The Research Pharmacy Shared Resource provides support for Cancer Institute members who conduct research with investigational agents in human subjects. The overall goal of this Shared Resource is to support the rigorously reviewed Cancer Institute clinical research by providing an efficient, centralized service of extraordinary quality.

The specific goals of this shared resource are:

To develop and maintain proper methods for preparation and handling of investigational agents
To ensure that all issues involving drug accountability, dosing, and administration are (a) clearly defined in the protocol; (b) consistent with Cancer Institute, State, and Federal policies and procedures; and © followed to ensure the proper use of all study agents in clinical trials
To facilitate procurement, maintain accountability, and provide secure and appropriate storage for all investigational agents, and ensure that these agents are dispensed according to protocol guidelines; for the basic science Programs, the Research Pharmacy procures investigational and commercial agents for laboratory use
To assist Cancer Institute investigators, along with the Office of Human Research Services (OHRS), in maintaining regulatory compliance
To provide expert consultation on the use of new agents regarding drug interactions, sequencing, formulation and administration
To provide an additional level of quality assurance in clinical trials through (a) verification of informed consent; (b) verification of eligibility and enrollment through the OHRS before dispensing any agent to clinical trial participants; © verification of dose assignments in phase I trials; (d) review of dose modifications; (e) assessment for potential drug interactions; (f) maintenance of randomization schemas for investigator-initiated trials; and (g) assessment of patient adherence for self-administered protocol therapy