The Committee’s Charge

The Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (PRMC) is responsible for the scientific review of oncology-related interventional clinical research trials at Holden.

The PRMC reviews new interventional protocols and determines the prioritization of research participants to competing protocols. Each protocol undergoes review by two scientific members, a pharmacist, a statistician, and a patient advocate (as available). The committee continually monitors scientific progress and accrual for all ongoing studies under its purview.

The presence of the PRMC is indispensable for several reasons:

1. Achieves NCI Designation: A Protocol Review and Monitoring System (PRMS) and PRMC are required components for Holden to be recognized as a comprehensive cancer center by the NCI. Such a designation acknowledges that Holden provides Iowans with access to a range of cancer treatment opportunities that few other U.S. cancer centers can offer, including a vast array of clinical trials and some of the newest therapies.
2. Rigorous Internal Oversight: The committee performs rigorous internal oversight of the scientific aspects of oncology clinical studies, resulting in high-quality work.
3. Expertise: PRMC members have scientific expertise from basic laboratory, clinical, prevention, cancer control, and population-based science. The committee evaluates new protocols and provides continuous monitoring of open protocols for scientific progress and accrual to ensure the aims of a study can be completed.
4. Safety Evaluation: The PRMC evaluates new safety information that might significantly alter the scientific merit of the protocol. The committee also has the authority to close trials to accrual if necessary.
5. Resource Allocation: The PRMC also assesses the feasibility and priority of proposed trials, helping to allocate resources effectively.

The Committee’s Make Up