Be a Pioneer in Cancer Clinical Trials – Your Time is Now!

Cancer Clinical Trials might initially appear as an intricate landscape, raising questions about your preparedness for participating in them. You can relax, as we stand by to serve as your navigators through this intricate terrain.

What are Cancer Clinical Trials?

Cancer clinical trials are research studies where patients voluntarily participate. These trials are used to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. They are a part of a long, careful process that may take many years. Initially, doctors study a new treatment in the lab, then in animals, and if promising, the treatment is tested in people through three to four steps, or phases.

But is a trial right for you? Well, that’s a decision you need to make with your doctor. MD Anderson provides a decision guide along with information on the clinical trials process to help you make an informed decision.

Ensuring Your Safety: The Protocols and Processes

MD Anderson’s primary job is to protect patients. They ensure patient safety in clinical trials by following well-planned protocols. These protocols are reviewed and monitored by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), committees of doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, lawyers, and patients. They ensure that trials follow federal laws and that patients are protected.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) audits the IRBs’ files and may visit MD Anderson at any time to review anything related to clinical trials. So, you can rest assured that your safety is a top priority.

The Benefits of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential for identifying better treatments for patients with all tumor types. They provide an opportunity for patients to access otherwise unavailable treatments and contribute to better outcomes for future patients. At MD Anderson, there are over 1,000 active trials at any given time, increasing the likelihood of identifying a trial that would be a good fit for a patient.

Clinical trials are available for patients at all stages of disease. However, you need to meet certain requirements, such as having the appropriate condition or biomarkers which are being examined. Your care team will inform you of any potential risks or known side effects so that you can make a fully informed decision.

Navigating the Phases

For a drug or treatment to be approved for use as standard treatment, it must pass through several clinical trial phases. Each phase has a different purpose:

• Phase I clinical trials are usually the first time an experimental drug or a new drug combination is given to a human.
• Phase II clinical trials test if the established dose of the treatment shows signs that it works.
• Phase III clinical trials compare the standard treatment to the new experimental treatment to see if it works better than what is currently available.

After Phase III clinical trials, the FDA reviews the results and decides whether to approve the new treatment. If it gets approved, the drug becomes available for people who weren’t on the trial. The drug can even be tested to see if it’s effective in treating other diseases.

The Support You Receive During Clinical Trials

While you’re on a clinical trial, a team of doctors and clinical staff will closely monitor you to ensure your safety. They will check your lab results constantly to see if the treatment is working as expected and make sure you don’t experience unintended side effects. They also provide contact information to reach someone who can address your concerns at any time.

Remember that participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary. You can withdraw your consent at any point and for any reason. Talk to your care team to find out if you are a good candidate for a clinical trial.

Making the Decision

It is important to consider your standard treatment options and the expected results based on your circumstances. Your doctor or specialist is your best resource for understanding all the potential risks and outcomes that may come with a given trial. They can help guide you to make the decision that’s right for you.

Your eligibility for certain phases of trials may vary based on your condition. You should weigh potential risks and side effects as well as additional tests, visits, and travel requirements. Clinical trials are not for everyone, but they can expand your treatment options if you meet the criteria and want to participate.

Your Role in Cancer Clinical Trials

Navigating the world of cancer clinical trials can be challenging. But with the right guidance and information, you can make informed decisions that are best for you. Remember, every step you take in a clinical trial contributes to the advancement of cancer treatment, potentially paving the way for better outcomes for future patients.