Understanding New Ways to Treat and Cure Disease

Many departments across MaineHealth participate in investigator-initiated and sponsored research trials. Learn more about some of the clinical departments and physicians who are engaged in clinical trials and bringing new treatments and interventions to our community.

Cardiology

The Cardiology Division is involved in a number of areas of clinical research, including multiple active national and international clinical trials. Major interests include reperfusion through thrombolysis, mechanisms of clot formation and dissolution, the role of platelets in unstable angina, restenosis following angioplasty and lipid disorders as they affect clot formation, restenosis, and atherogenesis. We are active in the investigation of interventional devices and strategies, and have been active participants in all of the major arrhythmia investigations. Our research is supported by three full time Research Nurses.

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Cystic Fibrosis

The MMC Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center actively participates in the Northern New England CF Consortium (NNECFC). The NNECFC is a regional, voluntary working group of more than 70 clinicians and researchers from the CF care centers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The mission of the group is to enhance CF care and patient outcomes within our region through clinical research and quality improvement projects.

We are notified directly of all CF research trials seeking subjects through the Therapeutic Development Network (TDN) organized by the CF Foundation. As a designated TDN Center, we participate in clinical trials to identify new and improved treatments for CF.

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Emergency Medicine

Research is a key component of MMC’s three-pronged mission: caring for our community, educating tomorrow’s caregivers, and researching new ways to provide care. Since 1996, clinical researchers from the Department of Emergency Medicine have been contributing to the growth of the specialty, the advancement of patient care, and the fulfillment of the MMC mission through their scholarly endeavors.

Learn more about the scholarly activity of the Department of Emergency Medicine

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Division of Nephrology & Transplantation

The Division of Nephrology & Transplantation at Maine Medical Center has long been involved in clinical trial, epidemiologic and translational research. Numerous faculty members are supported through both NIH and industry grant funding mechanisms. We have track a record of excellence in the pursuit of such activities and our faculty publishes extensively. Specific current areas of research include:

  • Phase IV study of the impact of belatacept administration after kidney transplantation
  • Participation in the Kidney Donor Outcome Consortium
  • First study of a novel DNA vaccine for prevention of CMV after transplantation
  • Early phase evaluation of a novel oral hematopoietic agent for mitigation of anemia in CKD
  • Epidemiology of primary hyperparathyroidism
  • Epidemiology of nephrolithiasis

Learn More about the Maine Transplant Program

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Neurology

There have been remarkable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in just the last decade and MMC remains at the leading edge of therapy by participating in multicenter clinical trials for a range of conditions. As a result, discoveries move from the bench to the bedside faster than ever, patients have access to new treatments unavailable at most other hospitals, and our clinicians stay current by participating directly in the scientific efforts that move medicine ahead, one step at a time.

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Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Institute provides funding for clinician-initiated research projects and the development of research databases in such areas as stroke, neurocritical care, and oncology. Our clinical investigators have a strong track record of cutting edge research and publication in major neuroscience journals. Many serve on expert national or international panels, and serve as educational resources for the community and the state.

Learn more about the clinical trials and other research projects from the Neuroscience Institute.

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Oncology

At Maine Medical Center (MMC), we conduct medical research so that we can give you and your loved ones the best possible care, close to home. The ultimate goal of all our research is to develop evidence-based, best-practice approaches in cancer care for our patients.

Our scientists and clinicians work together in the fight against cancer, one of the most challenging medical issues of our time. In our laboratories, at the bedside, and in our community, our extensive medical research programs strive to improve patient care and outcomes by providing access to leading-edge treatment options and quality care. Our outstanding educational and research programs help attract and retain some of the nation’s top doctors and nurses, making MMC a better hospital.

Clinical trials test and compare new treatment and diagnostic tools against those typically in use today. Patients participating in clinical trials have access to the latest experimental treatments. For some patients, these experimental treatments can offer hope after standard treatments have failed. To learn more about clinical trials, visit the MaineHealth Cancer Resource Center

Learn more about the MMC Cancer Institute

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Psychiatry

The major focus of the Center for Psychiatric Research is on uncovering the biological underpinnings of psychiatric disease and behavioral dysfunction including, for example, investigating genetic risk factors underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.  This may be best exemplified by the Autism & Developmental Disorders Inpatient Research Collaborative (ADDIRC).  Led by Dr. Matt Siegel, ADDIRC is a multi-site collaborative effort involving six specialized child psychiatry inpatient units treating children with severe autism and developmental disabilities.

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Pulmonary Medicine & Critical Care

The MMC Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine division has longstanding clinical research programs with focus areas including cystic fibrosis, diffuse lung disease, medical critical care, neurologic critical care, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Learn more about the research efforts

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Cardiothoracic Surgery

The Maine Medical Center Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery participates in national and international multicenter drug and device trials, investigator initiated studies and registries, and translational studies. Our faculty participates in the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group, collaborating with other investigators using the regional database to generate observational studies in peer reviewed publications.
Some of our areas of interest have included neurocognitive studies, glucose management, blood management, acute kidney injury, a novel inotrope, conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass, and post-operative atrial fibrillation. Specific current areas of research include:

  • International multi-center transfusion trial
  • International multi-center left atrial appendage occlusion study
  • Phase 2 antithrombin-3 trial
  • Point of care testing of glucose
  • Endotheliopathy after cardiac surgery and hemorrhagic shock: Commonalities of mechanisms and methods of suppression
  • Continuous oxygen delivery determination during cardiopulmonary bypass
  • Novel anticoagulation strategies for mechanical heart valves

Meet the Researchers:

Vascular Surgery

The Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Maine Medical Center has a long history of involvement in clinical trials and outcomes research.  The faculty participate in evaluation and oversight of new therapeutic devices and serve on oversight committees and the Vascular Study Group of New England Research Committee.  Areas of interest include risk stratification, comparative outcomes, and treatment strategies.  The faculty has a track record of productivity and publications in peer reviewed journals.

Current areas of interest include:

  • New endovascular devices for treatment of AAA
  • Wound management strategies for reducing postoperative infection
  • Understanding the development of atherosclerosis
  • Novel devices for treatment of atherosclerotic occlusive disease
  • The impact of anesthetic technique on postoperative infection
  • Cardiac risk after vascular operations

Meet the Researchers:

Urology

MaineHealth Institute for Research provides the organizational framework for both laboratory-based and clinical research in urology.  Clinical outcome and health services research in urology are coordinated through the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE).

Learn more about the MMC Urology Program

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Clinical Trials Office

Krista Garrison, Director
81 Research Drive
Scarborough, Maine 04074