Innovative approaches to medicine through research are an integral component of our mission. Ongoing clinical investigations in our facilities span the spectrum of medical disciplines. Studies range from numerous international multi-center pharmaceutical studies to federally-supported oncology trials and community-based health investigations and initiatives. Medical faculty and residents are involved in clinical research targeting specific illnesses, and our physicians have also acted cooperatively in interdisciplinary studies focusing on a broad range of health issues. The following provides a general overview of our clinical research initiatives: Clinical Trials Tracker CMC physicians and researchers participate in more than 700 clinical trials and studies offering patients in our region the opportunity to participate in the most cutting edge therapies for a variety of different diagnoses. Investigator-initiated grant-funded work is under way in the Transplant Center for research in islet cell transplantation that may impact the management of diabetes. The Department of Pediatrics is conducting various pediatric infectious disease studies, including a pediatric e-coli vaccine. Blumenthal Cancer Center conducts many clinical research studies in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute and nationally supported cancer consortium groups. Ongoing investigations focus on breast cancer, gynecological cancers, pediatric oncology, prostate, and head and neck cancers. Behavioral Health is heavily involved in sponsored pharmaceutical research in the areas of adult depression, anxiety-based disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders and Schizophrenia. The Department of Family Medicine is involved in community investigations as part of a multi-project CDC grant. This grant targets various urban population centers for disease prevention initiatives and wellness practices. The Departments of Emergency Medicine and Trauma are involved in studies with state and local Hazardous Materials Response and Crisis Response and Management as well as many therapeutic intervention studies. Numerous urology studies focus on innovative approaches to the treatment of prostate and renal cell (kidney) cancer, including a sponsored study of a cancer vaccine derived from patients' own cancer cells. Cardiologists participate in numerous cardiology drug and device studies, including promising drug-coated stents to prevent re-closing of coronary arteries following angioplasty. The ALS Center and MS Center each conduct several studies of chronic degenerative neuromuscular disorders. The Department of Orthopaedics has conducted several recent studies using a manufactured human protein that helps grow new bone to hasten fracture healing and increase mobility, as well as studies that focus on prevention of fractures resulting from osteoporosis. Anesthesiology participates in pain management studies as well as intrathecal drug delivery studies. Neurosurgery surgical and pharmaceutical studies involve stereotactic radiosurgery and glioblastoma multiforme as well spine disc degeneration studies. Radiology participates in and supports multiple Oncology protocols as well as registries related to radiology interventions. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is very active with in spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke and deconditioning studies, as well as rehabilitation outcomes research. The Department of Oral Medicine focuses on research in the areas of Sjögren's Syndrome, chemo/radio-therapy related oral complications, and bacteremia from invasive dental procedures.  It is also conducting a study exploring important oral health factors in the elderly. Interdisciplinary efforts include: Oral Medicine and Oncology for chemotherapy-related oral complications Urology and Carolinas Rehabilitation for spinal cord injury related complications Neurosurgery and Cardiology for emergency interventions to treat strokes and aneurysms.