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.
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.
Refer your Patient
If you're a referring physician, our dedicated team will conduct an initial assessment to identify any suitable phase I trial opportunities for your patient. If we find potential studies, we will promptly notify you and work with you to arrange a consultation for your patient at our facility.
When you're ready to have your patient considered for phase I clinical trials at Winship, please complete the form using the button link below. Contact us via email with any questions.
About our facility and program
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.
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.
Clinical Trials at Winship
At Winship, our patients have access to clinical trials for virtually every cancer type. In 2023, we enrolled more than 900 patients in over 640 interventional and treatment clinical trials.
Your Treatment Team
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Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Medical Oncologist
Olatunji B. Alese MD
- Dr. Alese specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
- Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Fatemeh Ardeshir MD, MSc
- Medical Oncologist
Fatemeh Ardeshir MD, MSc
- A medical oncologist, Dr. Ardeshir 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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Manali Bhave MD
- Medical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Mehmet Asim Bilen MD
- Medical Oncologist
Mehmet Asim Bilen MD
- Dr. Bilen is actively involved in clinical research and patient care in the area of genitourinary cancers.
- Director, Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jacqueline Brown MD
- Medical Oncologist
Jacqueline Brown MD
- Dr. Brown specializes in treating patients with genitourinary cancers.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor
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
- valeriya.buckley@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0296
Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
- Nurse Practitioner
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jennifer W. Carlisle MD
- Medical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jacob S. Choi MD, PhD
- Medical Oncologist
Jacob S. Choi MD, PhD
- Dr. Choi specializes in treating patients with melanoma and other skin malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Jonathon B. Cohen MD, MS
- Hematologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
- Social Worker
Hilary G. Cohen LCSW, OSW-C
- Ms. Cohen works with patients treated for all types of malignancies and disorders that may need consideration for radiation treatment.
- Social Worker, Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Hannah H. Collins NP
- Nurse Practitioner
Hannah H. Collins NP
- Ms. Collins is a Nurse Practitioner for the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Olumide B. Gbolahan MBBS, MSc
- Medical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD
- Hematologist
Vikas A. Gupta MD, PhD
- Dr. Gupta's clinical specialties include bone marrow transplantation and multiple myeloma.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc
- Medical Oncologist
Lindsay M. Hannan MD, MSc
- Dr. Hannan specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers including hepatobiliary malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Ms. Hitron is a Nurse Practitioner in the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Craig C. Hofmeister MD, MPH
- Hematologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS
- Medical Oncologist
Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS
- Dr. Kalinsky treats patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Winship Cancer Institute Clifton campus and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown.
- Director, Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jonathan L. Kaufman MD
- Hematologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
David H. Lawson MD
- Medical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0680
Ticiana Leal MD
- Medical Oncologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Sagar Lonial MD, FACP
- Hematologist
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
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Anthony James Maynard
- Certified Educator Candidate
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
- Anthony.james.maynard@emory.edu
- (470) 580-8390
Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS
- Gynecologic Oncologist
Susan C. Modesitt MD, FACOG, FACS
- Dr. Modesitt specializes in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies and leads the gynecologic oncology program at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3401
Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP
- Hematologist
Ajay K. Nooka MD, MPH, FACP
- Dr. Nooka provides strategic oversight for all clinical research conducted at Winship, with a focus on supporting high-quality, safe and ethical research and ensuring that patients have equitable access to Winship’s innovative clinical trials.
- Associate Director of Clinical Research, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0519
Elizabeth A. Sakach MD
- Medical Oncologist
Elizabeth A. Sakach MD
- Dr. Sakach specializes in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Conor E. Steuer MD
- Medical Oncologist
Conor E. Steuer MD
- Dr. Steuer's clinical specialties include thoracic and head and neck oncology.
- Associate Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0278