Facts About Cancer Treatment Studies
1. What are clinical trials and why are they important?
Clinical trials are research studies conducted with people. Treatment trials test
therapies in patients with cancer. These studies are very important because they often
lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments. The result of such research
is that many people with cancer are cured and many others have longer, more comfortable
lives.
2. Where do clinical trials take place?
These studies take place in doctors' offices, cancer centers, other medical centers,
community hospitals and clinics, and veterans' and military hospitals in cities and towns
around the United States and in other countries.
3. Who takes part?
Men, women, and children of all races and ethnic backgrounds take part in cancer treatment
studies.
4. What are the possible pros and cons of taking part?
Pros
- Patients receive quality care from doctors and other health professionals who specialize
in cancer.
- The treatment being studied may be more effective than the standard (established)
treatment for that cancer.
- Patients in studies may be the first to benefit from new treatment.
- Results from the study may lead to better cancer treatment and help others in the
future.
Cons
- The treatment being tested may be less effective than the standard treatment for that
cancer.
- Patients may not be able to choose the treatment they receive.
- The side effects and risks of the treatment may be unknown.
- The costs of the treatment and medical care may not be covered by some health insurance
or managed care plans.
5. What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a process in which patients learn key information about the clinical
trial to assist them in making a decision about whether or not to participate. They need
to understand what is involved, including details about the treatment, tests, and the
possible risks and benefits before agreeing to take part in the study. After they discuss
all aspects of the study, patients receive an informed consent form explaining what is
involved. If they agree to take part in the study, they read and sign the form. If new
benefits, risks, or side effects are discovered during the study, the researcher informs
participants.
6. How are patients who take part in clinical trials protected?
Clinical trials are carefully reviewed to be sure the study is conducted fairly and that
no one who decides to become a participant is likely to be harmed. A panel of doctors,
leading researchers, community leaders, and others review and approve the clinical trial.
Patients are monitored very closely during and after the study.
Before deciding to enter a clinical trial, patients should get the facts. Here are some
questions patients should ask their doctor or nurse:
The Study
- What is the purpose of the study?
- Has the new treatment been tested before? What are the results?
- How will I know if the treatment is helping me?
Personal Issues
- Will my medical records be kept confidential?
- How will the study affect my daily life?
- Will insurance cover the costs of tests and treatment?
For more information about treatment clinical trials, talk to your doctor, call the
National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1 (800) 4-CANCER
(1-800-422-6237), or visit the National Cancer Institute's clinical trials Web site at http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov.
Source: National Cancer Institute
April 1998
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