February 2024
Discussing Your Treatment Options
An important opportunity for enhanced treatment and cutting-edge care.
What Is A Clinical Trial?
An additional option in your care journey
Clinical trials are defined as a “type of research that studies new tests and treatments and evaluates their effects on human health outcomes.”* Clinical trials are also a valuable opportunity for cancer patients as they provide enhanced care and access to cutting edge treatments. It is important to discuss clinical trial options with your provider as there are many trials available that address all aspects of the patient experience.
The Placebo Concern
A common misconception about clinical trials is that patients might receive an ineffective placebo in place of treatment. However, in all phases of clinical trials a patient will always be given at least the standard treatment for their diagnosis in most cases. Patients are always informed if a study includes the possibility of using a placebo.
Clinical trials cover a variety of care elements; some trials may not even include a drug or placebo element.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Clinical trials are a last resort | Clinical trials cover a broad spectrum of healthcare considerations including preventative medicine, drug applications, and better screening processes. |
| Clinical trials use untested drugs | Before involving human participants, trial treatments undergo extensive preclinical testing to ensure participant safety and informed decision making. |
| Clinical trial participants must finish the trial once they are enrolled | Patients are an active voice in their treatment plan. If a patient decides they no longer wish to participate in a trial, they can withdraw at any time. |
| A treating oncologist will decide if a patient should participate in a trial | As an active voice in their treatment, it is important for patients to introduce the topic of clinical trials with their oncologist, who can help them understand if and how a trial fits into their treatment plan. |
Reasons To Consider A Clinical Trial
More Than Drugs
Clinical trials focus on more than testing medications. In reality, there are many factors that influence the success of a patient’s treatment such as diet, stress, and financial burden, with just as many studies to analyze all of these factors.
Increased Care
As clinical trials are fundamentally scientific studies, they demand a high level of monitoring. As a result, participants benefit from increased care characterized by comprehensive support and optimized access to treatment appointments.
Cost Savings
Pharmaceutical industry-sponsored trials cover all study-related expenses, including co-pays, out-of-pocket costs, and stipends. Investigator-initiated and NIH network studies vary but may still provide substantial financial relief for certain medical expenses.