Clinical Trials

Advancing Urology Through Research

We’re keeping Spokane at the forefront of urology care, and giving patients access to promising treatments and diagnostics, with our robust clinical research.

Find a clinical trial that’s right for you

Clinical trial participants enjoy reassurance and security from being closely monitored and the satisfaction of playing an essential role in advancing medicine.

Each clinical trial follows strict guidelines to protect participants. Ask your doctor if there is a trial that is right for you.

Altor BioScience QUILT-2.005

ImmunityBio, Inc.

A Study of Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in Combination With ALT-803 (N-803) in Patients With Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

CG Oncology CORE-008

CG Oncology, Inc.

This is a Phase 2, Multi-Arm, Multi-Cohort, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Cretostimogene Grenadenorepvec in Participants with High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

CG Oncology CRETO-EAP

CG Oncology, Inc.

An Expanded Access Program of Cretostimogene Grenadenorepvec in Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) Unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)

Merck MK5684-004

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

MK-5684-004: A Phase 3, Randomized, Open-label Study of Opevesostat Versus Alternative Abiraterone Acetate or Enzalutamide in Participants With Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) That Progressed On or After Prior Treatment with One Next-generation Hormonal Agent (NHA) (OMAHA-004)

Clinical Trial FAQs

A lot of careful work goes into developing a clinical trial. Throughout every phase, trial data is continuously evaluated to ensure patient safety and how well the drug or device works. Before you agree to be part of a clinical trial, all potential benefits and risks will be explained. Ask questions before you agree to be sure you are comfortable with participating.

A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment given to a patient in place of an active medication or treatment (e.g., a sugar pill instead of a pill that treats a condition). Placebos are not given to patients in clinical trials without any other treatment. In a clinical trial, the standard treatment PLUS a placebo may be tested against the standard treatment PLUS a new treatment. Some participants receive the option that includes a placebo, while others receive the option that includes the new treatment.

There are four phases to clinical trials. Each phase looks for answers to a specific question and builds on what was learned in the previous phase. The four phases are:

  • Phase 1: Is the treatment safe?
  • Phase 2: Does the treatment work?
  • Phase 3: Is the treatment better than the standard?
  • Phase 4: What are the long-term effects of the treatment?

Before agreeing to participate in a clinical trial, you should understand which phase is being tested.

These benefits are all possible:

  • The new treatment may work better than the standard treatment.
  • The new treatment may only be available through the clinical trial.
  • The results of the trial may advance research and help future patients.
  • You’ll be monitored closely by an expert medical team.

These risk factors are all possible:

  • The new treatment may not be better than standard treatment.
  • The new treatment may not work for you, even if it works for other patients.
  • There may be side effects, both known and unknown.

The possible benefits and risks of a trial and the specific details about the trial are all included in the informed consent document. You’ll receive a copy of the document when you meet with the research team to discuss the trial. Your participation may include periodic tests and visits to evaluate your progress. The team will answer any questions you may have. If possible, bring a family member or friend to the meeting to take notes and ask questions you may not have considered.

Typically, the cost of your participation is covered by the study. The research team will go over the specifics before you sign up for a trial and will review any testing that will be billed to your insurance ahead of time. You will not be billed for any costs that are incurred because of the research that is taking place.

Your involvement in a clinical trial is voluntary. That means it is your right to leave a clinical trial at any time. But be sure to let the research team know in advance, as you may need to take steps to keep yourself safe during the withdrawal process.

You can learn more at: ClinicalTrials.gov, where you can search for details about any trial. You also can learn more about what it’s like to participate in a clinical trial by clicking the “Study Basics” tab.