Participation in a clinical trial may be an option for cancer treatment of some patients.
Definitions
A clinical trial is a research study which tests how new medical procedures work in people. Clinical trials compare cancer treatments that are presently used (standard treatments) with others which may be better. Before a cancer treatment or drug is used on patients, it is thoroughly studied in a lab.
Each clinical trial has a protocol or “action plan.” The plan describes how the study will be conducted and why each part is necessary. Trials have specific rules about who can participate. Clinical trials do not treat cancer patients with placebos which is a substance with no therapeutic value. They also do not use patients as “guinea pigs.”
Informed Consent is a document signed by the trial participant which outlines cancer treatments, possible side effects and your right to withdraw at any time.
According to the National Institute of Health, a clinical trial in the United States must have an independent committee of physicians, statisticians and community members approve and monitor its protocols. This committee assures that risks are small and worth the potential benefits.
Find Clinical Trials
The following sites offer comprehensive information to explain and locate clinical trials:
National Institute of Health locates federally and privately supported clinical trials for a wide range of diseases.
National Cancer Institute lists the US National Institute of Health (NCI) 8,000+clinical trials accepting patients.
The American Cancer Society offers a free confidential matching service that helps patients, their families,and health care providers find appropriate trials. Call: 1-800-303-5691.
Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups provides information to help patients understand clinical trials and learn about the trial process.
Insurance and Costs
Insurance may not cover clinical trials for cancer treatment as they may define them as “experimental.” However some states have enacted laws which require health insurance companies to cover clinical trials.
The American Cancer Society Clinical Trial Laws reviews state laws with respect to insurance coverage of clinical trials.
The National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials and Insurance Coverage discusses costs and coverage of clinical trials.
The American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Patient Worksheet has questions to ask your doctor if you are considering a clinical trial. It is important to research clinical trials before deciding to participate.
