Clinical Trials
Board-certified neurosurgeons · 12 NJ hospital affiliationsClinical trials at Atlantic Brain and Spine provide eligible patients with access to emerging treatments for brain tumors, spine conditions, and neurovascular disease that are not yet available through standard care. Atlantic Health System participates in investigational studies through the oncology research network, offering patients in New Jersey access to cutting-edge therapeutic options close to home.
Key takeaways
- Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, combinations, or technologies in carefully monitored conditions.
- Participation is always voluntary patients may withdraw at any time without affecting their standard care.
- Atlantic Health System's clinical trial program offers access to investigational agents for brain tumors including glioblastoma, meningioma, and metastatic brain disease.
- Molecular tumor profiling (IDH, MGMT, EGFR) identifies which trials a patient may be eligible for.
- Your neuro-oncologist reviews trial eligibility at each tumor board presentation and at follow-up appointments.
| Program | Atlantic Health System oncology research in partnership with national cooperative groups |
| Trial types | Phase I (safety), Phase II (efficacy), Phase III (comparative), investigator-initiated |
| Areas | Glioblastoma, low-grade glioma, brain metastases, meningioma, spine tumors, neurovascular |
| Eligibility | Determined by tumor type, molecular profile, prior treatment, and performance status |
| Patient rights | Voluntary participation; withdrawal at any time; standard care not affected by trial status |
| How to ask | Discuss with your neuro-oncologist or contact ABS to inquire about current open trials |
Timing and stay vary by patient and complexity. Your surgeon will confirm what to expect in your case.
Why clinical trials matter for brain tumor patients
For conditions like glioblastoma where median survival with standard treatment is approximately 15 to 20 months clinical trials represent the most promising avenue for improving outcomes. Every current standard treatment for GBM (temozolomide, bevacizumab, TTFields) was once an investigational treatment tested in a clinical trial.
Participation in clinical trials provides:
- Access to treatments not yet available outside of research settings
- Close monitoring and frequent assessments as part of the study protocol
- Contribution to knowledge that will benefit future patients with the same diagnosis
- Access to trials that specifically match your tumor’s molecular profile
Patients in clinical trials receive at minimum the current standard of care, they are never asked to forgo proven treatment for a placebo alone in serious illness trials.
How to access clinical trials through ABS
Clinical trial eligibility is reviewed at the neuro-oncology tumor board when your case is first presented, and again at follow-up when your tumor status is re-evaluated. Your neuro-oncologist will proactively discuss any relevant open trials.
Patients can also:
- Ask directly at any appointment: “Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?”
- Search the national clinical trials database at clinicaltrials.gov using your tumor type and location
- Contact the Atlantic Health System research coordinator directly through the cancer center
- Ask about second opinions at academic medical centers with extensive trial portfolios if a specific trial is not available at AHS
Benefits and risks
Potential benefits
- Access to emerging treatments before FDA approval for general use
- Close monitoring and frequent imaging as part of trial protocol
- Potential access to drugs matched to your tumor's specific molecular profile
- Contribution to research that improves outcomes for all future patients
Possible risks
- Investigational treatments may have unknown or unanticipated side effects
- Randomized trials may assign the patient to the control arm (standard treatment) rather than the experimental arm
- Additional appointments, tests, and procedures required by the trial protocol
- Eligibility criteria may be strict not all patients qualify for available trials
Your surgeon will review the benefits and risks specific to your diagnosis during your consultation.
What recovery looks like
Clinical trial participation does not change the standard recovery timeline for the procedures or treatments involved. Trial-specific monitoring adds:
- Enrollment Detailed eligibility screening, informed consent process, and baseline assessments before trial treatment begins.
- During treatment Protocol-specified visits, blood draws, and imaging typically more frequent than standard care alone.
- Follow-up Extended follow-up visits to assess long-term outcomes some trials follow participants for years.
- After trial Results are shared with participants and the scientific community through publication.
Frequently asked questions
Will I receive a placebo if I join a clinical trial?
In serious illness trials including brain tumor trials pure placebo-only control arms are generally not used. All participants receive at least current standard-of-care treatment. Some trials randomize between standard treatment and standard treatment plus the experimental agent.
Can I leave a clinical trial if I change my mind?
Yes, Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw from a trial at any time for any reason without penalty and without affecting your standard medical care. Your relationship with your ABS care team does not change based on trial status.
How do I know which trials I am eligible for?
Your neuro-oncologist reviews your tumor type, molecular profile, prior treatment history, and performance status against the eligibility criteria of available open trials. Molecular profiling particularly IDH, MGMT, and other markers plays an important role in matching patients to targeted agent trials.
Are clinical trials covered by insurance?
Routine care costs incurred while participating in an approved clinical trial are generally covered by most insurance plans under federal law (the Clinical Trials Act). Investigational drug costs are typically covered by the trial sponsor. Your research coordinator will review cost implications specific to any trial you are considering.
This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified neurosurgeon based on your individual diagnosis and imaging. To discuss your options, call Atlantic Brain and Spine Brain Tumor Care at 973.993.7322 or request a consultation.
