Cancer Clinical Trials 

Clinical trials offer access to new, promising ways to treat and prevent cancer—right here in central Iowa. At William R. Bliss Cancer Center, a collaboration between Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic, you can participate in cutting-edge cancer research close to home.  

What’s a Clinical Trial? 

A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates new treatments, medical devices, medications, or care strategies. These studies help determine the safety and effectiveness of a new approach. 

Results from cancer clinical trials drive innovation and inform doctors on how to better prevent, detect, and treat cancer. 

Should I Join a Cancer Clinical Trial? 

By participating in a clinical trial, you may: 

  • Access advanced cancer treatments not yet widely available 
  • Help researchers develop better treatment options 
  • Experience benefits or side effects from the experimental treatment  

Discuss with your oncologist whether a clinical cancer trial is right for you based on your diagnosis, health, and goals.  

Types of Cancer Clinical Trials We Offer 

We participate in three general types of clinical trials:

Am I Eligible for a Cancer Clinical Trial? Eligibility for a trial depends on several factors, including your: Age and biological sex Cancer type and stage Previous treatments and medical history Discuss current clinical trials for your type of cancer with your doctor. You can also search available clinical trials through our cancer center or partner organizations.

Cancer prevention – Aims to find ways to keep cancer from starting

Cancer control – Finds new ways to alleviate and control specific side effects of cancer treatments

Cancer treatment – Compares standard treatments with new approaches, either using experimental treatments or new ways of using known therapies 

Leading Research Partnerships

To ensure you receive the highest quality care, we collaborate with nationally recognized clinical trial organizations, including: 

Am I Eligible for a Cancer Clinical Trial? 

Eligibility for a trial depends on several factors, including your:

  • Age and biological sex
  • Cancer type and stage
  • Previous treatments and medical history 

Discuss current clinical trials for your type of cancer with your doctor. You can also search available clinical trials through our cancer center or partner organizations. 

To find out more information and eligibility requirements for a specific trial, search our upcoming and current clinical trials, or talk to your doctor.

Clinical Trial Categories

Locations

Request an Appointment

The Cancer Resource Center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 515-956-6440.

Request an Appointment

Clinical Trials Matching Service

American Cancer Society

ACS ACTS (Access to Clinical Trials and Support) is a personalized service from the American Cancer Society that helps patients explore cancer clinical trials through a trusted platform powered by clinicaltrials.gov.

While the matching service is not yet available in Iowa or the Midwest, it is expected to launch in our region by the end of 2025. In the meantime, patients can use the ACS ACTS form to connect with support resources—both locally and nationally—to help navigate clinical trials and care options.

Explore ACS ACTS: Finding the Right Clinical Trial for You

Talk to a Nurse

First Nurse to speak with a medical professional and get advice during non-business hours, including weekends and holidays.