Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials at CalvertHealth 

Clinical trials play an important role in advancing cancer care. Through clinical research, healthcare professionals evaluate new approaches to treatment, symptom management, and patient care while gathering information that may improve outcomes for future patients. 

CalvertHealth launched its clinical trials program in April 2025. As an affiliate of Duke University Health System, CalvertHealth actively collaborates with Duke's Cancer Program to expand clinical research opportunities for patients in Southern Maryland. 

Learn more about our current clinical trials, eligibility requirements, enrollment process, and the future of clinical research at CalvertHealth. 
 

Currently Enrolling Clinical Trials 

CalvertHealth currently has three clinical trials open to accrual, meaning they are actively enrolling patients who meet the eligibility criteria for participation. These include one registry study and two behavioral intervention trials. 
 

MRT — Registry Study 

Full Protocol Title: Advancing Cancer Care in the Rural Southeast: Enhancing Precision Medicine and Institutional Collaboration in Community Cancer Centers 

MRT is a registry study that collects information from patients with solid tumors who undergo standard-of-care genetic testing. The study supports research into precision medicine and collaboration among community cancer centers. 

Study Type: Registry 

Study Administration: This study is conducted through Duke University and is not registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. 
 

ENGAGE — Behavioral Intervention Trial 

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06555588 

ENGAGE is a behavioral intervention trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a symptom-management intervention for patients experiencing insomnia who have Stage IV breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer. 

Study Type: Behavioral Intervention 

Eligibility: Patients with Stage IV breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer who were diagnosed within the past year. Additional study-specific eligibility criteria apply. 

View ENGAGE on ClinicalTrials.gov 

ICAN B — Behavioral Intervention Trial 

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07300995 

ICAN B is a behavioral intervention trial that evaluates a coping skills program designed to help women with breast cancer manage pain. 

Study Type: Behavioral Intervention 

Eligibility: Women aged 55 and older with breast cancer. Additional study-specific eligibility criteria apply. 

View ICAN B on ClinicalTrials.gov 
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a clinical trial? 

Clinical trials are carefully designed research studies involving human participants. These studies evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medical treatments, medications, medical devices, surgical procedures, and behavioral interventions. 

Clinical trials also help researchers better understand diseases, symptoms, patient experiences, and approaches to improving healthcare. 
 

Does CalvertHealth have a clinical trials program? 

Yes. CalvertHealth initiated its first clinical trial in April 2025. As an affiliate of Duke University Health System, CalvertHealth actively collaborates with Duke's Cancer Program to support and expand clinical research opportunities in Maryland. 

Since launching the program, CalvertHealth has achieved established participant accrual targets for two research initiatives: 

Low Value I — Interview-Based Study 

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05140252 

CalvertHealth successfully met the established participant accrual target for this interview-based clinical research study. 

Nite2Day — Behavioral Intervention Trial 

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06529120 

CalvertHealth successfully met the established participant accrual target for the initial phase of this behavioral intervention trial. The study is currently on hold at CalvertHealth while awaiting the opening of its next phase. 

These accomplishments represent important milestones in the continued development of CalvertHealth's clinical trials program. 
 

What types of clinical trials are available at CalvertHealth? 

CalvertHealth participates in several types of clinical research, including interview-based studies, registry studies, and behavioral intervention trials. 

Interview-Based Studies 

Interview-based studies involve speaking directly with patients or caregivers to better understand their experiences, perspectives, and healthcare needs. These studies may include interviews alongside other forms of research data collection. 

Registry Studies 

Registry studies systematically collect information about individuals with a particular disease, condition, or exposure. Researchers use this information to evaluate health outcomes, identify patterns, and improve understanding of specific patient populations. 

Behavioral Intervention Trials 

Behavioral intervention trials evaluate approaches designed to improve health-related behaviors, coping strategies, and symptom management. These interventions may focus on areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, or therapeutic coping techniques rather than medications or medical devices. 
 

