The most modern clinical trial center in Europe has been opened at Gładka Street in Warsaw. At this point, patients can receive treatment using innovative therapeutic options that could be reimbursed even in a few years. The opening of the new headquarters of the clinical research unit, which has been run for two decades, means for patients a much higher comfort of treatment than before.
A new clinical trial center in Warsaw
Published Oct. 26, 2022 14:48
Statistical studies show that nearly two-thirds of patients encountered the term "clinical trials". 55 percent people who did not participate in such programs declare their willingness to participate in them. This percentage increases significantly if we take into account oncological patients. 72 percent of them would be interested in participating in clinical trials. Oncology is one of the fastest growing scientific fields related to the development of innovative therapies.
- In the treatment of lymphomas, only 20 years ago we had chemotherapy alone. Now it has been replaced by targeted chemotherapy, in which the drug is delivered directly to the diseased cells. We already have molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and the CAR-T technology is slowly replacing the allogeneic transplant. The number of clinical trials that we must and can do is growing rapidly - says prof. Wojciech Jurczak from the Clinic of Clinical Oncology of the National Oncology Institute Maria Skłodowskiej-Curie - National Research Institute.
As Professor Jurczak reminds, in the 1960s only a few oncological drugs were registered each year. The last decade has brought up to 150 registrations per year. However, new drugs are expensive and clinical trials are the way to have them completely free of charge.
- Drugs such as Bruton's kinase inhibitors are reimbursed in Poland in a very limited way. Second and third generation inhibitors are registered in clinical trials. As part of the study, their performance is compared with the first generation inhibitors. In cancer research, we do not have a placebo group, so for many patients such a study may be the only chance to access treatment in accordance with the world standard - adds the professor.
Oncology is, next to hematology, one of the main specialties of MTZ Clinical Research, belonging to the Pratia network. The research areas are also dermatology, cardiology, pulmonology and endocrinology. Moreover, research is carried out there with the participation of healthy volunteers and smokers. As emphasized by Łukasz Bęczkowski, Vice President of Pratia, clinical trials are a key element in the process of implementing new therapies.
- It is not possible to register new therapies without a clinical trial process. We all expect access to new drugs and that they are safe. By investing in the development of new molecules, the pharmaceutical industry is looking for patients who will be able to prove their effectiveness and for doctors who will conduct these tests. We connect all these participants of clinical trials and I believe that we create optimal conditions for them - says Łukasz Bęczkowski.
In the center, on the area of 2 thousand. square meters there are: an admission room, 12 specialist clinics and eight doctor's offices, as well as a hospital with 42 beds, which can accommodate patients who need to stay overnight due to the requirements of medical procedures. The former seat was located in an approximately 50-year-old building at Pawińskiego Street.
