Clinical Trials at MUSC
Our clinical trials are key to progress that can improve outcomes and health.
Dedicated scientists and physicians work together through clinical research to improve treatments and advance our medical understanding. A clinical trial is a type of research study. Our research is essential to MUSC’s overall mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina and beyond.One big part of any research study is the group of people who volunteer. Some studies need volunteers who meet specific criteria. These volunteers may need to have a certain disease, be a certain age, gender, or ethnicity. Other studies may have fewer restrictions or be looking for healthy volunteers. The type of volunteer needed depends on the research question the study is trying to answer.
Innovative treatments and real-life impact.
Kerry’s Story
Kerry Hardy had a 6-month life expectancy when he met Dr. Wrangle. Seven years later, he spends weekends playing with his grandkids and making plans for the future.
MUSC as an Opt-Out Institution
At MUSC, we believe that every patient should have the opportunity to learn about the research process, to experience any benefits that might come from that participation, and to contribute to the overall health and well-being of the greater community. That is why we, along with many other prestigious academic medical centers across the country, are an opt-out institution with regards to research contact. Being an opt-out institution means that, with the proper regulatory approvals, research personnel can contact anyone who has not indicated an “opt-out” research contact preference, even if they are not a part of the patient’s clinical care team. As an opt-out institution, we can reach more people about research and help ensure that discoveries made lead to the best possible outcomes for our unique population.
Patients can change their research contact preference at any time. Those wishing to do so can update their preference by completing the Research Contact Preference Questionnaire in MyChart (see MyChart Opt-Out Instructions below), contacting the Research Preferences Manager at 843-792-8300 or communicating their preference when contacted by a study team about participating in a research study. For more information on managing your research contact preference, view the frequently asked questions below ("Managing How You Are Contacted about Research Opportunities")
Frequently Asked Questions: Clinical Studies.
People volunteer for a clinical trial for a variety of reasons, including the potential benefit for themselves or their loved ones, the opportunity to do something that may help others, and to join the scientific community in advancing healthcare. One of the easiest ways to understand why research (and, more importantly, volunteering for research) is important is to consider the fact that every medication that people take is available because of people who agree to participate in research studies. The decision to participate (or not participate) in a research study is voluntary. Those who decide to participate in a study are free to withdraw at any time without penalty.
Sometimes, people are hesitant to participate in research because they have concerns for their safety. It is important to note that every single research study is required to be reviewed for participant safety and protection. Safety is the number one priority for every study. In the United States, an independent committee of physicians, other scientists, and members of the community must approve and monitor the protocol for the safety of the participants. This committee is tasked with making sure that the potential risks of participating are reasonable in relation to the potential benefits the participants may gain. MUSC’s committee is called the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is one of only 74 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the nation and the only one in South Carolina. This research that happens at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is the driving force behind delivering medical advances to patients and their families, enabling us to educate health care professionals and the public, and to establish outreach services for underserved populations across the state.
The following resources can help you find a study that may be right for you.
SCresearch.org - The South Carolina Research Studies Directory designed specifically to help people, like you, locate research studies in which to participate. Browse by topic, location, and more.
Researchmatch.org - A not-for-profit online resource that matches people who want to participate in research with researchers throughout the country who need volunteers for their studies.
Call 843-792-8300 and speak to a research professional about other study opportunities available at MUSC.
The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) Resources provides a variety of comprehensive resources about research participation and making informed decisions about research participation.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides wide-ranging resources concerning the research process, adult and child participation in research, and national research opportunities.
MUSC provides the highest level of care to both current and future generations. Research is at the core of making this possible, and patients are the core of research. There are several ways patients at MUSC may hear about potential research studies. One of the most common ways is during a regular doctor’s visit, when a patient’s doctor may present information on a research study as a treatment option for an illness. Since MUSC is an academic medical center that places an emphasis on research, MUSC patients may be contacted directly by research personnel with information about research opportunities. Based upon a patient’s medical history, a study doctor (or someone working with a study doctor) may contact the patient if there is the possibility that the patient may meet the criteria for participation in a specific research study.
