The CTRC reviews all cancer-related projects at UAB. The investigator first completes a Letter of Intent (LOI) form and submits it to the CTRC office, which then determines whether review by the full CTRC is required.
When review is required by the full CTRC (e.g., a clinical trial), the CTRC provides review for scientific merit, safety, study design, and feasibility. In addition, each trial is reviewed to ensure that no competing studies would prevent the trial from reaching its targeted accrual goal. After review, the trial is assigned a priority score based on clinical and scientific merit. The CTRC review may serve as the Protocol Oversight Review for some divisions/departments. Researchers should check with their departments to see if departmental review is also required. The IRB submission materials should include a copy of the CTRC approval memorandum, and a copy of the departmental review form if required.
Where review is not required by the full CTRC (e.g., retrospective chart review studies, coordinating center and administrative protocols), a CTRC approval memorandum is provided following expedited review. The IRB submission materials should include a copy of the CTRC approval memorandum, and a copy of the departmental review form if required.
The LOI form is available online at the CCC web site. Questions regarding the CTRC review process should be directed to Pam Alverson in the Cancer Center (