Clinical Trials at SIH: Bringing Tomorrow’s Cancer Treatments to Southern Illinois
When people hear “clinical trials,” they often imagine large research hospitals in major cities. At the SIH Cancer Institute, those opportunities are much closer to home, offering patients promising new cancer treatments without the burden of traveling hours for care.
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new cancer treatments, combinations of medicines or approaches to care. For many patients, trials can provide access to today’s most advanced therapies, including options not yet widely available elsewhere.
Why Clinical Trials Matter
For patients facing lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, prostate cancer and other complex diagnoses, clinical trials may open doors to treatments that go beyond existing standards of care. SIH partners with the National Cancer Institute, leading pharmaceutical companies and national research networks to bring these options to our region.
“Clinical trials aren’t just for big cancer centers,” said SIH Clinical Research Manager Sarmad Nomani. “They bring cutting-edge care to the people who need it most, right here in Southern Illinois.”
A New Era: Bispecific Antibody Therapies
One of the most promising areas of innovation involves bispecific antibodies, which are next-generation immunotherapies designed to help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer. SIH Cancer Institute Medical Director and hematologist/oncologist Muhammad Popalzai, MD, said these therapies offer new hope to patients who may have exhausted standard treatments.
“These medications can give patients another lease on life,” he said. “Small cell lung cancer is especially common in our region. Being able to deliver these therapies at SIH means patients don’t have to leave their support systems for treatment.”
Global Phase III Trial Now Enrolling
SIH is also part of global studies helping shape the future of cancer treatment. Hematologist/oncologist Ibrahim Omore, MD, is the principal investigator at SIH for an international Phase III clinical trial evaluating a new therapy for patients with stage IV lung cancer.
The investigational medication takes a dual-action approach, working to stop cancer growth while also helping prevent tumors from developing new blood vessels. Early study results have shown potential benefits compared to some current treatments.
“Patients shouldn’t have to travel to St. Louis, Chicago or New York for the most promising therapies,” Dr. Omore said. “We’re bringing those options directly to Southern Illinois.”
Real Impact on Patients
Clinical trials also offer practical benefits for patients, including:
- access to medications at no cost in many studies
- treatments with potentially fewer side effects
- options that may preserve quality of life
In one study, SIH clinicians safely offered a therapy with fewer cardiac risks to an elderly patient—an option that would not have been available without clinical trial participation.
How to Learn More
The SIH Office of Clinical Research works closely with physicians to match patients with trials that fit their diagnosis and goals. Patients and families can talk with their SIH oncologist about whether a clinical trial might be right for them.
Clinical research at SIH is built on a simple belief: the best cancer care doesn’t only happen in big cities. It happens where people live, work and raise their families. SIH is committed to making that possible.