Surgical Outcomes Research and Innovation Nucleus (SORIN) Supports Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials

The Surgical Outcomes Research and Innovation Nucleus (SORIN) was formalized in 2019 and serves to foster the development, testing and implementation of innovative therapeutic and health services interventions aimed at improving outcomes in patients undergoing surgery at MUSC.

The Department of Surgery has seen a steady increase in clinical trials over the past several years, with significant growth in industry-sponsored research and investigatorinitiated clinical trials. It has a diverse and active portfolio of clinical research endeavors, including 42 enrolling studies and 16 in start-up or development, which span across most surgical disciplines housed within the Department of Surgery. In addition, the department has 14 clinical trials at the Hollings Cancer Center where our researchers are PIs or co-PIs. Our researchers are currently testing new drug therapies, devices, and cellular-based interventions designed to improve and extend the lives of South Carolinians seeking surgical care within our institution. 

We actively follow nearly 600 patients enrolled in our trials. We are currently testing new drug therapies, devices and cellular-based interventions designed to improve and extend the lives of South Carolinians seeking surgical care within our institution.

High-Impact Clinical Trials

The department has also prioritized the importance of high-impact clinical trials that show potential to create a paradigm shift in clinical care. For some of these trials, like the SUMMIT and TRIOMPHE trials, we are the only medical center in the state participating. Examples of high-impact clinical trials currently being conducted within the department include:

•  SUMMIT Trial using Tendyne Mitral Valve System for the Treatment of Symptomatic Mitral Regurgitation – Cardiothoracic Surgery; Marc R. Katz, M.D., MPH
•  A trial of transplanting Hepatitis C-viremic kidneys into Hepatitis C-Negative kidney recipients, sponsored by the NIH – Transplant Surgery; Derek DuBay, M.D. MSPH
•  DeepView SnapShot Portable (DV-SSP): Device Training Study – Burn Surgery; Steven Kahn, M.D.
•  BATwire - Percutaneous Implant Kit – Vascular Surgery & Cardiology: Jean Marie Ruddy, M.D.; Anne Kroman, DO, Ph.D. (Co-PIs)
•  TRIOMPHE Study, using the NEXUS Aortic Arch Stent Graft System specifically engineered for minimally-invasive total arch repair – Vascular & Cardiothoracic Surgery; Ravi Veeraswamy, M.D. & Sanford Zeigler, M.D. (Co-PIs)
• Shockwave use in aortic valve and aneurysm repair – Vascular Surgery; Mathew Wooster, M.D.
• Telemedicine (TOBI) for pediatric burn patients – Pediatric Surgery; Aaron Lesher, M.D., MSCR
•  Nexobrid treatment for partial and full thickness burns – Burn Surgery; Steven Kahn, M.D.
•  Comparison of surgery and medicine in diverticulitis – Colorectal Surgery; Thomas Curran, M.D., MPH
•  A window trial on Boswellia, an extract from Frankincense, for breast cancer primary tumors – Surgical Oncology; Nancy KlauberDeMore, M.D.
•  Increasing socioeconomically disadvantaged patients’ engagement in breast cancer surgery decision making through a shared decision making intervention – Surgical Oncology; Andrea Abbott, M.D. MSCR

Meet the Director

David Taber, Pharm.D., MS directs the clinical research group, which serves to foster the development, testing and implementation of innovative devices, therapeutics, and health services interventions aimed at improving outcomes in patients undergoing surgery at MUSC. While most clinical trials conducted in the department are industry-sponsored, growing the number of investigator-initiated clinical trials (IITs) can be dramatically more impactful, particularly at the local level. These trials stem from ideas generated by active investigators in our labs and clinical settings. They require significant resources since the sponsor investigator of the trial is not only sponsoring the study but also creating, coordinating, and carrying out the study, demonstrating collaboration, organizational capabilities, and institutional commitment.  

Dr. Taber received B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Buffalo, his Pharm.D. from MUSC, and completed a post-doctorate pharmacy residency in transplant at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  In 2016, he completed an M.S. in Epidemiology from MUSC as well.  Dr. Taber’s academic training and experience have enabled him to have expert-level experience and leadership skills in clinical practice and collaborate with colleagues in clinical research.