director, Winship Data and Technology Applications Shared Resource, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • (404) 778-0519

Conor E. Steuer MD

  • Medical Oncologist
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Conor E. Steuer MD

Conor E. Steuer MD

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