Cancer Clinical Trials Offer Benefits Now and in the Future

Clinical trials study new cancer drugs or drug combinations, new medical procedures, new surgical techniques or devices, new ways to use existing treatments, and even lifestyle or behavior changes. Clinical research trials provide access to potential treatments under investigation, giving options to people who need them.

Clinical trials are generally categorized by phase:

Phase I

Early phase. Determines dosage, delivery and an early assessment of effects on cancer and the body

Phase II

Examines new treatment's effects on specific types of cancer, typically involves 30-200 participants

Phase III

Compares new treatment's effectiveness to established treatments, typically involves several hundred to several thousand participants

Phase IV

Determines long-term effectiveness, generally conducted after an intervention has received FDA approval

Participation is linked to results.

Participation differs between children and adults

High participation by children: Since the 1970s, children have participated in clinical trials at high rates, helping to advance cancer treatment for children

Low participation in adults: Adults participate in clinical trials at a lower rate than children, which plays a role in the slower progress of new cancer treatments for adults

A gap exists between interest and participation

70% Americans open to trials

5% Participation among cancer patients

Why participate in a clinical trial?

Participant benefits:

• Earlier access to new treatment
• In many cases trials aren't a last resort – they may be the first option for treatment
• Participants aren't charged for experimental treatment or procedures

Medical benefits:

• Helps identify effective treatment for future generations
• Accelerates research for new and innovative cancer prevention and treatments
• Lowers the cost of therapy through a better understanding of which patients may benefit from a specific therapy
• Gives researchers more complete data

How do people join a clinical trial?

Talk to your doctor

Physicians have access to available trials and can offer advice

Determine eligibility

This can include the type or stage of cancer, age, medical history and treatment history

Consider options

It is important to look at the pros/cons of a clinical trial versus standard care

Review protocols

Clinical trial participants are required to follow certain steps and appointments during treatment

All medical research involves some level of risk to participants. Discuss both the risks and the benefits of participating in a clinical trial with your doctor.

Sources: MayoClinic.org; Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.gov