Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Affiliate Network

The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Affiliate Network brings clinical trials to communities. Established in 1994, the Network has evolved from an informal network of referring community physicians into an organization of hospitals and oncology practices that participate in innovative studies of emerging new treatments. The Network Affiliates serve a vital role by helping to conduct clinical research to improve the cancer care of tomorrow and to provide patients in their communities' access to these novel therapies through participation in clinical trials.

The Network is a major force in cancer research, publishing numerous manuscripts and abstracts in medical journals, and presenting results of studies at national and international meetings. The Network membership has grown to include multiple Affiliate Member Sites located throughout Tennessee and Kentucky.

Benefits of Network Membership:

A centralized study management process is established and provided through a comprehensive support structure. The Network staff is experienced in data management, central contracting and study budgeting, as well as other administrative support including various regulatory activities such as IND applications, IRB submissions and SAE reporting. Ongoing clinical research training is provided for Network members, plus annual CME oncology conferences.

Individual member institutions can select studies appropriate for their patient population. Selected studies are subsequently submitted to the Affiliate's local IRB or to a Central IRB through VICCAN. Network members that utilize Central IRB services receive the benefit of having all paperwork related to protocol submissions processed by the Network staff. Upon IRB approval, the trials are opened to accrual.