Just as research participation is voluntary, patients at MUSC have a choice in determining how they are informed of research opportunities. Patients who do not want to be directly contacted by MUSC research personnel about potential research opportunities may choose to “opt out.”
MUSC continually monitors patients’ research contact preferences to help prevent unnecessary outreach. You will not be contacted about every study, only those that may be relevant to you based on your medical history or demographics. When a study team reaches out, their goal is simply to share information and learn whether you are interested in hearing more. Being contacted does not mean you have been enrolled in a study or that you are expected to participate. All research participation is voluntary.
If you would like to opt out of being contacted directly for research participation opportunities, please complete the steps outlined on the MyChart Opt-Out Instructions website. Choosing to opt out will in no way affect the quality of care you receive as an MUSC patient. Please note, however, that even if you choose not to be contacted directly by MUSC research personnel, your doctors may still suggest research studies that they feel may assist with your medical care. If you have decided to opt out of receiving direct contact about potential research studies but change your mind in the future, you can return to your MyChart account at any time to update your preference.
Please call 843-792-8300 if you have questions.
About Research Studies
People volunteer to access new treatments before public availability and to benefit society by advancing medical knowledge. Everyone benefits: participants might gain immediate or future health benefits, and providers gain knowledge.
Each study has specific eligibility criteria (e.g., age, gender, diagnosis). Contact the study team or consult your doctor to determine eligibility.
Studies can occur at hospitals, clinics, community centers, schools, churches, even remotely (phone/online). Some require hospital stays, but many are outpatient without overnight stays.
Certain procedures or resources (e.g., MRI machines, specialized staff) may only be available at specific locations. Study sites are chosen based on resource availability and local eligible populations.
A doctor referral isn’t always required. Patients can learn via doctors, websites, ads, or flyers. MUSC uses an “opt-out” model: MUSC patients may be contacted unless they opt out.
No, many studies involve healthy volunteers (e.g., surveys, sample collection). Some target specific conditions.
It depends on the study design. Special protections apply: parental consent is required, and child assent if age-appropriate.
Absolutely not. Participation is voluntary and does not affect standard care. Studies may offer earlier access to treatments, and providers may discuss this option.
Activities vary widely: from one 30‑minute visit to multi‑year protocols with monthly visits. May include surveys, focus groups, specimens (blood/saliva/urine), or medical procedures/medications.
Ask about risks, side effects, benefits, duration, number/length of visits, costs, placebo/sham involvement, chance of receiving placebo, mechanism, compensation, purpose, results access, post‑study process, and contacts
Costs vary: many studies cost nothing and may offer compensation. You might pay for travel, meals, lodging, or standard-of-care procedures billed to insurance. Research‑specific tests/procedures are usually covered.
Insurance is not required. If uninsured, you may be responsible for standard billing procedures.
It varies. Discuss post‑study access with your study doctor; assistance programs may be available.
Compensation depends on the study. Some studies offer it based on time and effort; details are in the Informed Consent Form.
Placebos in Research Studies
Placebos are common in drug/device studies for control, but not used in all studies.
Randomization assigns participants to groups by chance (e.g., coin flip).
Not usually—most studies are blinded to prevent bias. Some reveal assignments after completion; open-label studies are unblinded.
Yes, you might receive a placebo instead of active treatment. Consult healthcare providers for guidance.
Consulting a Physician for Research Studies
For drug/device studies, discussing with your doctor and reviewing paperwork is recommended. The doctor may consult with study staff.
Risks vary by study; the Informed Consent Form will detail them.
Yes, continuing routine care is important; share all treatments/medications with both your doctor and study team.
Privacy and Data Protection
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review studies before and during conduct to ensure participant safety and privacy.
Protections are explained in the Informed Consent Form.
