SIR Foundation Launches IR Clinical Trials Network

June 11, 2022—The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) announced that the SIR Foundation has launched a program to enhance the scientific rigor of research into interventional radiology treatments, devices, and techniques through mentorship.

The SIR Foundation’s Interventional Radiology Clinical Trials Network (IR CTN) will provide research teams with support at all stages of clinical trial development. This will include help with trial design, trial conduct, patient enrollment, site recruitment, and support for grant applications.

The announcement of the IR CTN launch was made at the SIR 2022 annual scientific meeting held June 11-16 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Katharine L. Krol, Chair of SIR Foundation Board of Directors, commented in the SIR press release, “Through the IR CTN, SIR Foundation will establish a robust community of experienced researchers to mentor emerging IR investigators, empowering broader participation in research trials across the range of IR practices. By supporting interventional radiologists in the development of collaborative studies that improve patient outcomes, the IR CTN will ensure greater access to minimally invasive, image-guided therapies for patients around the world.”

Sanjay Misra, MD, the Clinical Trials Network Taskforce Chair, added, “The IR CTN is a win-win for mentors and mentees, providing investigators with access to a network of sites capable of participating in a trial, a forum for discussion of trial concept and design, educational resources, and support for grant applications. The CTN also benefits those sponsoring IR research by providing access to clinically engaged interventional radiologists ready to participate in trial concepts, and expert insight into research needs within the IR community.”

For more information, SIR advised:

• Academic and private practice sites interested in participating in the IR CTN can take a brief survey to engage, online here.
• Industry or corporate representatives interested in participating in the IR CTN can take a brief survey, online here.