| What are Clinical Trials? |
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Clinical trials are research studies of different treatment methods and medications used to treat a disease to determine whether a new drug or treatment is effective and safe. A clinical trial is typically conducted after extensive research has been performed regarding a medication or treatment. |
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Before participating in a clinical trial, it is important that you learn all of the potential risks and benefits involved. You should consult with your doctor to determine if the trial you are interested in is right for you. Not every patient can or should participate in a clinical trial. You should seek out as much information as possible before making a decision about participation in a clinical trial. |
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Phases in a Clinical Trial |
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| Clinical trials are usually separated into
three phases: Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. |
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Phase I trials
involve a small number of patients. The goal of the trial is usually
to determine the best way to administer
a new treatment or medication, and in what dose. |
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Phase II trials
involve a larger number of people than Phase I trials. The goal is
to evaluate the effectiveness of a particular
treatment. An important part of phase II trials is the determination
of whether the treatment is safe, and what side affects, if any,
might arise. |
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Phase III trials
continue the research of phase II trials, but with a stronger focus
on comparing this particular treatment
with already existing treatments. A large number of participants
are involved, separated into two or more groups, with each group
being
given a different treatment. This way doctors are able to determine
if a new treatment shows any promising advantages over existing treatments. |
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| Balancing the Risks and Benefits
of Participating in a Clinical Trial |
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Although immense efforts
are made to insure the safety of a patient participating in a clinical
trial, risks still
remain. Before making a decision to participate in a clinical trial,
it is crucial to learn as much as possible about the trial and to
discuss the possible risks and benefits with your doctor.
Some of the potential risks and benefits may be: |
Some of the potential risks and benefits may be: |
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Potential Benefits |
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- Health care provided by leading
physicians in cancer research |
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- Access to new drugs before
they become available to the general public |
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- The new treatment may be
more effective than standard treatment options |
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- Part of your treatment may be free of charge |
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- Taking a proactive role in your treatment |
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- The chance to make a contribution to cancer research |
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Potential Risks |
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- New drugs may have unknown side effects |
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- New drugs may be ineffective
or less effective than another course of treatment available |
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- A treatment that works effectively
on one person, may not work on another because individuals respond
differently to
treatment. |
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| Finding a Clinical Trial |
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Although there is
not a single list of all the clinical trials that are currently available,
the following
resources are a good place to start your search. Other good ways
to find out about clinical trials are from individual cancer center
websites,
asking your doctor, and contacting pharmaceutical companies directly
for a specific drug trial. |
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American Cancer Society |
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Website: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/ETO_6.asp |
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Phone: 1-800-ACS-2345 |
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National Cancer Institute |
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Website: http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials |
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Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER |
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National Institute of Health |
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Website: http://clinicaltrials.gov |
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Phone: 301-496-4000 |
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Center Watch |
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Website: http://www.centerwatch.com |
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Phone: 617-856-5900 |
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Emerging Med |
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Website: http://www.emergingmed.com |
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Veritas Medicine |
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Website: http://www.veritasmedicine.com |
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Phone: 1-877-5-TRIALS |
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