Research & Clinical Trials

The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) at Jefferson Health is ranked among the top 2% of cancer centers nationwide and designated by the National Cancer Institute as an Outstanding, Comprehensive Cancer Center which offers medical students the opportunity to learn at the forefront of oncology.

Our Clinical Trials Office (CTO) supports more than 60 expert clinicians leading over 160 active trials, giving learners direct exposure to the development of new therapies, diagnostics, and technologies that are transforming cancer care. With over 25 years of national recognition, SKCCC provides a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment focused on advancing prevention, early detection, and treatment. Through strong partnerships with investigators, industry sponsors, and clinical teams, the CTO connects patients to innovative therapies across early- and late-phase studies, creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge science, contribute to translational research, and be part of a community dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

Our Clinical Trials Office (CTO) plays a central role in bringing innovative cancer treatments from the research bench to the patient bedside. As a medical student, you’ll have the opportunity to see how new therapies move through the clinical trial pipeline and how evidence-based discoveries become part of everyday oncology care. The CTO manages early- and late-phase studies with a strong focus on safety, regulatory excellence, and patient-centered communication, giving students valuable insight into how high-quality research is conducted in real clinical settings. Whether you’re interested in understanding trial design, supporting patient education, or exploring a future in clinical or translational research, the resources below can help deepen your knowledge and guide your involvement.

1. Explore Active Trials: Visit our Clinical Trials page to search for studies by disease type, treatment approach, location, or keyword. Each listing includes study details, eligibility criteria, and direct contact information for the research team.
2. Get Support or Ask Questions: Reach out to ONCTrialNow@jefferson.edu or call 215-600-9151 for general questions about clinical trials or help navigating available studies.
3. Patient & Caregiver Support Services: The Cancer Support and Welcome Center offer education, supportive care, and helpful resources for patients and families in a welcoming environment.
4. Learn What to Expect: Visit SKCCC on YouTube (@skcccjefferson) for short videos explaining clinical trials, cancer research, and insights from our oncology experts.
5. Clinical Trial FAQ: Explore answers to common questions about how clinical trials work, including eligibility, safety, and what participation looks like from start to finish.

The Clinical Trials Office supports one of the region’s most robust cancer research programs, helping patients access promising therapies through carefully designed early- and late-phase clinical studies. By partnering with investigators, sponsors, and care teams, the CTO ensures that each study is conducted with scientific rigor, regulatory excellence, and a commitment to compassionate patient care—turning groundbreaking research into better outcomes.

Phase I Trials Program is recognized nationally for leading early-phase cancer research. The program specializes in first-in-human studies, dose-escalation trials, and novel drug-combination therapies, giving patients access to breakthrough treatments before they become widely available. Guided by world-class investigators and supported by advanced research infrastructure, the Phase I team is dedicated to accelerating scientific discovery while maintaining highly personalized, patient-focused care. Patients and referring clinicians can contact the Phase I team directly for information on open trials, eligibility, and referrals. SKCCC also partners with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute to expand access to early-phase and innovative trials, combining Jefferson’s academic strength with a global research network. Students can explore available early-phase studies by selecting “I” or “I/II” in the Clinical Trial Finder.

1. Referral and Eligibility Process Contact our Phase I team with questions about open trials or patient referrals by calling 215-586-0199 or email. CONTACT US
2. Collaborations: SKCCC partners with Sarah Cannon Research Institute to expand access to early- phase and innovative cancer trials. This collaboration combines Jefferson’s academic excellence      with Sarah Cannon’s global research network, giving patients more opportunities for advanced        therapies close to home.
3. Search SKCCC’s Phase I Trial portfolio on the Clinical Trial Finder by selecting “I” and “I II” from the    “Phase” drop-down selection list.

KCCC also participates in National Cancer Institute (NCI)–supported clinical trials, which follow the highest scientific and safety standards. These trials often provide access to promising new therapies not yet widely available and give patients the opportunity to contribute to national efforts to improve cancer treatment for future generations. Students interested in learning more can browse ongoing NCI trials through the Clinical Trial Finder.  Search NCI Clinical Trials

To support patient access across the region, Jefferson offers multiple community-based research locations, making it easier to participate in clinical trials close to home. Students can explore geographically convenient studies through the Clinical Trial Finder

1. Use our Clinical Trial Finder to discover clinical trial treatment options that may be available closer to home. SKCCC Locations
2. Contact Info: Contact ONCTrialNow@jefferson.edu or 215-600-9151 for general inquiries or assistance locating a trial on the Clinical Trial Finder

Our team ensures the referral process is smooth and collaborative, helping the student experience firsthand the importance of building strong relationships during the clinical trial phase.

1. For Jefferson internal referring physicians, please see our SKCCC CTO ONE site to locate the study team members within each multidisciplinary disease group for the referral and learn more about the operational and regulatory aspects of research across all disease areas. 
2. For non-Jefferson physicians referring a patient: Review open clinical trials by disease type or phase via our Clinical Trial Finder
   a.     Contact the study team directly.
               i.   Contact info is located at the bottom of the page once a trial has been selected on the                       Finder

SKCCC also collaborates closely with industry partners through Jefferson Clinical Research Institute (JCRI) Business Operations, which manages pre-award and post-award research services, including grants, contracts, budgets, and Medicare coverage analyses. Additional support is available through Jefferson’s Office of Human Research Protection (IRB) and through research and innovation partnerships such as the SKCCC–Sarah Cannon collaboration.

       1. Contact for Collaborations Research and Innovations Partnerships: 

Research at SKCCC is organized around four NCI-designated program areas that span foundational laboratory science, clinical investigation, and population-based studies—each fueling discoveries that advance cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Beyond its scientific mission, SKCCC is committed to education and community engagement through initiatives like CERTES, which connects student scholars with investigators, and outreach programs that provide laboratory exposure and research mentorship to learners across diverse backgrounds. Together, these programs reflect SKCCC’s dedication to inclusivity, training the next generation of physician-scientists, and transforming scientific breakthroughs into tangible improvements in patient care.

Learn more: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Research