How Clinical Trials Can Offer Additional Touchpoints for Patients; Q + A with Dr. Mark Vishnepolsky

Posted by: DaVita Clinical Research

Last month, DaVita Clinical Research had a sit-down with one of our research site principal investigators, Dr. Mark Vishnepolsky, to learn more about his insights on providing care to patients through clinical trials.  Based on his years of experience in the field, Dr. Vishnepolsky gave a simple breakdown as to how clinical trials for kidney disease can be an  added benefit to improving overall patient care.

Q: How many years have you been conducting clinical trials and in what therapeutic areas? 

A: I’ve been conducting clinical trials for the past 3 years, with a focus on Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and Calciphylaxis.

Q: Why do you think clinical trials are a good opportunity for your patients?

A: When my patients have exhausted already available kidney disease treatments, they may be eligible to receive further experimental treatments through clinical trials.

Q: In what ways have you seen patients receiving enhanced care from the additional touchpoints that a clinical trial offers?

A: From my experience, patients were more likely to attend dialysis that accompanied a research visit. Participants also received a more detailed prognosis through more frequent vitals and labs identifying any areas of concern. We’ve seen patients were more adherent to their medication and treatment regimen from our clinical trials. Furthermore, our clinical trials provide an enhanced, positive patient experience through the expanding caregiver network with research coordinators and physicians. In all, our accessibility and availability were much appreciated by participants.

Q: Will you share a specific example of a patient who had an enhanced care experience through research?

A: Currently, there are no proven therapies for IgA Nephropathy.  Clinical trials provide treatment opportunities that are otherwise not available.  I have local patients who are very grateful to have treatment options through clinical trials, often saving them many hours of travel time to specialty medical centers.

Whether other kidney disease treatments have been exhausted or it’s time to look for another regimen, clinical trials might be an avenue to explore if it is right for the patient. To learn more about how DaVita Clinical Research is spearheading essential renal research, click here.