Hospital A is planning to participate in a clinical trial of patients with advanced lung cancer. To protect the rights of patients involved in this clinical research, the study must be approved by the:

The study must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) because this committee is specifically tasked with ensuring the protection of the rights, welfare, and safety of human subjects involved in research. The IRB reviews the study protocols to ensure that ethical standards are maintained, informed consent is properly obtained, and that the potential risks to participants are minimized.

In the context of clinical trials, the IRB plays a crucial role in overseeing the ethical conduct of research studies, particularly those involving vulnerable populations, such as patients with advanced diseases like lung cancer. By requiring approval from the IRB, hospitals and researchers are complying with federal regulations and ethical guidelines that govern clinical research practices.

This oversight is essential for maintaining public trust in the research process and ensuring that participants are treated fairly and ethically throughout the study.