The Rensselaer-based Franciscan Health Cancer Center recently was approved as a clinical research site for oncology.
Dr. Arshad Husain, who specializes in hematology and medical oncology, will be the principal investigator at the location.
The study is titled S2013 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Toxicity (I-CHECKIT): A Prospective Observational Study. It is officially open to enrollment at Rensselaer. The research team is pre-screening patients.
I-CHECKIT is an observational trial. During the study, researchers will monitor solid tumor patients undergoing treatment.
“Being approved as a clinical research site shows the strength of Franciscan, infused to its Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in rural Indiana,” said Carlos Vasquez, vice president and chief operating officer for Franciscan Health Rensselaer, in a press release. “Clinical research is very rare in a CAH. This endeavor demonstrates Franciscan’s commitment to extending its oncology program and mission to benefit underserved communities.”
This study is the only one at the site. Being approved as a research site though, opens the opportunity for more studies in the future.
Franciscan Health Cancer Center Rensselaer offers cancer care for residents of Jasper and the surrounding counties. The center provides screenings, testing, diagnostics and treatment. They also offer support programs for patients and families.
Franciscan Health is a 12-hospital system serving Indiana and Illinois. The system was officially founded as the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services in 1974. Franciscan Health has its headquarters in Mishawaka.
