Improving Patient Care & Advancing Medical Research
Sanford Health fosters a culture of innovative discovery through cutting-edge clinical trials.
We’re actively working to advance treatments and evidence-based care. Clinical trials give patients access to new treatments and help improve care for current and future generations.
Trials at Sanford Health focus on:
- Improving the standard of care
- Finding better ways to detect and prevent disease
- Improving comfort and quality of life for patients
Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can participate in a trial. Eligibility requirements may include age, sex, health and risk factors.
We offer trials at every stage of care, including:
- Prevention
- Diagnosis and screening
- Treatment
- Quality of life and condition management
- Survivorship
Sanford Health’s clinical trials portfolio is driven by dedicated working groups. Each group provides direction for the development and oversight of a therapeutic area, ensuring the right clinical trials are offered to our patients. Working groups are led by physician experts, clinical research leadership, clinical investigators, clinical research professionals and leaders from health care services.
Browse our catalog of clinical trials to find a trial that’s relevant to you.
Clinical Research Trial Phases
Our trials are conducted across all phases of clinical research, including:
- Phase 0: Discovery and lab-based research
- Phase 1: Safety
- Phase 2: Safety and dosing
- Phase 3: Safety and efficacy
- Phase 4: Post-approval surveillance
Protecting Patient Rights
Sanford Health’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a key component of our Human Research Protection Program and protects the rights, safety and well-being of participants.
Clinical Research News
Clinical trial cuts radiation time dramatically
When Jeff Koehn was diagnosed with throat cancer, his doctors recommended treatment to include surgery and a clinical trial for radiation. It reduced his radiation therapy time from the usual six weeks to 10 days.
Early diabetes detection prevents serious illness in toddler
At 2 years old, Ezra was enrolled in Sanford’s PLEDGE Study, which detected early markers of type 1 diabetes. Prompt monitoring helped him avoid severe illness and start treatment early before symptoms or hospitalization were ever needed.
Sanford Health joins Undiagnosed Diseases Network
Sanford Health joined the NIH-backed Undiagnosed Diseases Network. They began enrolling at least five patients per year into a program that brings top geneticists together to solve rare, unexplained conditions. By Oct 2024, UDN had evaluated over 2,600 participants and made more than 825 diagnoses.
This no-cost genetic screening could improve your care
At Sanford Health’s ImagineYou study, adults receive no-cost genetic screening for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, and familial high cholesterol. Those testing positive are referred to free genetic counseling, enabling early personalized medical care and improved preventive strategies.
Early-phase cancer treatments available at Sanford Health
At Sanford Research, cancer patients can now access Phase 1 clinical trials, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, right in their community. Nurse navigators and tumor boards support care close to home and streamline enrollment.
National cancer study aims to reach Midwestern patients
Through Sanford Health’s partnership in the NCI Connect for Cancer Prevention Study, Midwestern adults can enroll to help researchers track lifestyle, genetic, and environmental risk factors.
Decentralized Clinical Trials
Expanding care access and enhancing research
Our decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) program brings clinical research opportunities closer to patients – especially those in rural areas – through technology and local partnerships. This approach enhances patient access, experience and engagement while maintaining the same regulatory and scientific standards as traditional clinical trials.
What are decentralized clinical trials?
DCTs are trials that use digital tools, remote monitoring and local clinical partnerships to conduct study-related activities outside of traditional research centers. Through DCTs, study participants receive expanded access to research-based care without having to travel a great distance.
Patients who participate in a DCT are typically referred by their provider. Arrangements are made with the patient regarding how they will receive their care for the trial, like through virtual visits at home or in a clinic.
Please contact our team if you need more information or would like to make a proposal.