The treatments of tomorrow often start as clinical trials today. And when it comes to groundbreaking advancements in pulmonary care, the Temple Lung Center is at the forefront, offering patients access to potential new treatments before they become widely available.
The Temple Lung Center’s robust research program typically offers at least 50 enrolling options for clinical trials, with many options focused on conditions that can severely impact lung function: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, mycobacterium infection, asthma, lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and more.
Limited - Temple Health - Lung MainProvided Courtesy/Temple Health Lung Center
Dr. Aamir Ajmeri and Dr. Lijo C. Illipparambil, both physician-researchers at the Temple Lung Center.
“Temple is unique in that we have so many clinical trials going,” saidDr. Aamir Ajmeri, Assistant Professor, Clinical Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, who practices pulmonology at the Temple Lung Center. “It’s really an embedded part of our clinical practice.”
A commitment to research and patient care
The idea of embedding clinical trials in the Temple Lung Center’s practice was the brainchild of Dr. Gerard J. Criner, Chair and Professor, Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and the Director, Temple Lung Center.
Dr. Criner recognized that making Temple Lung Center a major site for clinical trials would allow it to offer patients access to groundbreaking treatments while also advancing pulmonary care.
“If you look at major breakthroughs for pulmonary disease, Temple has been right there,” Dr. Ajmeri said.
That's especially true for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.
ILD refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation and progressive scarring of lung tissue. IPF, a specific form of ILD, causes scar tissue to accumulate in the lungs. Both make breathing difficult and have been considered irreversible, making lung transplants the only treatment for them once they become advanced.
How clinical trials are changing the future of pulmonary treatment
The Temple Lung Center prioritizes clinical trial education to its patient population, and the team of physician-researchers take care to discuss enrolling trials with their patients so they are aware of options they might not have heard about otherwise. This proactive approach has resulted in many patients enrolling in trials. In fact, the Temple Lung Center was the #1 enroller in a recent pivotal IPF clinical trial in the country, and its participation helped lead the medication - an oral medication that can improve lung function and quality of life in patients with IPF - into the next phase of review, offering hope to the wider IPF community.
Expanding access to innovative treatments
The Temple Lung Center’s emphasis on clinical trials enables it to provide patients from the greater Philadelphia region with access to advanced treatments that are often not available anywhere else.
Limited - Temple Health.Lung - Article 2Provided Courtesy/Temple Health Lung Center
At the Temple Lung Center, scientists and clinical researchers work side-by-side to unravel the mechanisms of lung disease, discover new treatments and test lifesaving devices.
And the diversity of Temple’s patient population allows clinical trial coordinators to gather data from a broader range of patients, helping to improve treatment options for all populations and reduce disparities in healthcare.
“There are new drugs coming out every single day that are going into trials,” Dr. Ajmeri said.
Debunking myths about clinical trials
Many patients hesitate to enroll in clinical trials due to concerns about safety or misconceptions that these studies are only for those who have exhausted all other options. In reality, clinical trials provide several key advantages that can enhance both patient care and treatment outcomes.
One of the most significant benefits is enhanced medical monitoring with frequent evaluations by a dedicated team of physicians and research coordinators, ensuring a higher level of care than standard treatment. “A lot of eyes are looking at you,” Dr. Ajmeri said.
Clinical trials also provide early access to innovative therapies that are not yet widely available, giving patients the opportunity to benefit from breakthrough treatments before they reach the wider market.
Beyond medical advantages, enrolling in a trial allows patients to take an active role in their healthcare while contributing to groundbreaking research that could help others facing the same condition.
"A lot of times, you are afflicted with a disease, and you just have to deal with it,” Dr. Ajmeri said. “But if you are enrolled in a trial, you are taking the reins in hand and giving yourself a chance to help yourself and help others with the same condition.”
Clinical trial patients are always in control
Another common misconception is that once you join a clinical trial, you’re locked in. But participants can withdraw from a trial at any time and still continue seeing their doctors at Temple Lung Center. The goal is always to prioritize patient well-being and comfort.
“If you don’t feel it’s for you, you’re more than welcome to stop being a participant in the trial and continue seeing us,” Dr. Ajmeri said.
Learn more about clinical trials at Temple Lung Center
Temple Lung Center is currently enrolling patients in clinical trials for a range of pulmonary conditions, including ILD, IPF, asthma, and COPD.
Interested in learning more? Click here to explore current clinical trials or call 215-707-1359 to speak with a specialist today.