Clinical research studies are a means to understand diseases and to develop new treatments based on direct study and observation of people. When patients and healthy volunteers enroll in a clinical study (also called clinical protocol or clinical trial), they become partners with the members of the research team who are experts in the disease and who are searching for better ways to understand and treat disease. The participants in a clinical study are essential for helping others with the same or similar diseases, both today and in future generations.

At The University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston, CCTS participants can take part in clinical studies covering a wide range of medical diseases and conditions (see Studies).

Choosing to participate in clinical research is an important personal decision.  Participation in a study requires voluntary enrollment and a full understanding of what is involved in the study.  A process of obtaining informed consent is a prerequisite for any study.  It is important that participants understand the risks and benefits that taking part in a study may have.  Participants should also know what kinds of tests and treatments will be done, and be aware of how much time it will take to be in the study.

To participate, patients and healthy volunteers must meet certain requirements that are different for every study. These inclusion/exclusion criteria are not used to reject people personally but rather to identify appropriate participants and to keep them safe.

The University Of Texas Houston Health Science Center Institutional Review Board reviews and approves every new study before it can begin to ensure that the study is designed to protect the rights and welfare of the study participants.  Persons entering into research studies need to feel well informed, confident, and secure about participating.   

We encourage you to speak to family members, doctors, researchers, and CCTS staff to see if participation in clinical research is appropriate for you.

Available Studies - 

  UT Houston Clinical Trials

  MD Anderson Clinical Trials

Directions to the CRU