Overview
The UPCI Protocol Review and Monitoring System (PRMS) is comprised of several specialized oversight groups. The Protocol Review Committee (PRC) of UPCI is responsible for reviewing all clinical cancer research studies conducted at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC prior to their initiation. PRC works closely with the UPCI Data Safety and Monitoring Committee (DMSC), which is responsible for the safety, validity of data, appropriate closure of trials, and monitoring of UPCI clinical research. In January 2002, the PRC expanded to three committees. Committees A and B focus on the review of cancer treatment protocols, while Committee C is responsible for reviewing all behavioral and cancer epidemiology, cancer prevention and control, and complementary medicine protocols. The PRC evaluates each protocol to ensure appropriate study design and scientific quality, availability of outside and/or institutional resources allocated, fiscal accounting of the utilization of resources, insurance billing and third party coverage issues.