Medically Reviewed by Virginia L. Clyburn-Ipock, MD

Dr. Virginia Clyburn-Ipock, a McLeod Radiation Oncologist, explains what research and clinical trials mean at McLeod Health and how patients participate.

When people hear the word research or clinical trials, especially in the context of healthcare, the first reaction is often hesitation and worry about becoming a “guinea pig.” But at the McLeod Centers for Cancer Treatment and Research, clinical trials mean something far more empowering: access to cutting-edge treatments and a chance to receive tomorrow’s standard of care today.

From Investigational to Life-Saving

At McLeod, the role of research goes beyond traditional clinical trials. It’s about integrating the latest science and technology into everyday care, allowing patients to benefit from the most advanced treatment options available.

“All the advances in cancer care, everything that has become standard of care today, that are currently in our guidelines, at one point was investigational. This medication or this radiation technique was investigated in a clinical trial before it became the standard of care. And, at the time that it was being investigated, only the participants in that clinical trial were able to receive what then would become the future standard of care,” Dr. Virginia Clyburn-Ipock explains.

This is where clinical trials come in. Participation is always voluntary, and the goal is clear: to offer the best possible outcomes while continually improving care. Through clinical trials, McLeod patients have access to therapies that are shaping the future of oncology.

The Evolution of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy has been a cornerstone in cancer treatment for decades, but its delivery has come a long way. Traditionally, radiation was administered in low doses over several weeks.

Today, thanks to advanced imaging and precision technology, McLeod Radiation Oncologists can deliver higher doses in fewer sessions with remarkable accuracy. “With our technological advances, we’ve been able to be more accurate, more precise, and avoid collateral damage to healthy tissue. So it’s a win-win for all,” said Dr. Clyburn-Ipock

This innovation means some cancers can now be treated in as few as five sessions — or even just one. And all of this was made possible through past research and clinical trials.

What’s Next: The Future of Personalized Radiation Therapy

Looking to the future, the field of oncology is leaning into personalized medicine — an approach that tailors treatment to each patient’s unique genetic makeup.

One exciting development already transforming chemotherapy is genetic tumor profiling. “We can actually have a genetic analysis of the DNA of that specific cancer to tell us whether or not this patient would benefit from chemotherapy and what the magnitude of that benefit is,” Dr. Clyburn-Ipock explains. “It is just a matter of time that this is going to spill into the world of radiation so that we know which tumors are more sensitive to radiation, so we don’t have to dose escalate and give such high doses if a lower dose could effectively kill enough cancer cells to give us a high chance of cure.”

By understanding which tumors are more or less sensitive to radiation, oncologists who specialize in radiation will be able to fine-tune dosages for optimal effect — potentially achieving better cure rates with lower radiation exposure and fewer side effects.

At McLeod Radiation Oncology, research is not just a buzzword — it’s the engine driving better outcomes and more personalized care. Through ongoing innovation, clinical trials, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, McLeod is helping ensure that every patient receives not just treatment, but the best cancer care possible — today and in the future.