What Is A Clinical Trial? 

Today, people are living longer lives because of successful cancer treatments that are the results of research studies known as clinical trials. In addition to new cancer fighting treatments, clinical trials also help us find new ways to prevent and detect cancer, as well as improve quality of life for people during and after treatment.  It is important that men and women of all ages and backgrounds take part in these studies so that what is learned can help cancer patients now and in the future. 

Clinical trials often compare the most accepted cancer treatment (standard treatment) with a new treatment doctors hope will work better. 

If you or a loved one needs treatment for cancer, consider asking your doctor if you can take part in a study. Trials are available for all types, and stages, of cancer. 

Every trial has a person in charge, usually a doctor, who is called the ‘principal investigator’. The principal investigator prepares a plan for the trial, called a protocol. The protocol explains what will be done during the trial. It also contains information that helps the doctor decide if this treatment is right for you. The protocol includes information about: 

  • The reason for doing the trial 
  • Who can join the trial (called “eligibility criteria”) 
  • How many people are needed for the trial 
  • Any drugs or other treatments that will be given, how they will be given, the dose, and how often 
  • What medical tests will be done, and how often 
  • What types of information will be collected about trial participants 

View Clinical Trials

For more information visit ClinicalTrials.gov