What clinical trials are currently open for enrollment? 

CalvertHealth currently has three clinical trials open to accrual, meaning they are actively enrolling eligible patients: 

• MRT: A registry study involving patients with solid tumors who undergo standard-of-care genetic testing. 
• ENGAGE: A behavioral intervention trial evaluating symptom management for insomnia in patients with Stage IV breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer. 
• ICAN B: A behavioral intervention trial evaluating a coping skills program to help women aged 55 and older with breast cancer manage pain. 

Each study has specific eligibility requirements. Your oncology provider and the Clinical Research Coordinator can help determine whether a study may be appropriate for you. 
 

What are the ClinicalTrials.gov links listed with each study? 

ClinicalTrials.gov is a publicly accessible database of clinical research studies. Each registered study receives a unique National Clinical Trial (NCT) identifier. 

The links provided next to the clinical trial names allow you to access additional information about each study, including its purpose, eligibility criteria, research procedures, and other study details. 

You can also use ClinicalTrials.gov to search for other clinical trials related to your specific cancer diagnosis. 

Always discuss studies of interest with your oncologist to determine whether they may be appropriate for your individual medical circumstances. 
 

What does it mean to be eligible for a clinical trial, and how will I know if I qualify? 

Each clinical trial has specific eligibility criteria that patients must meet to participate. Depending on the study, these requirements may include cancer type, disease stage, age, time since diagnosis, treatment history, or other clinical factors. 

At CalvertHealth, each cancer patient is screened for clinical trial eligibility by the oncology team and Clinical Research Coordinator. 

If you meet the eligibility requirements for an available study, the Clinical Research Coordinator will contact you to explain the trial, answer your questions, and ask whether you would like to participate. 

Your oncology provider can also answer questions about clinical trials and discuss research opportunities that may be appropriate for your care. 

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not obligate you to participate. Enrollment in a clinical trial is voluntary. 
 

What is involved in enrolling in a clinical trial? 

Before enrolling in a clinical trial, patients must meet all eligibility criteria established for that specific study. 

Eligible patients receive detailed information about the study, including its purpose, research procedures, participation requirements, potential risks and benefits, and other important considerations. 

This education is part of the informed consent process, which helps patients make an informed decision about whether they wish to participate. 

Patients have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to enroll. Those who choose to participate provide informed consent and complete the required study-specific paperwork and documentation. 

Enrollment procedures and required forms vary depending on the clinical trial. 

Participation is voluntary, and patients may choose not to enroll. 
 

Who is involved in CalvertHealth's clinical trials program? 

CalvertHealth's clinical trials program is supported by a multidisciplinary team within the CalvertHealth Medical Group Oncology Program. 

Team members involved in supporting clinical research include: 

• Oncologists 
• Breast Surgeon 
• Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioners 
• Clinical Research Coordinator 
• Nurse Navigators 
• Director of Oncology Services 
• Manager of Oncology Services 
• Main Infusion Nurses 
• Light Infusion Nurses 
• Medical Assistants 

Together, these professionals support patient screening, education, study coordination, and the integration of clinical research into oncology care. 
 

What clinical trials can patients expect in the future? 

CalvertHealth plans to expand its clinical research portfolio to include cancer treatment trials in 2027. 

Treatment trials evaluate therapeutic approaches for patients with specific diseases or conditions. These may include new medications, surgical techniques, or combinations of treatments. 

The expansion into treatment trials represents an important next step in the continued development of CalvertHealth's clinical research program. 

Visit this page for updates as additional clinical trials become available. 
 

Interested in Participating in a Clinical Trial? 

If you are receiving cancer care at CalvertHealth and would like to learn more about available clinical research opportunities, speak with your oncologist or ask to connect with the Clinical Research Coordinator. 

Our oncology team can provide information about currently available studies, explain eligibility requirements, and help you better understand what participation in a clinical trial may involve. 

Talk with your oncologist to learn more about clinical trials and research opportunities.