Leading and supporting NCI cancer clinical trials in surgical oncology
National and Institutional Leadership and Support of NCI-Sponsored Clinical Trial Research as a Surgical Oncologist
A surgical cancer doctor at Northwestern is helping run and expand NCI-funded clinical trials so more people with cancer can join studies and access new treatment and surgical options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193491 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Dr. Akhil Chawla provides leadership, protocol development, and quality oversight for NCI-sponsored clinical trials at Northwestern's Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and across the Alliance network. He co-leads large trials such as the Alliance A021806 pancreatic cancer trial and works with multidisciplinary experts to design and refine practice-changing study plans. The work focuses on improving trial enrollment, implementation, and site support so protocols are done consistently and reach more eligible patients. Efforts also include scientific review, dissemination of trial results, and expanding the clinical trials infrastructure at Northwestern.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with cancer who meet eligibility for NCI-sponsored surgical or oncology trials—especially patients with pancreatic cancer or those treated at Northwestern or participating Alliance sites.
Not a fit: People without cancer, patients whose disease or health status does not meet trial eligibility, or those unable to access Northwestern or participating sites are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make more high-quality NCI clinical trials available and easier to join, improving patient access to new treatments and surgical approaches.
How similar studies have performed: NCI cooperative-group trials have previously led to major changes in cancer care, and Dr. Chawla's leadership of large Alliance trials builds on that established, successful model.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chawla, Akhil — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Chawla, Akhil
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.