Research in Our Communities

Established in 1978 as a Non-Profit Organization, the Iowa Oncology Research Association (IORA) offers central Iowans the opportunity to participate in over 100 national and international research studies.  Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, these studies cover all areas of cancer treatment and prevention.  Research involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, cancer surgery and immunotherapy is available locally.

Iowa-Wide Oncology Research Coalition (I-WORC NCORP)

NCI Community Oncology Research Program

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) 

  • What it is: A network that brings cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research directly to people in their communities.

  • Purpose: To improve cancer treatment outcomes by making research accessible to a more diverse patient population and to generate evidence that helps reduce cancer disparities.

  • Activities: NCORP studies cancer prevention, screening, symptom management, and quality of life. It collaborates with a network of community sites, and research bases across the United States. 

Iowa Oncology Research Association services:

-UI Healthcare Mission Cancer and Blood

-UnityPoint Health Des Moines- John Stoddard Cancer Center

-MercyOne Des Moines- Richard Deming Cancer Center

-The Iowa Clinic

-Broadlawns Medical Center

Affiliate Institutions include:

Blank Children’s Hospital – Des Moines

Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinics (Ames)

Mercy Medical Center-Cedar Rapids/Hall-Perrine Cancer Center

Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa and UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s Hospital- Cedar Rapids

Clinical Trials and Research Studies

  • Research plays a large role in cancer care. I-WORC (Iowa-Wide Oncology Research Coalition) NCORP provides Iowans with the opportunity to participate in over 100 national and international research studies. Through research, we have identified improved methods of treating patients. With continued investment in research, we look forward to the day when we can say we have a cure for cancer.

  • Clinical trials offer high-quality cancer care. Entry into a research study is always a joint decision between the physician and the patient. By looking at the pros and cons of clinical trials and your other treatment choices, you are taking an active role in a decision that affects your life. If you are interested in participating in a research study, please ask your physician to determine if there is a clinical trial appropriate for you.

  • We have clinical trials available covering all areas of cancer treatment. Areas of research include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, symptom management and cancer prevention.

Clinical Trial Resources