At Compass Oncology, our approach to treating lung cancer starts with personalized care. This is why our cancer specialists are committed to exploring new therapies and innovative diagnostic tools for creating the best treatment for you, including research and clinical trials.
Clinical Trials for Lung Cancer
Clinical trials play an important role in improving treatments against both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers want to learn if new cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment protocols currently available to patients. Clinical trials help them gather this information.
Many clinical trials focus on new treatment options or different combinations of existing lung cancer treatments, including drug therapies (which may or may not be chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and others) that show promise for improving survivorship. The primary purpose of cancer research is to help determine if there are new and better treatment options for patients based on their type of cancer and its stage.
Through the clinical trials that Compass Oncology participates in, we are an integral part of developing new and better ways to treat lung cancer not just for our patients but also for patients across the country.
Is a Clinical Trial Right for Me?
For some patients, your oncologist may recommend a clinical trial as part of your lung cancer treatment plan because they feel it’s the right treatment for you and your diagnosis. It is important to understand, however, that clinical trials have certain guidelines about who can participate. These guidelines are in place to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. Criteria are based on factors such as age, gender, previous treatment history, and the stage or type of lung cancer. Before joining a clinical trial, the participant must qualify for the study. A member of the Compass Oncology research team will be able to tell you if you qualify for a particular trial.
While there are possible benefits with clinical trials, there is the possibility of more appointments and tests required as well. If a cancer research trial is suggested for you, feel free to discuss the pros and cons with your oncologist and also with your family or support partner(s). If you are considering a clinical trial for lung cancer, here are some frequently asked questions that may help you understand more about clinical trials. Before making your final decision, be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your cancer care team.
Leading Edge Research, Better Results
Compass Oncology participates in clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a joint venture with US Oncology Research and one of the world’s leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. It has conducted more than 600 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today.
Lung Cancer Clinical Trials Available in Portland-Vancouver
Currently, lung cancer clinical trials are available at select Compass Oncology locations, including our Vancouver, WA location. For more information on participating in these lung cancer trials or if you would like to learn more about our other clinical trials, please ask your oncologist.
View a complete list of all of the lung cancer research trials available through Compass Oncology.
