| What
are clinical trials?
A
clinical trial is a form of medical research
that centers on patients. These carefully
planned, scientific studies help doctors select
the safest, most effective approaches to cancer
treatment. Most of the current techniques
for treating cancer as well as other major
illnesses have been developed using clinical
trials. The information gathered helps doctors
determine what is sometimes called "the
standard" for medical treatment. According
to the National Institutes of Health, clinical
trials remain a key activity for improving
healthcare.
The
majority of clinical trials are designed to
identify the effects of specific treatments
on patients and their illnesses. Trials, also
called research protocols, examine the outcomes
of the treatments and compare the effects
of one treatment with those of another. Usually,
a clinical trial takes place because several
different treatments seem promising. No one
can know which works best until the trial
is completed. Remember that before any treatment
becomes part of a clinical trial, it undergoes
careful evaluation in the laboratory, including
testing in animals for both safety and effectiveness.
Only the most promising treatments are every
given to people.
There
are many different types of clinical trials,
and each is designed to answer specific questions.
Some test whether certain treatments should
be combined others look at ways to help people
with cancer live better lives. The latest
medical advances and the most up to date treatments
are often connected with trials. In addition,
trials closely monitor the patient's disease
and well being, along with any side effects.
For
a patient, there can be advantages to being
in a trial. Starting at a specific point in
each person's illness, the trial follows the
patient's progress for a given period into
the future. Each trial looks at a group of
patients. No cancer treatment tested in a
clinical trial can be certain to benefit a
particular patient.
All
people being treated for cancer should get
the best available treatment, whether or not
they are in a trial. Choosing the best medical
treatment calls for finding out about technical
information that may be new to you. The decision
to enter a trial is yours. Speak with your
physician. Take the information you obtain
and discuss it with family members and trusted
friends.
Cancer
treatments have improved. Today, millions
of people who are diagnosed with cancer survive
and continue to lead active, productive lives.
When you think about cancer, remember that
every person is different and that new treatments
are changing the outlook for cancer patients.
Some patients can be cured, and often patients
live longer and more fully than ever before. |
