What are clinical trials?
A clinical trial is a medical research study. Cancer clinical trials are specifically designed to answer specific scientific questions that can improve the treatment and care of people with cancer. Trials are conducted for a variety of reasons, including to:
- Test new and better ways to prevent, screen, diagnose or treat cancer
- Test an existing cancer treatment on a different type of cancer
- Determine if an investigational therapy or procedure is more effective in treating a particular type of cancer than an
existing therapy or procedure - Understand how to use approved treatments in new combinations for better results
Clinical trials rely on volunteers, referred to as study participants. Every study participant is closely monitored with medical tests and exams before, during and after the clinical trial. Safety is always a top priority, and clinical trials are strictly managed by the FDA. Before a therapy is approved for testing in humans, the FDA ensures that it has gone through strict testing protocols.
Why are cancer clinical trials important?
Today’s clinical trials result in tomorrow’s treatment options. All of the standard cancer treatments used today are based on previous clinical trial results.
Cancer clinical trials are important because they:
- Provide patients with access to the latest treatment options that are being explored
- Help patients contribute to medical knowledge and progress against cancer, which can improve care
- Provide critical data that can ultimately lead to new FDA-approved therapies for patients that are more effective and/or better tolerated than current treatments
What are the types of cancer clinical trials?
The different types of cancer clinical trials include:
- Treatment trials, which test investigational medicines, medical procedures or combinations of treatments for various types of cancer
- Prevention trials, which look for better ways to prevent cancer by either doing something (called action studies) such as making lifestyle changes, or taking something (called agent studies), such as medicines or vitamins
- Screening trials, which look for new ways to test for the presence of cancer, when it may be more easily treated
- Quality of life trials, which explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for people with cancer
How are cancer clinical trials conducted?
Clinical research trials are designed by physicians and researchers who develop an action plan (protocol) that describes what will be done in the study, how it will be conducted and why each part of the study is necessary. Each study has eligibility criteria for who can or cannot participate in the study, which may include type of cancer, age, gender, medical history and current health status. This protocol is used by every doctor taking part in the study.
Why should I participate in a clinical trial?
Participating in scientific research through a clinical trial has numerous benefits for you. It can:
- Provide access to the latest treatment options that are being explored
- Allow a more active role in your care
- Contribute to medical knowledge and progress against cancer, which can improve care for patients overall
Today, it is easier than ever to find a clinical trial close to home. Depending on the type of clinical trial you seek, you may have options available in your own community at SCRI at Compass Oncology. That means you won’t have to travel far from your home and community.
Other benefits of participating in a clinical trial include:
Accessing Personalized Medicine
Clinical trials often utilize personalized medicine, which looks at a patient’s specific genetic mutations, markers or DNA sequencing to inform a treatment approach. Participating in a clinical trial may be the only way for you to get access to personalized medicine therapies.
Helping Advance Science
Clinical trials are essential for making progress toward cures for cancer. Your participation can lead to the FDA approval of new and improved treatments that can help people with cancer in the future.
Careful Monitoring
Requirements for clinical trials are strictly managed by the FDA. Before an investigational treatment is approved for testing in humans, the FDA ensures it has gone through strict testing protocols in preclinical studies (typically in laboratory animals). Because the investigational treatment is being carefully studied, patients are carefully monitored by healthcare professionals to see how they are doing and to watch for side effects. You will be carefully monitored throughout the trial. You also will likely talk more often with your care team than patients with cancer not enrolled in a clinical trial.
What should I expect if I decide to participate in a clinical trial?
If you qualify for a trial, your care team will provide you with all applicable information. They will tell you, in a process called informed consent, how the trial will be conducted and the possible risks and benefits of participating in the trial. You will then sign a document stating that you understand the details of the trial and that you are willing to participate. Even after signing the document of informed consent, you may withdraw from the trial at any time for any reason.
What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?
Through the process of informed consent, your medical team will make sure you understand all the possible risks and benefits. Because clinical trials typically test investigational treatments, side effects and its effectiveness against the cancer may be unknown. Since risks vary in each individual situation, it’s important to talk with your medical team to understand the specific risks related to any clinical trial you may be considering.
How are my rights protected if I enroll in a clinical trial?
