New System at NNMC Reviews, Approves Cancer Research

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexandra Snow, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- The United States Military Cancer Institute (USMCI) held its inaugural meeting at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) for its new review board to examine and approve oncology research protocols for medical treatment facilities in the National Capital Area, Feb. 24.

To better serve the military community, the USMCI Internal Review Board (IRB) system provides a new process for investigators who wish to conduct cancer research at several Department of Defense (DoD) medical treatment facilities, including non-DoD partners, said Marianne Elliott, chair of the USMCI IRB and senior human subject protection scientist at Fort Detrick.

She added that the USMCI IRB panel meets monthly to review research protocols, ensuring the rights, welfare, and safety of research subjects.

"The structure addresses a long-recognized need to bring the results of cancer research to our patients by streamlining the IRB review process and making it easier for investigators at multiple institutions to rely on one central IRB," said Elliott.

Participating in cancer research is invaluable to health care providers and supports the oncology graduate medical education programs in military teaching hospitals, Elliott said, adding, "Our IRB members bring experience and expertise in cancer research and other related areas, such as pharmacology, neurosurgery."

At NNMC, all new research for the USMCI IRB must first be submitted through the existing IRB, Elliott said. Upon approval, protocols will be sent to the USMCI for consideration. Although the USMCI IRB is similar to the web-based IRB network currently in place at NNMC, the two systems differ in scope and purpose.

"NNMC IRB is for all research protocols being conducted at NNMC or by NNMC investigators. The USMCI IRB will be a central IRB for all oncology research conducted in two or more institutions where at least one is a DoD (Department of Defense) institution," said Luis Calvo, program analyst in the Responsible Conduct Research Service (RCRS) office at NNMC.

IRB review time will vary for each research protocol, Elliott said, depending on the nature of the research and the individual institution's approval system.

For more information on the USMCI IRB, e-mail Elliott at Marianne.m.elliott.ctr@us.army.mil. For NNMC's IRB, contact Calvo at 301-295-2269.