Cancer Medication Research

An early stage (phase I–II) cancer medication research unit (FONK) operates at Tays. The objective of the unit is to improve the research possibilities of new cancer medication at the hospital, and so to introduce the new medication to patient use as early as possible.

The early stage cancer medication research unit has 2–4 patient places and operates at cancer ward RS1. New clinical pharmacotherapies are tested on patients who suffer from different types of cancer. The unit targets internationally high-quality research projects.

Patients are referred to the speciality of the cancer in question. The doctor-researcher verifies the suitability of the patient for the examinations, after which the treatment is implemented on the ward of the cancer medication research unit.

With the new operations, we ensure that Tays patients receive new cancer drugs at an early stage. At the same time, the personnel receive training in the impact mechanisms and management of side effects of these new drugs. The operations introduce new innovation and drug industry investments in the area, and reduce cancer treatment costs on a municipal level.

The unit is also the contact point to other cancer medication trials.

Email: FONK(at)pshp.fi
Telephone: +358 3 311 65357

Persons in charge

Chief Physician of the Unit Minna Tanner
Professor Johanna Mäenpää
Research Manager Saara Ojala
Research Coordinator Marjo Koivisto
Research Nurse Miia Hautamäki
Research Nurse Kristiina Loukkola

Clinics and wards

Oncology Ward RS1 (Tays Central Hospital)

Tays Cancer Centre

Modified 2022-02-28

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phases in drug research

Clinical drug trials are divided into four different phases.

First phase (phase I): The drug is given to a human being for the first time. The drug being researched is tried on a small group of patients and the tolerance of the drug, suitable dosage, behaviour of the medicinal substance in the body and initial impact are examined.

Second phase (phase II): The drug is tested on a larger group of patients and more information on the impact, side effects and correct dosage of the drug is received.

Third phase (phase III): The drug is tested on a wider group of patients and more information is gained on the safety of the drug. The new drug is also compared against the old Current Care Guidelines. After the third-phase examinations, a sales permit may be applied for the drug.

In the fourth phase (phase IV) the characteristics of the approved-for-sale drug are examined. This phase involves the examination of drug safety in public and long-term use and among different patient groups.

Treatment and tests

Special services

Other services

Cancer Medication Research

Persons in charge

Clinics and wards

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phases in drug research