Understanding Clinical Trials
What is a Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials are research studies that involve patient volunteers to help find different ways to treat diseases such as cancer. Each study is designed to answer specific scientific questions and help find potentially better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.
What Happens During a Clinical Trial?
When someone chooses to take part in a clinical trial, the care they receive is much like the care they would otherwise receive. However, there is often additional monitoring for the purpose of learning about potential side effects and benefits of the clinical trial. Some trials simply test a study regimen, and all participants receive this same regimen. Other trials may compare a study regimen to the standard treatment. In this type of study, participants are randomly assigned to receive one or the other. Neither the participant nor their doctor can choose which one they will receive for important scientific reasons. Some people worry that they will not know which drug they are receiving or that they will receive a placebo, sometimes called a “sugar pill”. Placebos are never used in place of a treatment that is known to work. Participants will always be told before agreeing to take part if a placebo is going to be considered. Tests that are not part of standard care are covered by the research study.
What is Informed Consent?
Informed consent means that patients must be told the key facts about a clinical trial before deciding whether to take part. If the patient agrees to take part, the informed consent process involves signing a form that details the entire clinical trial, possible side effects, and potential risks and benefits. Participants may withdraw their decision to participate at any time for any reason.
Why are Clinical Trials Important?
Clinical trials are a vital part of the process in finding new cancer treatments. These research studies are conducted to determine if a study drug is safe and effective. Today’s research will guide the improvements for tomorrow’s cancer care.
Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial?
The decision to take part in a clinical trial is a personal one. You may wish to talk to your family and loved ones, as well as members of your health care team, before deciding. As with all current standard treatments, there can be possible risks as well as benefits from taking part in clinical trials. Study drugs may be found to be more or less effective than current standard treatments and have side effects not yet known. You will be informed of these risks as much as possible. Your health care team will give you the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.
Why Do Some Cancer Patients Choose to Participate in Clinical Trials?
Some cancer patients may participate because they are hoping for a possible cure and longer life or a way to feel better. Others find that the current standard therapies are not optimal for their cancer and wish to be among the first to participate in a research study and receive an investigational drug. Whatever the reason, participation could make a difference in a patient's future, as well as in the lives of future cancer patients.
Is a Clinical Trial Right for You?
Below is a list of questions that you might have when discussing clinical trials with your physician. If you express an interest in a clinical trial, we will explain the research trial process and address any questions you might have prior to starting any research procedures in a process known as Informed Consent. The Informed Consent discussion should address many of the questions below and is an opportunity for you to have your questions answered prior to deciding to participate in a clinical trial.
- How will the clinical trial help me?
- What other treatment options are available?
- What side effects might I experience?
- Are there possible long-term risks?
- How will participating in this study affect my daily life?
- Who is sponsoring this study?
- What kinds of treatment, medical tests or procedures will I have during the study? How often?
- Where will I receive my treatment?
- Who will be in charge of my care?
- How long will the study last?
- Will I have to pay for any treatments, tests, or other charges?
- Will my health insurance cover treatments and tests I receive as part of this study?
- How am I protected?
- What kind of follow-up care will I receive after the study?
- When do I have to make a decision about participation?
If you have any questions or need more information about your treatment or research studies currently in progress, please let us know.
