Research Staff

Jenifer Borruel Rector, BSN, RN, CCRC
Research Nurse Manager

Melissa Keaton, CCRC
Research Coordinator

Myrna Banda-Torres, CMA
Research Assistant

Clinical Research

Clinical Trials Available At Northwest Gastroenterology Clinic

Northwest Gastroenterology Clinic Research Department offers a variety of clinical trials, which are also known as research studies. Most commonly, a clinical trial tests investigational drugs, devices or procedures to see if they work and are safe for the condition being studied. Some clinical trials use investigational products and procedures that have not yet received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while others may have
FDA-approval, but not for the use, dose or method
being studied.

Clinical trials are important because they give us a better understanding of hundreds of diseases and have developed effective therapies to treat them. Almost all prescription medications available today have gone through a series of clinical trials.

In order to take part in clinical trials, individuals must meet study-specific criteria. Requirements vary greatly by study, but may include age restrictions, medical history requirements, stage of disease and numerous other criteria.People participate in clinical trials for various reasons, including health, financial and personal needs. Volunteers who participate in clinical trials may contribute to improving medical science, which may help others in the future. While there is no guarantee of benefit from taking part, some benefits may include:

  • Possible effective investigational treatment, relieving
        symptoms better than previous therapy and/or with
        fewer side effects.
  • Receipt of investigational study medication and
        other related care (usually at no charge).
  • Access to study-related treatment that is
        otherwise unavailable.
  • Financial compensation.
  • Knowledge that participation may help others
      in the future.

    • If you have any of the following illnesss, we may have a research study for you to consider.

    Crohn's Disease
    Ulcerative Colitis
    Colitis
    Newly Diagnosis Colon Cancer
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Hepatitis C
    Constipation
    Diarrhea
    Non Viral Liver Diseases
    Gastroesopheal Reflux (GERD)
    Diverticulosis
    Digestive Ulcers

    For information about clinical trials currently available, please contact our Research Department
    at 503-229-7180 or 7181.

    For sponsors and CRO’s:
    Please contact Jenifer Borruel, RN, CCRC to obtain our profile and research experience

    Research Studies

    Domperidone:
    IND# 78,694
    Limited access trial available by Physician request only. The drug is used for GERD (gastroesopheal reflux disease), gastroparesis and chronic constipation, specifically for patients who have failed standard therapies. Visits are every 2 months for the first year) and every 6 months thereafter. Visits occur during regular clinic visits and patients insurance is billed for services. Medication is not paid for by insurance. Study does not compensate patients.

    Cisapride:
    Site # 0704
    Limited access trial available by Physician request only. The drug is used for the treatment of refractory GERD (gastroesopheal reflux disease) & other GI motility disorders. Medication is provided by Janssen. Patients are seen every 3 months for the first year then every 6 months thereafter. Patients are not compensated for this study.

    Protocol # 1025.2 - Collection of plasma/serum for the use and development of In-Vitro Diagnostic Hepatitis Study. Any patient with hep A, B or C can be enrolled. Study visit is one time blood draw. Patients will be compensated for participation.

    ProMedDx, LLC x24-Site #193
    Protocol# PMDx24– Non-Viral Liver Disease blood draw study, to develop new ways of screening for non viral liver diseases with a blood test. Study is for the Development of new blood screening testing for non-viral liver diseases. Patients will be compensated for participation.

    ProMedDx, LLC x39-Site # 193
    Protocol: PMDx39 – Blood collection study for patient’s that are having a colonoscopy. Must be done the same day. Recently closed after completeing enrollment.

    Blood collection biomarker study looking for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. Lab draw is the same day as scheduled colonoscopy for patients already scheduled for a colonoscopy. Compensation for participation.

    Tioga:-Site #103
    Protocol # ASMP3001 – A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study of Asimadoline in Subjects with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Main Criteria – Patients must have at LEAST 28 bm’s per week or an average of 4 per day and an average pain score of 5.5 over a 14 day screening period. If the patient meets criteria they will need a colonoscopy (if not done in the last two years).

    Epigenomics: Site # PNB
    Protocol # SPR0012 - Specimen Collection Protocol for the Performance Evaluation of the Septin 9 Assay. This is a blood collection study for patient that have been diagnosed with colon cancer and have NOT had it removed yet or been treated in any way. Patient 50 years or older.

    Protocol # 2010-A - Exact Sciences Study 2010-A: Multi-marker Stool Test for Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia: Marker Panel Selection and Technical Development Studies. Blood and stool collection. Patient compensated for time and effort.

    Braintree-Randomized, parallel, multi-center, single-blind study to compare the safety, tolerance and efficacy of SUPREP Bowel Prep vs GoLYTELY as bowel preparations prior to colonoscopy in adult patients including the elderly and those with renal and/or liver impairment.