Before Joining A Clinical Trial

Participating in a cancer treatment clinical trial helps play a pivotal role in advancing cancer research and improving treatment outcomes. Every April, we honor National Cancer Control Month and the impact clinical trials have on cancer control. This month is a time to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, improving cancer treatments, increasing the survival rate of cancer, and improving the quality of life for people living with cancer. Before joining a clinical trial, it’s important to be well-informed and understand the benefits and risks. Here’s what to know and the questions you should ask before participating in a clinical trial. 

What are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of medication or treatments. These trials study new and improved ways to treat cancer, relieve symptoms and side effects, and prevent cancer. The Food and Drug Administration requires clinical trials to be conducted before they are approved for use to ensure they work and are safe. 

What are the Different Types of Cancer Clinical Trials?

A variety of clinical trials are being conducted, including treatment, prevention, screening, supportive care, and palliative care trials. 

Treatment Trials 

The majority of cancer clinical trials are cancer treatment studies. These trials test new treatments or new ways to manage existing treatments, including medication, vaccines, surgery or radiation therapy approaches, or treatment combinations. 

Prevention Trials

Prevention trials analyze ways to prevent cancer and consist of either action studies or agent studies. Often, participants in these trials don’t have cancer, but are at a high risk for developing it, or previously had cancer and are at high risk for developing a new type of cancer.  

Screening Trials

Cancer screening trials aim to test ways to detect cancer before it causes symptoms and is found at a stage that might be more treatable. 

Supportive Care and Palliative Care Trials

Supportive care and palliative care trials help manage symptoms and side effects, to improve the quality of life for people with cancer. Some of these trails help family members and caregivers cope while navigating and supporting a loved one with cancer. 

Questions to Ask

• Why is this clinical trial being done?
• What phase is this clinical trial in?
• What are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial? 
• Am I eligible to participate? 
• What should I do if I’m in a clinical trial?
• Will I know what treatment I receive?
• What side effects might I expect from the trial treatment? 
• Will I be able to find out about the results of the clinical trial?
• Can I quit a clinical trial?

Joining a clinical trial requires careful consideration and research to ensure you’re making the decision that is best for your treatment journey. Lean on your cancer care team for support and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions that arise while you make your decision. 

Sources:

Cancer.Net: About Cancer Clinical Trials

NIH: National Cancer Institute: What Are Clinical Trials?

American Cancer Society: Deciding Whether to Be Part of a Clinical Trial