RESEARCH AT ID CLINIC/HOP

Several different types of research take place at the ID Clinic/HIV Outpatient Program/HOP:

• Clinical trials of new medications under investigation.

• Studies developed by the Sexually Transmitted Infections/Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center (STI TM CRC), created by an NIH grant in 2004. A clinical trial that was part of the project was temporarily halted after Hurricane Katrina, but has now reopened.

• Studies that evaluate the risks for specific conditions, i.e., cervical cancer, oral HPV infection, oral pharyngeal candidiasis.

• NIH-sponsored Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU) and Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA). Studies by these groups offer participation into national clinical trials.

• The Clinic continues the Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (SOCA) that has been in existence for approximately 16 years and was approved for another four years by the National Eye Institute.  There are approximately 150 clients currently participating in the Longitudinal Study of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA).   This study follows clients with an AIDS diagnosis over time to see if they will develop any complications. Clients with ocular complications are seen every three months for treatment.  Those without complications are seen every six months. 

Given the decrease in HOP patient/client population and overall financial support following Hurricane Katrina, HOP has downsized research personnel, but will continue to offer participation in a limited selection of studies to patients. The plan for the next few years will be to open selected early access or "compassionate use" studies to provide drugs to patients who may not have other options. In addition, a few other pharmaceutical-sponsored studies may be opened depending upon study nurse support. HOP patients/clients will continue to be offered participation in studies available through other study or clinicals trials groups, including the STI TM CRC, Pediatric ACTU and CPCRA.

CONTACT ID CLINIC/HOP RESEARCH

Investigators wishing to conduct studies at HOP or have ID Clinic/HOP patients/clients referred to their studies should submit applications to the HOP Research Committee. Please contact Dr. Rebecca Clark at rclark@lsuhsc.edu.

Click here to download and print our brochure.