Clinical trials are conducted according to strict scientific and ethical principles, and groups of experts at the national and local levels approve research studies before they begin. One important group that evaluates clinical trials is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the research organization implementing the trial. An IRB is made up of doctors, researchers, community leaders and other members of the community. The IRB is focused on protecting the safety of study participants by reviewing the protocol to make sure the study is conducted fairly, and participants are well-informed of their rights during the study.
What is a protocol?
Every clinical trial includes a protocol. This is a study plan that is carefully designed to protect the health of study participants and answer specific research questions. A protocol specifically outlines the purpose of the trial and includes details such as who is eligible to participate, how many patients will be enrolled and how the data will be collected. The protocol is carefully developed and reviewed by the lead investigator(s) and the sponsoring organization, such as a pharmaceutical company. It is then reviewed and approved by an IRB to ensure trial procedures are consistently carried out. This protocol is followed by every investigator taking part in the trial.
Who pays for clinical trials?
Two types of costs are associated with a clinical trial: patient care costs and research costs.
- Patient care costs are those costs related to treating your cancer, whether you are in a trial or receiving standard
These costs are often covered by health insurance and usual copays and coinsurance would apply. Doctor visits, hospital stays, standard cancer treatment, lab tests and imaging tests are considered patient care costs. - Research costs are those related to taking part in the trial. Often these costs are not covered by health insurance but are usually covered by the research trial’s sponsor. Study medicines as well as additional lab or imaging tests performed solely for the trial are examples of research costs. Travel and accommodation for the study may also be covered.
When you take part in a clinical trial, you may have extra care team visits that you would not have with standard treatment. During these visits, your care team carefully watches for side effects. These extra visits can add costs for transportation and childcare.
Will I continue to work with my primary healthcare provider while in a research trial?
Yes. Most clinical trials do not provide complete primary healthcare.
Do I have to participate in a clinical trial?
No. Your participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary at all times.
Can I get the clinical trial drug at any oncology office?
No. Usually only a limited number of sites are authorized to administer the clinical trial since the investigational agents need to be handled according to a specific protocol. The route of administration (pill, intravenous or injection) will depend on the specific clinical trial.
Can I leave a clinical trial after it has begun?
Yes. Cancer research participation is strictly voluntary. Participants may withdraw their decision to participate at any time for any reason. When withdrawing from the clinical trial, you should let the research team know about it and the reasons for leaving the study.
What if the investigational treatment in the trial does not seem to be working for me?
Clinical trials ensure you receive care as good as, or more effective than the standard of care.
What should I do if I want to consider participating in a clinical trial?
If you are interested in a clinical trial, you should talk to your care team about setting up a meeting with a research coordinator or study investigator to learn as much as possible about the study.
How should I prepare for a meeting with the research coordinator or study investigator?
There is a lot to learn regarding clinical trials. To ensure that you gather all the necessary information, you should come prepared with a list of possible questions to ask about the study, including its purpose, the procedures involved and any expenses you’ll have. You might also want to bring a device that can record the discussion. Additionally, consider asking a friend or relative to join you for support and to hear the responses to the questions.
Do I have to go to a different oncologist if I participate in a trial?
No. Typically, patients who participate in a clinical trial can keep seeing their current oncologist. Maintaining a relationship with your oncologist is important for continuity of care.
How long do I stay on a clinical trial?
Patients who participate in clinical trials will have their cancer followed with routine tests to evaluate whether the treatment is working. In most cases, the treatment is continued as long as it appears to be working.
What happens after the clinical trial ends?
After the study treatment is complete, participants will continue to be followed for months or even years for health updates. If the participant changes to another care team, the research staff may contact the participant via phone.
All information collected is analyzed to help determine the investigational treatment’s safety, side effects and effectiveness. FDA medical advisors and specialists closely review this data before considering any new therapy for approval. Once a treatment is approved, studies continue to compare the new option with other therapies already on the market. Other studies may research whether the treatment can be administered to a new patient population, its long-term effectiveness and its impact on patient quality of life.
Your Doctor Can Tell You More
If you have any questions about how clinical trials work, please ask your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
Clinical Trials Video Resources
For more information about participating in a clinical research trial, click here.